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2020 Buick Envision Problems: 8 Known Issues

2020 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Buick Envision has 8 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV) ($180-$650 repair), Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal ($300-$950 repair), Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A ($200-$1,500 repair) and 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission' ($900-$4,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Envision Engine3
  • Envision Brakes1
  • Envision Steering1
  • Envision Transmission1
  • Envision Electrical1
  • Envision Suspension1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine3
  • Brakes1
  • Steering1
  • Transmission1
  • Electrical1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 8 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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 when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Campaign #22V90300008/12/2022

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

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), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Campaign #21V42100010/06/2021

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Other Buick Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Envision problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Buick Envision has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal, Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Envision reliable?

The 2020 Buick Envision has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV) and Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A and 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission'. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Envision problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Envision issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), typically costs $180-$650 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV)?

On Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-r… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2020 Buick Envision Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, on Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-running check engine light. GM addressed it with TSB 18-NA-246, which pairs a PCV valve replacement and oil change with an ECM recalibration. Left alone, the diluted oil loses viscosity and accelerates bearing and timing-chain wear.

This issue also affects: Buick Encore, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche

Common Symptoms

  • Engine oil level rises above the full mark between changes
  • Strong gasoline odor in the engine oil
  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or reduced fuel economy
  • Thin, watery-looking oil on the dipstick

How to Fix

Follow GM TSB 18-NA-246: replace the PCV valve/cam cover assembly, perform an oil and filter change with the correct spec oil, and reprogram the ECM with the updated calibration. Re-check oil level after several hundred miles to confirm the level is no longer climbing. If dilution ran long, inspect the timing chain for stretch before returning the car to service.

Typical repair cost:$180 - $650

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision LTG 2.0L Turbo, the 2.0L LTG turbo's air-to-air charge air cooler collects condensate in its lower core. Under humid conditions or after short trips the accumulated water is slugged into the intake on a hard throttle application, causing a sudden multi-cylinder misfire, a stumble, and in some cases an underboost/turbocharger performance code. GM issued TSB 18-NA-020 with a charge air cooler replacement procedure specifically for moisture-related MIL complaints. This affects only the turbocharged LTG cars, not the naturally aspirated 2.5L LCV.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden shudder or stumble under acceleration
  • Check engine light with random misfire codes
  • Momentary loss of boost/power
  • Symptom worse in humid weather or after short cold trips

How to Fix

Confirm the misfire pattern is not ignition or injector related, then perform GM TSB 18-NA-020: replace the charge air cooler with the updated part and clear codes. Reprogram the ECM to the latest calibration at the same time, and check the intercooler outlet duct for standing water during diagnosis.

Typical repair cost:$450 - $1,100

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2022 Buick Envision, envisions equipped with GM's auto stop/start shut the engine off at lights and stop signs, then restart with a stumble that owners describe as feeling like a misfire. Moving from the brake to the accelerator during the stop cycle can produce a flare followed by the transmission slamming into gear. Complaints are filed as low as 2,000-2,600 miles and no diagnostic codes are set, so dealers routinely find nothing - one owner was told by a sales manager to simply shift into neutral when approaching a stop. Related NHTSA reports describe the auto stop failing to restart at all, and steering assist and radio dropping out during the restart, making this a driveability and safety concern rather than a comfort complaint.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stumbles like a misfire when restarting from auto stop
  • Flare in RPM then a hard slam into gear when pulling away
  • Hesitation or delay before the car will move at a green light
  • Auto stop occasionally fails to restart the engine
  • Radio or steering assist drops out during the restart

How to Fix

Have the ECM and TCM reprogrammed to the latest calibrations - GM has issued multiple ECM software updates covering restart quality and cold start control (TSB 19-NA-044, TSB 21-NA-262). Load-test and, if marginal, replace the auxiliary/AGM battery, since a weak battery is the single most common cause of poor stop/start restarts. Clean the throttle body and verify the starter and accessory drive belt tensioner are in good condition. Owners who want it gone permanently use an aftermarket stop/start disable module, since the factory button does not remember its setting.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $450

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On the 2017-2020 Buick Envision, owners report a 'Service Brake Assist' message appearing while driving, immediately followed by a brake pedal that is either rock-hard and requires extreme force, or that goes unresponsive and then sinks to the floor when pumped. Two NHTSA complaints on the 2019 describe this at only about 4,300-4,700 miles. The condition is tied to the electric brake vacuum pump and its booster pressure sensor circuit - GM TSB 21-NA-107 covers 'Service Brake Assist' messages with the Service Engine Soon lamp and DTC P0557 stored.

Common Symptoms

  • 'Service Brake Assist' message on the driver information center
  • Brake pedal extremely hard, requiring heavy force to stop
  • Pedal sinks to the floor after pumping
  • Service Engine Soon lamp illuminates after the brake message clears

How to Fix

Scan for P0557 and follow GM TSB 21-NA-107. Test the brake booster vacuum pressure sensor and the electric vacuum pump output before condemning parts; replace the failed sensor or pump and reprogram the module to the latest calibration. Treat any pedal-to-floor event as an unsafe condition and stop driving the vehicle until diagnosed.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $950

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On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, envision owners report the steering going completely heavy or the wheel effectively locking, sometimes at highway speed during a merge and sometimes on the restart phase of the auto stop/start cycle. One NHTSA complaint describes total loss of assist lasting about five minutes that only cleared after an engine restart; another describes needing extreme force to regain control at 50 mph. GM TSB 17-NA-340 covers power steering service messages with loss of assist and DTC C056E-5A, which points at the power steering module supply circuit rather than a mechanical rack failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Steering suddenly becomes extremely heavy or locks up
  • Power steering warning message on the driver information center
  • Loss of assist right after auto stop/start restarts the engine
  • Assist returns only after shutting the engine off and restarting

How to Fix

Retrieve C056E-5A and follow GM TSB 17-NA-340. Inspect and repair the power steering control module supply/ground circuit and connector, verify battery and charging system output is stable (low voltage on stop/start restart is a common trigger), and reprogram the power steering module to the latest calibration. Full steering gear replacement is only warranted after the circuit and software are ruled out.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,500

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2019-2022 Buick Envision, the nine-speed automatic in later Envisions produces a violent intermittent clunk when engaging or shifting in Drive - described by one owner as 'so violent, it shakes the entire car' - with a tendency to slip on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, appearing around 14,000-15,000 miles. On Gen2 cars the same family of complaints escalates to a 'Service Transmission Soon' message with a total loss of acceleration that feels like the car dropped into neutral. One documented repair required replacing BOTH valve bodies, where the dealer found a nicked O-ring seal during disassembly. GM TSB 21-NA-169 provides diagnostic procedures for 9T45/9T50/9T60 fault codes, and TSB 23-NA-153 documents which shift delays are considered normal.

This issue also affects: Buick Encore GX, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet C/K 1500

Common Symptoms

  • Loud violent clunk when shifting or engaging Drive
  • Slipping between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears
  • 'Service Transmission Soon' message
  • Loss of acceleration as if the car shifted into neutral
  • Jerking at 20-40 mph

How to Fix

Scan the TCM and follow GM TSB 21-NA-169 for 9T45/50/60 diagnostics rather than accepting a 'drive it until it fails' answer. Confirm fluid level and condition with the correct DEXRON HP fluid at the specified temperature, check for updated TCM calibrations, and inspect the valve body and its O-ring seals - replacement of the valve body assembly is the documented fix. After the repair the adaptive shift learning needs time to relearn, so some initial jerkiness is expected.

Typical repair cost:$900 - $4,500

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On the 2016-2020 Buick Envision, a recurring Gen1 electrical failure: the instrument cluster, radio and shifter illumination go completely dark for 5-20 seconds while the vehicle is moving, then come back on their own. NHTSA reports for the 2017 describe the display going 'very dim and sometimes completely out' during reversing, which also kills the backup camera and the rear cross-traffic warnings. Some owners report the blackout coinciding with brake and steering anomalies, suggesting a shared power/ground or body control module fault rather than an isolated cluster defect. Reports span roughly 200 to 90,000 miles with a heavy cluster between 7,000 and 50,000.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Bolt EV

Common Symptoms

  • Entire dashboard goes dark for 5-20 seconds while driving
  • Radio, shifter and dash lights blank simultaneously
  • Backup camera and rear cross traffic alert unavailable when reversing
  • Dim or flickering instrument panel illumination

How to Fix

Load-test the battery and check the negative/chassis ground straps and the underhood fuse block connections before replacing modules. Check for and install updated BCM and cluster software. If the fault persists with good power and grounds, the instrument cluster itself is replaced and programmed to the VIN. Document the intermittent event on video, since dealers commonly cannot duplicate it.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,200

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2018-2022 Buick Envision, the Envision uses hydraulically damped (fluid-filled) rear lower control arm bushings. These bushings split and weep their fluid, showing as a discolored or wet bushing on inspection and producing a squeak or squawk noise over bumps plus a loose, unsettled feel from the rear end. GM issued TSB 22-NA-211 specifically directing replacement of the rear lower control arm bushings when found discolored or leaking, and TSB 20-NA-108 addresses the related squeak/squawk noise over bumps. Because the leak looks like an oily film, it is often mistaken for a shock absorber leak.

Common Symptoms

  • Squeak or squawk noise from the rear over bumps
  • Oily film or discoloration on the rear lower control arm bushing
  • Loose or wandering feel from the rear axle
  • Uneven rear tire wear

How to Fix

Inspect the rear lower control arm bushings for discoloration and fluid weeping - do not condemn the rear shocks first. Follow GM TSB 22-NA-211 to replace the bushings (or the control arm assembly where the bushing is not serviced separately), and address squeak complaints per TSB 20-NA-108. Perform a four-wheel alignment afterward, since rear toe changes when the arm is disturbed.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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get a full repair guide

Owners report a 'Service Brake Assist' message appearing while driving, immediately followed by a brake pedal that is either rock-hard and requires extreme force, or that goes unresponsive and then sinks to the floor when pumped. Two NHTSA complaints on the 2019 describe this at… Repairs typically run $300-$950. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A?

Envision owners report the steering going completely heavy or the wheel effectively locking, sometimes at highway speed during a merge and sometimes on the restart phase of the auto stop/start cycle. One NHTSA complaint describes total loss of assist lasting about five minutes th… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2022 Buick Envision 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission'?

The nine-speed automatic in later Envisions produces a violent intermittent clunk when engaging or shifting in Drive - described by one owner as 'so violent, it shakes the entire car' - with a tendency to slip on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, appearing around 14,000-15,000 miles. On Ge… Repairs typically run $900-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Charge Air Cooler Moisture Intrusion Causing Misfire and Turbo Underboost (2.0T LTG)?

The 2.0L LTG turbo's air-to-air charge air cooler collects condensate in its lower core. Under humid conditions or after short trips the accumulated water is slugged into the intake on a hard throttle application, causing a sudden multi-cylinder misfire, a stumble, and in some ca… Repairs typically run $450-$1,100. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Instrument Cluster and Center Display Blackout While Driving?

A recurring Gen1 electrical failure: the instrument cluster, radio and shifter illumination go completely dark for 5-20 seconds while the vehicle is moving, then come back on their own. NHTSA reports for the 2017 describe the display going 'very dim and sometimes completely out'… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2022 Buick Envision Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing Fluid Leak and Suspension Squeak Over Bumps?

The Envision uses hydraulically damped (fluid-filled) rear lower control arm bushings. These bushings split and weep their fluid, showing as a discolored or wet bushing on inspection and producing a squeak or squawk noise over bumps plus a loose, unsettled feel from the rear end. Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2022 Buick Envision Auto Stop/Start Rough Restart and Harsh Transmission Re-Engagement?

Envisions equipped with GM's auto stop/start shut the engine off at lights and stop signs, then restart with a stumble that owners describe as feeling like a misfire. Moving from the brake to the accelerator during the stop cycle can produce a flare followed by the transmission s… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.