Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2020 Buick Envision Reliability Report

The 2020 Buick Envision rates good, well above other 2020 SUVs, with no recalls. Air bag faults are the main complaint.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

2.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$573

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$3,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity77/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Last of the first generation, with no recalls and mid-pack standing; the 2021 that follows rates worse and has two recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

AIR BAGS (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

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?

Good is the standing here, and it is well above average among 2020 SUVs. Within the Envision's own run, this year lands in the middle of nine scored model years. The 2019 rates about the same, while the 2021 rates worse. Federal records list no recalls for this year, and its federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.

Air bags draw the most serious complaints. One owner reported a side air bag that did not deploy when a semi-trailer hit the car at about 35 mph, and the driver broke ribs. Others saw the air bag light come on with parking brake and stability control lights, which a dealer traced to a faulty restraint sensing module. Two power train reports describe a car that can be shut off with the key removed while not in Park, and an engine that stalled at a light. Electrical reports include lost warning chimes and a black instrument cluster at startup.

Ask for records of any air bag light or restraint module repair. On a test drive, confirm the car stays put once shut off. The 2019 is a fair alternative, since it rates about the same.

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: Side air bag that does not deploy in a crash is the most serious report (3 complaints)
−POWER TRAIN: Car can roll away (2 complaints)

Compare 2020 Buick Envision With

2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2020 Honda CR-V

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2020 Toyota RAV4

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2020 Ford Escape

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

AIR BAGS (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

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 2020 Buick Envision? Check its history first

Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Buick Envision, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 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)Torso/Pelvis (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 / 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.

Turn on the ignition and confirm the air bag, parking brake, and StabiliTrak lights all go out after the startup check.
Pull the driver's seat belt all the way out and let it retract, checking that it moves smoothly and locks properly.
Try to switch off the car and remove the key outside of Park; it should not allow either.
Park on a gentle slope in Park, switch off, and confirm the vehicle holds without rolling.
Stop at several lights during the test drive and watch for the engine shutting off unexpectedly.
Open a door, unbuckle the seat belt, and use the turn signals to confirm every warning chime sounds.
Open and close the sunroof several times and confirm it seals fully and stays shut.
Start the car several times and confirm the instrument cluster gauges come on every time.

2020 Buick Envision Common Problems by Component

10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

AIR BAGS (3)POWER TRAIN (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)EQUIPMENT (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

A side air bag that does not deploy in a crash is the most serious report. One side impact with a semi-trailer at about 35 mph left the driver with broken ribs. Other reports describe the air bag warning light staying on, joined by parking brake and stability control lights, which a dealer traced to a faulty restraint sensing module. A driver's seat belt that would not extend was tied to a failed air bag module. Reported mileages run from about 20,000 to 82,910, so no clear onset point shows up.

3 complaints total1 crash1 injury

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

The car can roll away. One report says the vehicle can be switched off and the key removed without the shifter being in Park, and the transmission appears to slip into Neutral by itself. The manufacturer called this normal operation. A separate report describes the engine shutting off while stopped at a light, leaving the driver stalled in traffic until the car restarted. Both carry a real safety risk, but with only 2 complaints and no mileages given, no pattern is visible yet.

2 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Warning sounds and displays can cut out. Reports describe losing every chime in the cabin, including seat belt, turn signal, and door-open alerts, which a dealer blamed on a faulty amplifier. A sunroof is described opening on its own while the car sat locked and parked, then staying stuck open. In another case the instrument cluster went black at startup, with no gauges and no warning lights. None of these reports give a mileage, and the 2 complaints point to separate faults rather than one repeated failure.

2 complaints total

EQUIPMENT (1 complaints)

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2020-08-29

THE 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 complaint

2023-08-261 injury

I 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-related

2022-04-12Crash reported1 injury

The 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.

Best & Worst Buick Envision Years

Best Buick Envision Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2020

(Current Model)

0Recalls

10Complaints

Good

2019

0Recalls

23Complaints

Good

2018

0Recalls

13Complaints

Buick Envision Years to Avoid

No Buick Envision years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 74 and 82 across 9 scored model years.

See full Buick Envision years-to-avoid analysis

Buick Envision Reliability Score Trend

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(selected)	78/100	0	Good	0	10
2019	78/100	0	Good	0	23
2018	78/100	—	Good	0	13

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Buick Envision reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing and sits well above average among 2020 SUVs. Owners filed 10 complaints, about 2.9 per 10,000 sold, and federal records show no recalls. Within the Envision's nine scored years, it falls in the middle. The 2019 rates about the same.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Envision?

Air bag problems lead, with 3 complaints. They include a side air bag that did not deploy, a warning light traced to a faulty restraint sensing module, and a seat belt that would not extend. Power train and electrical systems each draw 2 complaints, covering rollaway risk, stalling, lost chimes, and a dead instrument cluster.

Does the 2020 Buick Envision have air bag problems?

Some owners report them. One side air bag failed to deploy in a side impact with a semi-trailer, and the driver suffered broken ribs. Another owner's warning light came on with parking brake and stability control lights. Reported mileages ran from about 20,000 to 82,910, so no clear onset point appears.

Does the 2020 Buick Envision have any recalls?

No. Federal recall records list zero recalls for this model year. The 2019 also has none, while the 2021 has two. Owners can still report safety issues that are not recalls, so check the air bag and power train complaints before buying.

How does the 2020 Buick Envision compare with the 2019 and 2021?

The 2019 rates about the same as the 2020, with 23 complaints and no recalls. The 2021 rates worse, with 23 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2020 has 10 complaints, but it is also the final first-generation year, so it has had time to collect reports.

Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Envision without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2020 Buick Envision

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Buick Envision does best on recall impact (100/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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