Head-to-head reliability
Buick Encore vs Buick Envision
How the Buick Encore and Buick Envision compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Buick Encore vs Buick Envision: The Encore has 601 complaints (60.1/year) and 25 recalls, while the Envision has 217 complaints (21.7/year) and 10 recalls. Encore issues often involve engine and turbo problems; Envision reports more brake and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Encore or Buick Envision more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that has been on the road for about a decade. Over that time, owners have filed 601 complaints with NHTSA, averaging 60.1 per year, which is relatively high for the class. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and power train, with reports of check engine lights, reduced power, and turbo failures. There are also 25 recalls and 76 injuries reported, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is wise.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision is a compact SUV that has been sold for roughly the same period. It has a lower complaint rate: 217 complaints over 10 years, or about 21.7 per year. Electrical system and brake issues are the most frequent owner reports, including sudden loss of power and brake pedal problems. With 10 recalls and 9 injuries, it appears to have fewer reported problems overall than the Encore.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Encore | Buick Envision |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 601 | 217 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 | 10 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 | 8 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 60.1 | 21.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 | 9 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Buick Encore
- 01ENGINE223
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER74
- 05AIR BAGS70
Owners frequently report the check engine light coming on, followed by a 'Reduced Engine Power' message and difficulty accelerating. Some also mention turbocharger failure, which can be expensive to replace.
Complaints include check engine lights for emission controls, fuel evaporator problems, and in one case, air bags deploying unexpectedly with a burning smell. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Reports describe insufficient power, downshifting, and turbo issues. One owner had a turbo replaced, only for the problem to return after about 20,000 miles, indicating a potential recurring fault.
There are 70 complaints about air bags, including a report of unexpected deployment that caused burns and a fried wire smell. This is a serious safety concern that buyers should check for any open recalls.
“EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DON…”
“LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T ACCELERATE SO I HAV…”
Buick Envision
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 02SERVICE BRAKES46
- 03ENGINE33
- 04POWER TRAIN29
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
Owners report loss of all sound, including safety belt and turn signal alarms, due to a faulty amplifier. Another complaint describes a sudden total loss of power and engine stall with a 'Reduced Engine Power' notification.
Complaints include a 'service brake assist' light and a very firm brake pedal, making stopping difficult. One owner experienced a complete loss of brakes while driving at 55 mph, which is extremely dangerous.
Reports include sudden engine stall and reduced power, as well as excessive oil consumption before the first recommended oil change. Low oil can lead to engine damage if not monitored.
Owners describe loss of power, sluggish acceleration, and a whining noise that worsens over time. A booster vacuum sensor was replaced in one case, but the issue may persist.
“We have two problems what we would call safety issues. First, all the sound in the vehicle was lost which included safety belt warning alarm, turn signal bells, door open alarms, etc. We were told by the dealership that it was a faulty amplifier. Secondly, th…”
“Description of Safety Defect: While operating the vehicle at approximately 25-30MPH and make a right turn, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of power/engine stall, accompanied by a "Check Engine" light and a "Reduced Engine Power" notification.…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Buick Encore — 25 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor…
The risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may con…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
The risk: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
Buick Envision — 10 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Envision vehicles. The vehicles are missing the label that states the tire size, pressure, and the loading information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Se…
The risk: Missing tire and load rating information may result in driving with improperly inflated tires or an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact Buick Customer Service at 800-521-7300.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM),…
The risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521…
Buyer analysis
Buick Encore or Buick Envision: which should you buy?
The Buick Envision has far fewer complaints per year (21.7 vs. 60.1) and fewer recalls (10 vs. 25) than the Encore. In practice, this suggests the Envision may be less likely to spend time in the shop for recurring issues, though both have notable brake and electrical concerns. Buyers should still inspect carefully, as even the Envision has reports of sudden power loss and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Encore has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the Envision (60.1 vs. 21.7), with engine and electrical issues dominating.
- Envision owners more often report brake problems, including a firm pedal and complete brake loss, while Encore owners report more engine and turbo failures.
- The Encore has 25 recalls versus 10 for the Envision, covering areas like brakes, seats, and power train.
- Both vehicles have reports of sudden power loss, but the Encore also has air bag complaints, including unexpected deployment.
- Check for any signs of turbocharger failure, such as whining noises, loss of power, or a P0299 code, as multiple owners reported turbo replacement.
- Test all electrical functions, including lights, infotainment, and warning chimes, and look for any history of air bag deployment or burning smells.
- Inspect the brake system carefully: look for a firm pedal, 'service brake assist' warnings, and any signs of brake fluid leaks or poor stopping performance.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by verifying the oil level and looking for low-oil warnings, as some owners reported no oil on the dipstick before the first change.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm that all safety recalls have been completed, especially for brakes, air bags, and electrical issues.
- Take a test drive that includes braking from highway speeds and accelerating uphill to check for power loss or brake fade.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical system for stored trouble codes and signs of turbo or sensor problems.
- For the Encore, specifically ask about turbocharger health and check for any reduced power messages; for the Envision, test the brakes and listen for whining noises.
- Review the owner's manual for maintenance intervals and ensure that oil changes and other services have been performed on time.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Buick Encore | Buick Envision |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 25 |
| 2021 | 9 | 23 |
| 2020 | 19 | 10 |
| 2019 | 86 | 23 |
| 2018 | 74 | 13 |
| 2017 | 89 | 81 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Buick Encore or Buick Envision in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Encore vs Buick Envision
- Buick Encore total complaints
- 601
- Buick Envision total complaints
- 217
- Buick Encore total recalls
- 25
- Buick Envision total recalls
- 10
- Buick Encore avg complaints/year
- 60.1
- Buick Envision avg complaints/year
- 21.7
- More reliable overall
- Buick Envision
- Buick Encore top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Buick Envision top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM