Last updated: 2026-07-25
2020 Buick Envision Reliability Report
The 2020 Buick Envision scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 10 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
10
Complaint Rate
2.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$573
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$3,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the First generation (2014).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 1 year after the last refresh (2019).
- 1st generation Envision (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2016: First generation (2014) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is the last model year of the First generation (2014).
Should You Buy the 2020 Buick Envision?
At 78/100, the 2020 Buick Envision lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is the last model year of the First generation (2014).
Owners log 10 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 air bags (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Buick Envision, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2019 Buick Envision for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −AIR BAGS: Failure of air bags to deploy and problems with the air bag module (3 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (2 complaints)
Compare 2020 Buick Envision With
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability: 70/100
2020 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 74/100
2020 Ford Escape
Reliability: 52/100
2020 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 70/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Reliability: 59/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2020 Buick Envision — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2020 Buick Envision? Check its history first
Every 2020 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
2020 Buick Envision NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
Safety Technologies
Buick EnvisionRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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 / 25–29 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 2020 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 9-spd | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Buick Envision.
Inspect sunroof for unexpected opening and ensure it closes properly
Test all vehicle sounds including seatbelt warnings and turn signal indicators
Check instrument cluster for proper display of gauges and warnings
Verify transmission shifts properly and does not allow key removal without being in park
Test start/stop button functionality to ensure vehicle does not shut off unexpectedly
Examine air bag system for warning lights and ensure deployment in a safe environment
2020 Buick Envision Common Problems by Component
10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Buick Envision report issues with the air bag system, primarily involving the failure of air bags to deploy and problems with the air bag module. Common symptoms include warning lights for the air bag, parking brake, and traction control systems. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one complaint at approximately 20,000 miles involving a crash where the side air bag did not deploy, resulting in injury. Another complaint involves a seat belt malfunction linked to the air bag module failure at around 82,910 miles. The issues reported suggest potential safety implications, particularly in the event of a collision.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Envision report issues related to the power train, specifically with the transmission and engine start/stop function. One complaint details a transmission problem where the vehicle can be powered off and the key removed without being in park, leading to the vehicle potentially rolling away when it shifts into neutral independently. Another owner describes an incident where the car unexpectedly shuts off at a stoplight, which they associate with the start/stop button functionality. These issues may pose safety risks, such as the vehicle rolling away or sudden loss of power in traffic, though no accidents or injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems when considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Envision report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, specifically concerning the audio and instrument cluster functions. Complaints frequently mention a loss of all vehicle sounds, including safety alerts like seatbelt warnings and turn signal indicators, attributed to a faulty amplifier. Additionally, there are reports of the sunroof opening on its own and becoming stuck, which poses a security risk and could lead to weather-related damage. Another reported issue involves the instrument cluster failing to display any readings, with the screen going completely black. These problems have been noted around the 55,000-mile mark, with safety implications due to the loss of critical alerts and potential exposure to elements.
EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)
EQUIPMENT
1 complaintTHE SAFERCAR APP DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintI put the car into park and I exited the vehicle because I forgot to push the stop button. So I reached accross the driver's seat and push the stop button. When I did this the car began to roll back as if it was in neutral. I did not touch the shift knob. It shifted into neutral on its on. The front down was open at the time. The car should not have moved if the front door was open. The car ended up rolling down a small hill and ran over me.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owns a 2020 Buick Envision. The contact stated when pulled into a recycling center, the vehicle unattended accelerated, and crashed into a cement wall. The failure occurred within seconds. The contact did not recall any warning lights on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy. There were minor injuries to the left-hand upper thumb. The contact also stated his head hit the steering wheel and the right side of the face was swollen, and below the right knee was bruised. There was a medical report from the Orthopedics clinic. There was no police report. The vehicle had damage to the front driver side quarter panel, the entire hood was lifted; however, the left front of the hood was higher up. The other damages were the bumper, lighting system, the front windshield cracked and shattered, and the rear windshield wiper was damaged due to the impact of the crash. The vehicle was drivable. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,300.
When Do 2020 Buick Envision Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 scoreThe 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).
2025
2020
(Current Model)
2019
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.
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.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Buick Envision reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Envision?
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Envision have?
Is the 2020 Buick Envision expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Envision without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Envision.
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