2016 Buick Envision Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 19 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 5 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2016 Buick Envision receives a 6.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 19 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 5 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 26,008 miles (IQR: 14,012 – 38,004 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
4.8 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
5 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“This is the second time my brake line has cracked and started leaking brake fluid without any warnings from my dashboard that my brake fluid was low. First time was ... and this time is ... it's only a matter of time before the back ones fail. I hope and pray that I don't be d...”
“My car was parked in the driveway, and it was locked. The keys were in a bowl next to the door. During the night the sunroof opened with no contact from anyone and it rained that night and flooded the inside of the car. We did research on the issue and this has happened to man...”
“Buick Envision 2016 Mileage - 58315 One owner The car has had three events over the last year where it would not start. After the car is driven for awhile and after it's parked and turned off, it will not start. Everything in the car will function (windows, radio, door locks) ...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The lane assists and cruise control does not work and the GM dealership here in Southern Pines, NC can't fix it. They are sending the car back on the street with a 19-year-old girl behind the wheel of a car with electrical issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O...”
“My car was parked in the driveway, and it was locked. The keys were in a bowl next to the door. During the night the sunroof opened with no contact from anyone and it rained that night and flooded the inside of the car. We did research on the issue and this has happened to man...”
“Buick Envision 2016 Mileage - 58315 One owner The car has had three events over the last year where it would not start. After the car is driven for awhile and after it's parked and turned off, it will not start. Everything in the car will function (windows, radio, door locks) ...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“GM is out of control . I have a front passenger control arm assembly in the shop for 2 months. No update on service part because they have changed the part number as the 2016 is unsafe. I need my service part or a new car . It's unsafe to drive and GM will not provide any upda...”
“Unsafe driving condition. Control arm assembly front passenger. Car in the dealer for a month. GM has no service parts and refuses to give update on availability. Dealer states unsafe to drive and I have seen multiple complaints for this issue.”
“This is the second time my brake line has cracked and started leaking brake fluid without any warnings from my dashboard that my brake fluid was low. First time was ... and this time is ... it's only a matter of time before the back ones fail. I hope and pray that I don't be d...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“This is the second time my brake line has cracked and started leaking brake fluid without any warnings from my dashboard that my brake fluid was low. First time was ... and this time is ... it's only a matter of time before the back ones fail. I hope and pray that I don't be d...”
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds in a parking area and attempting to stop with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The ...”
“EVERY SAFETY SYSTEM. ABS, STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AWD, AIR BAGS FAULT MESSAGES AND SERVICE LIGHTS ARE ON. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 7/11/2017 AND STILL AT DEALERSHIP TODAY (40 DAYS LATER) WITH NO KNOWN RESOLUTION.”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“While driving RPM’s bouncing. Upon acceleration experienced delay and hesitation Hesitation in acceleration causing safety issue when entering traffic’s and passing other vehicles Full transmission replacement was needed and completed”
“This is the second time my brake line has cracked and started leaking brake fluid without any warnings from my dashboard that my brake fluid was low. First time was ... and this time is ... it's only a matter of time before the back ones fail. I hope and pray that I don't be d...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“EVERY SAFETY SYSTEM. ABS, STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AWD, AIR BAGS FAULT MESSAGES AND SERVICE LIGHTS ARE ON. VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 7/11/2017 AND STILL AT DEALERSHIP TODAY (40 DAYS LATER) WITH NO KNOWN RESOLUTION.”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (5)
EQUIPMENT
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. An accessory NSV Universal Tablet Holder may have been installed incorrectly onto the front seat head restraints, preventing the head restraint posts from fully engaging in the seat back. If so, the head restraints would fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
STRUCTURE
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement headliner as part of a repair. These service parts might not have had impact energy-absorbing foam blocks attached. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to March 18, 2016. The the master cylinder brake lines may crack and leak brake fluid.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Buick Envision
Before purchasing a used 2016 Buick Envision, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Buick Envision
Is the 2016 Buick Envision a reliable used car?
The 2016 Buick Envision earns a 6.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 19 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Buick Envision?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 26,008 miles (IQR: 14,012 – 38,004 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Buick Envision?
Yes, the NHTSA records 5 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.