Luxury SUVs continue to impress drivers, but the 2018 Buick Envision is supposed to be a real gem. The automaker claims that the newest lineup is “thoughtfully designed,” but clearly some things have been overlooked. This model suffers from faulty steering, a defective suspension and a glitchy electrical system.
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Contents
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| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | |
| Engine | |
| Suspension | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes |
Keeping control of a vehicle is priority number one. However, customers are struggling with the steering system on the Envision.
Here’s one example from an NHTSA complaint. “Loss of power steering for about five minutes until stopped at red light, turned off the engine and turned it back on, it was working. However, just drove 2 minutes to employment parking lot. Not enough time to see if it [is] malfunctioning. Will notice driving back home.”
One possible cause for this problem could be due to a power steering leak. That’s precisely what Service Bulletin #PI0671A talks about. It turns out that the Envision is suffering from a power steering fluid leak at the reservoir. Where is the thoughtful design to this system? Down the drain.
Another system affecting how the Envision rides is the suspension. Yet, there are just as many complaints about these parts.
One NHTSA review states, “The contact owns a 2018 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated when driving at 36 to 40 mph and caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The contact stated that when the speed was increased to 41 mph, the vibration stopped. The vehicle was taken to [dealer]. The dealer was able to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that there was not a fix for the vibrating failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 400.”
It’s pretty upsetting to have a new vehicle with only 400 miles and find out that there is a problem that the automaker won’t resolve, especially when you consider the price paid for the Envision. GM isn’t even trying to help technicians solve the problem. Service Bulletin #PIT5214D talks about this being an ongoing issue that doesn’t seem to have a fix. Instead of coming up with a “thoughtful design” to resolve the situation, GM has simply thrown its hands up in the air.
One final look at the Envision shows some major defects with the electrical system. Whether it is simply for convenience or integral to the way this SUV runs, the electrical system continues to disappoint.
Here is one Edmunds review to consider. “One disappointment I have is the Apple Car Play system is very inconsistent in the way that it operates. It takes a long time to load some of the applications. When you turn them off, they don’t stay off, and when you want to launch them, they either don’t launch or it takes an inordinate amount of time to launch. This is not Buick’s fault, but any technology they install should check out perfectly.”
The company goes on to discuss even larger electrical system concerns, with nearly 100 communications on the subject alone. Service Bulletin #PIT5745 says that the memory seat module can wake the low speed LAN bus, which can eventually lead to an unintended battery draw. Imagine owners going out to their SUV in the morning for a drive to work only to find out that the battery is dead. Will GM “thoughtfully design” a rental car or a ride so that owner isn’t late? It’s doubtful.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Buick pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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