Used Buick Envision 2nd Gen (2021-2025): Buyer's Guide

The 2022 Buick Envision earned a "below average" reliability rating from Consumer Reports. The 2023, same body, same engine, same factory in China, earned "better than average." The 2021 is currently subject to a fuel pump control module recall (issued September 2025) that allows the engine to stall at highway speed or in intersections. Three model years. Three meaningfully different ownership scenarios.

The 2nd gen Envision is a genuinely good compact luxury SUV that gets overshadowed by German and Japanese alternatives most buyers default to. The ride is softer than a Tiguan. The interior is quieter than a CR-V. The used prices are lower than both. But this generation has a defined set of year-specific problems a buyer needs to know before signing anything.

This Generation at a Glance

Buick completely redesigned the Envision for 2021. The 2nd gen moved to GM's E2XX global platform, shared with the Cadillac XT4. The wheelbase grew an inch. Width increased nearly two inches. The car sits lower, rides on a five-link rear suspension instead of the old torsion bar setup, and sheds the previous generation's awkward proportions.

The generation splits cleanly at 2024. The 2021-2023 models wear the original design with either an 8-inch (Preferred) or 10.2-inch (Essence/Avenir) infotainment screen. The 2024 mid-cycle refresh brought an entirely new exterior inspired by the Buick Wildcat concept, a 30-inch panoramic touchscreen that spans two-thirds of the dash, available Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving assist, and renamed trims (Essence became Sport Touring). The 2025 brought no mechanical changes.

Every 2nd gen Envision uses a single engine: the 2.0L turbocharged I4 (LSY) paired with a 9-speed automatic.

Browse available inventory: 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

2.0L LSY Turbo: One Engine, Several Risk Profiles

Every 2nd gen Envision uses the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (LSY code) making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. No diesel. No hybrid. No V6. The engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic and available in either front-wheel drive or a twin-clutch AWD setup.

The good: the LSY is a smooth, refined engine. At everyday speeds it pulls cleanly through the 9-speed without drama. The turbo comes on early, giving it adequate passing power. RepairPal rates the Envision's overall reliability 5 out of 5 stars among midsize SUVs, and the average annual repair cost of $318 is well below the $494 segment average. Most owners who don't have problems have no problems.

The problems are model-year specific, not inherent to the engine itself.

2021: Oil Consumption and the Fuel Pump Recall

The 2021 LSY had documented oil consumption issues. Multiple owners reported needing to add oil between regular changes. One independent analysis of a 2021 2.0T with fewer than 25,000 miles found carbon deposits around the piston crowns and stuck oil control rings: signs of abnormal burning. This appears to have been corrected in later production and by the 2023 model year.

More critically, GM issued Recall N252516900 in September 2025 covering all 2021-2022 Buick Envisions. The fuel pump control module can fail while the vehicle is in operation. Owners reported their cars dying at highway speeds and in busy intersections, with no ability to shift to neutral to push the vehicle clear of traffic. This is not a minor inconvenience recall. It is a safety recall that requires dealer repair before you should drive a 2021 or 2022 Envision.

Verify completion of N252516900 on any 2021 or 2022 Envision before purchase. A VIN check at /tools/recall-lookup takes 30 seconds.

2022: The Weakest Year

The 2022 Envision has more owner complaints in the NHTSA database (41) than any other 2nd gen model year. Consumer Reports rates it "below average" reliability. The fuel pump control module recall covers this year as well.

The 2022 also introduced a new failure mode: the electronically controlled water pump module. Unlike a traditional belt-driven pump, the 2022+ Envision uses an integrated electric module that combines the pump, pulley assembly, and thermostat housing. When it fails, coolant circulation stops. The engine can overheat within minutes. Repair cost: $724 to $1,234. There is no recall covering this failure, but it has been documented across the GM E2XX platform fleet. Acadia, Enclave, Envision, and Blazer owners have all reported it.

Symptoms of a failing water pump: temperature gauge creeping past the normal operating range, a sweet coolant smell near the engine bay, or the low coolant warning light. On a pre-purchase inspection, ask the mechanic to check coolant level, inspect hoses for residue, and confirm the temperature stabilizes after a cold start.

Infotainment complaints concentrated in the 2022 model year. The GM Infotainment 3 system (8- or 10.2-inch screen depending on trim) would go black or freeze. A soft reset (hold the power and back buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds) clears most cases. If a seller tells you "the screen has been doing that," plan for a software update ($200 at dealer) or verify a recent infotainment module replacement.

2023: The Turn

Consumer Reports rates the 2023 Envision "better than average." NHTSA complaints dropped to 35. The oil consumption issue from the 2021 appears absent from 2023 owner reports. The fuel pump control module recall does not cover 2023 models.

The 2023 still has the water pump risk shared with 2022 and later. It also received a DRL (daytime running light) recall, the only one covering 2023 models, requiring a BCM software update to ensure the running lights deactivate properly when the main headlights engage. That's a minor software fix and not a safety concern in the same category as the fuel pump issue.

Brake noise and pulsation appear in some 2023 owner reports and in lemon law case summaries. After parking overnight, some owners reported brake vibration on the first few stops of the day. This is a known characteristic across the 2021-2023 range: surface rust forming on the rotors overnight. It typically clears within the first mile of driving. Owners who report persistent pulsation throughout a drive are describing a different issue: warped rotors, typically from repeated hard stops before full warm-up.

2024+: Different Vehicle

The 2024 refresh is not a minor update. The exterior is entirely new: lower hood line, repositioned headlights integrated under a trapezoidal lower grille, redesigned taillights. Inside, the traditional screen stack is gone, replaced by a 30-inch ultrawide panoramic display that spans the width of the instrument cluster and infotainment zone. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free highway driving system, became optional.

The 2024 also swapped the mid-level Essence trim for the Sport Touring. Content stayed comparable but Sport Touring added unique exterior trim and interior contrast stitching.

The 2024 and 2025 models are too recent to have accumulated the owner feedback that lets you assess long-term reliability patterns. The water pump failure potential still exists, as the E2XX architecture is unchanged. Buyers considering a 2024 or 2025 who want the big screen and Super Cruise capability should plan a water pump check at 40,000-50,000 miles regardless of symptoms.

FWD vs AWD: The Real Decision

Every Envision trim is available in FWD or AWD. The AWD system uses a rear-mounted twin-clutch module that can apportion up to 100% of torque to the rear axle. In normal driving the Envision operates in FWD mode and only engages the rear when slip is detected. This is true intelligent AWD, not just a viscous coupler.

The fuel economy penalty for AWD is small: EPA estimates put 2023 FWD at roughly 26 combined, AWD at 25. That's a 1 mpg real-world difference.

AWD adds complexity. The rear drive unit has its own fluid that should be changed at intervals many previous owners skip. On a used purchase, check when the rear differential fluid was last changed. The service interval is every 45,000 miles or five years. Fluid degradation increases wear on the rear clutch pack.

For buyers in areas with mild winters, FWD with good all-season tires is adequate. For anyone who drives in regular snow or ice, AWD is worth the small premium.

Trim-Specific Notes

Preferred: The base trim. FWD or AWD available. 8-inch infotainment screen on 2021-2023. Heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking are standard. The 8-inch screen is noticeably smaller and slower to respond than the 10.2-inch unit in Essence and Avenir. If you use navigation frequently, this matters. The 2024 Preferred gets the 30-inch screen upgrade, which is a meaningful jump.

Essence (2021-2023) / Sport Touring (2024+): The sweet spot trim. On 2021-2023 models, Essence adds a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, heated steering wheel, leather seating, power liftgate, and a heated rear seat option. Used Essence models represent most of the used Envision inventory in the $20,000-$28,000 range.

Avenir: The full-luxury top trim. Adds Bose audio, head-up display, massaging driver's seat, diamond-pattern perforated leather, 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, and 20-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels compromise ride quality compared to the 17-inch and 18-inch wheels on lower trims; the larger tires are stiffer and the Envision's quiet ride advantage is partially negated. On the used market, Avenir models hold price better than Essence but the specific luxury features (massaging seat, HUD) are genuinely usable differentiators if they match what you want.

One trim note for 2021: the Preferred did not come with a heated steering wheel standard. It required a $1,750 package that also added heated front seats. Many base Preferred models were sold without this package. Verify before assuming.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen

The 2023 is the target. It's the first model year where the oil consumption issue appears resolved, Consumer Reports rates reliability above average, and the fuel pump recall does not apply. A 2023 Envision Essence or Avenir with documented service history in the $22,000-$29,000 range is the strongest used value in this generation.

Avoid the 2022 unless the price is substantially below market and all recalls are verifiably complete. Consumer Reports "below average" ratings combined with the highest NHTSA complaint count and fuel pump safety recall make this a year to skip or price aggressively.

The 2021 is acceptable if and only if the fuel pump recall (N252516900) has been completed and documented in the vehicle's service records. Without that confirmation, do not buy it. Once the recall is done, the main risk that remains is residual oil consumption concern on early production engines, addressable with a fresh oil change and monitoring interval.

The 2024 is compelling for technology reasons. The 30-inch screen and Super Cruise are genuinely different from the 2021-2023 interior. But used prices reflect the near-new value of the vehicle, and there's not yet enough owner data to know whether the 2024-specific design changes introduced any new failure modes.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Run a VIN recall check before the test drive: /tools/recall-lookup

For any 2021 or 2022: Confirm recall N252516900 (fuel pump control module) shows as completed, not open.

Engine cold start: Start the engine from cold and watch for:

• Oil pressure warning that doesn't clear within 5-10 seconds
• Clicking or ticking that follows RPM and doesn't fade after warm-up
• Oil level at or below the minimum line on a warm engine check (oil consumption flag on 2021)

Cooling system check: With the engine off and cold:

• Check the coolant reservoir. Correct level at the MIN/MAX marks with no debris or oily film on the cap.
• Ask for the vehicle's cooling system service history. Any overheating event or prior water pump service is a significant flag on 2022+ models.
• After the test drive, ask the mechanic to specifically inspect the water pump module and thermostat housing for weeping coolant stains.

Transmission check: During the test drive:

• Drive slowly in a parking lot at 5-15 mph. The 9-speed should shift smoothly without a jerk or hesitation on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts.
• If the transmission feels jerky at low speeds, ask if TSB 20-NA-142 calibration has been applied at a dealer. This is a software update, not a mechanical repair, and should be on file.
• On the highway, confirm 9th gear engagement above 60 mph. The transmission occasionally refuses to shift to 9th if calibration is out of date.

Infotainment test: Spend 5 minutes with the screen running before you start the engine. Tap through CarPlay, navigation, the climate controls, and the backup camera. A screen that goes black, freezes, or shows input lag is showing early signs of either a software issue (resolvable) or a hardware module problem (more expensive).

Brakes: After driving, apply the brakes gently at 30 mph and feel for pulsation through the pedal. Surface rust on overnight-parked cars can cause first-stop noise that clears within a mile. Pulsation that persists on the second and third stop of your test drive indicates rotor issues.

AWD (if equipped): In a safe, empty area, try accelerating from a stop with moderate throttle on a damp or gravel surface. The system should engage smoothly without clunking or binding.

Oil filter housing area: Ask the mechanic to visually inspect around the oil filter housing for seepage or staining. Oil leaks in this area have been reported on higher-mileage E2XX engines.

Running Costs

Oil changes: GM specifies every 7,500 miles or 12 months. The 2.0T uses 5W-30 dexos1 Gen2. Use the correct spec; some quick-lube chains default to 5W-20, which is wrong and can contribute to wear in a turbocharged engine.

Spark plugs: Iridium plugs at the factory spec of 60,000 miles. At current mileages, many 2021-2023 used models are approaching or past this interval. A plug change costs $150-$300.

Air filter / cabin filter: $40-$80 each. Simple DIY on the cabin filter. Engine air filter requires 20-30 minutes or dealer service.

Water pump: No manufacturer-specified replacement interval. The failure risk is real on 2022+ models. Budget $750-$1,250 for repair if symptoms appear. No extended warranty covers this unless you purchased one at time of sale.

Extended warranties: If you're buying a 2021 or 2022, a third-party extended warranty that covers the water pump module and transmission is worth evaluating. Get specifics on what's covered before signing.

FAQ

Is the 2nd gen Buick Envision reliable? The 2023 is rated better than average reliability by Consumer Reports, with RepairPal giving the Envision 5 out of 5 stars overall and an average annual repair cost of $318. The 2022 is rated below average. Year selection matters more than brand reputation with this generation.

What year Buick Envision should I avoid? Avoid the 2022. It has the highest NHTSA complaint rate (41) of the 2nd gen, a Consumer Reports below-average reliability flag, a fuel pump control module recall, and documented water pump failure risk. The price discount over a 2023 rarely reflects the actual added risk.

Does the 2021 Buick Envision have a recall? Yes. As of September 2025, the 2021 Envision is covered by Recall N252516900 for a failing fuel pump control module that can cause the engine to stall while driving. The 2021 also has an earlier recall for an airbag malfunction indicator light and a daytime running light deactivation issue. All three require dealer service. Verify completion before purchasing any 2021.

Is the Buick Envision made in China? Every 2nd gen Buick Envision is built at the SAIC-GM factory in Yantai, China. GM assembles it to U.S. safety and emissions standards, and warranty coverage and recall support are identical to U.S.-built vehicles. Buick's initial quality scores from J.D. Power have been consistently above average. The Chinese manufacturing origin does not represent a quality problem in practice, though it has affected trade-in values at some dealers.

How long do Buick Envisions last? Properly maintained, the 2.0L LSY engine and 9-speed transmission are capable of 150,000-200,000 miles. The water pump module is a known weak point on 2022+ models that can cause significant secondary damage if failure isn't caught early. Service intervals are every 7,500 miles; the owners who skip oil changes are the ones who shorten the service life on any turbocharged vehicle.

Bottom Line

Target a 2023 Envision Essence or Avenir with under 50,000 miles and a verifiable service history. If you're looking at a 2021 or 2022, make recall N252516900 completion a hard requirement, not a preference. Run the VIN through a recall check before you make an offer. CarScout members can track price drops on specific years and trims at usecarscout.com; the 2023 Envision is often priced lower than its real reliability differential from 2022 models suggests it should be.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls and complaints database, EPA fuel economy data, J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, Consumer Reports reliability data, and real owner experiences from EnvisionForum.com, Buick Enthusiasts Forums, and CarComplaints.com. See the full Buick Envision market data for current pricing and inventory.