Last updated: 2026-07-25

RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2018 Buick Envision Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Buick Envision
Brand: Buick

The 2018 Buick Envision scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 13 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$573

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$3,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

STEERING (4)
SUSPENSION (2)
ENGINE (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2018 is year 3 of the First generation (2014).

Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2019.
1st generation Envision (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2016: First generation (2014) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 3 of the First generation (2014).

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Buick Envision?

At 78/100, the 2018 Buick Envision lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 3 of the First generation (2014).

Owners log 13 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Buick Envision, which scored the same.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+No recalls issued
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−STEERING: Steering wheel locking unexpectedly (4 complaints)
−SUSPENSION: Owners of the 2018 Buick Envision report issues related to the suspension,... (2 complaints)

Compare 2018 Buick Envision With

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2018 Honda CR-V

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2018 Ford Escape

Reliability: 60/100

Good

2018 Toyota RAV4

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2018 Mazda CX-5

Reliability: 71/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

STEERING (4)
SUSPENSION (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2018 Buick Envision — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Buick Envision? Check its history first

Every 2018 Buick Envision has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Buick Envision NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Buick EnvisionRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$573

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

22–25 MPG

Running cost: $2,950–$3,950/yr

Fuel + repair

20–22 city / 26–29 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Envision FWD 2.5L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic 6-spd	22	29	25	$2,400
Envision AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 6-spd	21	27	24	$2,500
Envision AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 6-spd	20	26	22	$3,400

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Buick Envision.

Inspect for coolant leaks around the engine and check coolant levels
Test power steering functionality, especially after auto-stop
Check for vibrations or shaking in suspension at speeds between 36-40 mph
Test all electrical sensors and instrument panel for proper operation
Inspect for water intrusion signs, such as damp carpets or fogged windows

2018 Buick Envision Common Problems by Component

13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

STEERING (4)SUSPENSION (2)ENGINE (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SERVICE BRAKES (1)

STEERING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Buick Envision report several steering-related issues, primarily involving the steering wheel locking unexpectedly. Complaints frequently mention that the steering locks when the vehicle is restarted after an auto-stop or while driving, with one owner noting this occurs 1 to 2 times per week. Another common symptom is a notable vibration in the front of the vehicle that affects the steering column, although service visits have not consistently replicated this issue. These problems are reported to occur at various speeds, including during highway merging, posing potential safety risks due to loss of steering control. No specific mileage range is consistently noted, but one incident was documented in March 2023. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering concerns, particularly the risk of steering lock-up during operation.

4 complaints total

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Buick Envision report issues related to the suspension, specifically involving vibrations and shaking. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle vibrates when driving at speeds between 36 to 40 mph, with the steering wheel also shaking, and this issue resolves when the speed reaches 41 mph. Another report describes a violent shaking of the front end and steering wheel when driving on rough roads, lasting for about a minute. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 400 miles in one instance, and there is no mention of crashes or loss of control associated with these complaints. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these vibration and shaking issues, particularly at specific speeds and road conditions.

2 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the engine of the 2018 Buick Envision primarily related to coolant leaks and overheating. Multiple owners describe head gasket problems leading to coolant leaking into the engine, with one owner noting the issue at approximately 81,824 miles. Another common problem involves ruptured coolant hoses due to thermostat failure, resulting in engine overheating. These incidents have occurred while driving, indicating potential safety implications such as engine overheating. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially concerning the vehicle's cooling system and potential engine damage, when considering this model.

2 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners report multiple electrical issues with the 2018 Buick Envision, primarily involving sensor malfunctions and instrument panel failures. Complaints frequently mention faulty tire sensors, airbag sensors, and rear sensor control modules beginning around 85,000 miles. Additionally, one owner describes a complete failure of the instrument panel cluster, resulting in the loss of the speedometer and critical safety notifications such as forward collision and lane-keeping warnings. These issues can lead to unexpected vehicle behaviors, such as unintended braking and intermittent power steering loss, posing potential safety risks. For prospective buyers, these patterns suggest a need for thorough electrical system inspections, particularly in vehicles approaching or exceeding 85,000 miles.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Buick Envision report issues primarily related to electronic and water intrusion problems. One complaint describes a malfunctioning radio volume and a non-responsive passenger window, occurring around 35,000 miles. Another owner reports persistent water intrusion, leading to damp and gasoline-saturated carpets, causing visibility issues due to fogged windows and potential health concerns from mildew, with symptoms appearing shortly after purchase at 6,489 miles. These issues do not indicate crashes or fires but may impact visibility and comfort, which are relevant for potential buyers considering used models.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2022-08-20

While driving my vehicle at 55mph on a country road, I went to brake, and then realized that I had no brakes. I had to coast to a near stop and put everything I had into pushing the little bit of brake pedal clearance left to the floor to come to a complete stop. I had NO warning signs or dash lights before this happened. Once I turned my car off and then back on, the service brake assist light came on, followed by the engine light. Had any cars been in front of me to stop, I surely would not have been able to stop with what little brakes I had left. My brake assist vacuum pump was removed, and inside there were many pieces of the part in there. This part is available for inspection. Again, had this happened in traffic or with anybody stopped in front of me, this would have had a completely different outcome. I had to have my vehicle towed 70 miles for repair. When the part was removed, there were no visible signs of any of the seals leaking.

When Do 2018 Buick Envision Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

80,000–85,000 milesEngine coolant leaks

85,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Buick Envision Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Buick Envision Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Buick Envision year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2020 (78/100) and 2019 (78/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

Buick Envision Years to Avoid

No Buick Envision years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Buick Envision maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Buick Envision years-to-avoid analysis

Buick Envision Reliability Score Trend

Buick Envision reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 77/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Buick Envision reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	78/100	Good
2019	78/100	Good
2020	78/100	Good
2021	74/100	Good
2022	75/100	Good
2023	76/100	Good
2024	76/100	Good
2025	82/100	Excellent
2026	77/100	Good

Buick Envision Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	77/100	-5	Good	1	0
2025	82/100	+6	Excellent	0	7
2024	76/100	0	Good	1	10
2023	76/100	+1	Good	1	22
2022	75/100	+1	Good	1	23
2021	74/100	-4	Good	2	23
2020	78/100	0	Good	0	10
2019	78/100	0	Good	0	23
2018(selected)	78/100	—	Good	0	13

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Buick Envision reliable?

The 2018 Buick Envision has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 0 recalls and 13 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Envision?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Buick Envision include: STEERING (4 complaints), SUSPENSION (2 complaints), ENGINE (2 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Envision have?

The 2018 Buick Envision has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

Is the 2018 Buick Envision expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Buick Envision has estimated annual repair costs of $573/year. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Buick Envision without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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