The 2017 Buick Envision, GM's first Chinese-built import, came with either a problematic 2.5L naturally-aspirated four or a more robust 2.0L turbo. Early examples suffer from catastrophic engine failures on the 2.5L and chronic transmission cooling issues across both powertrains.
Symptoms: severe knocking or rattling from engine block, metal shavings in oil, sudden loss of power, check engine light with misfire codes, oil consumption of 1+ quart per 1,000 miles before failure
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Piston skirt cracking and connecting rod bearing failures are documented. Short block replacement takes 18-24 hours labor, rebuild can stretch to 30+ hours if machine work needed. Many shops recommend used/reman longblock swap.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission slipping or harsh shifts, milky/pink transmission fluid, overheating warnings, coolant in transmission pan or transmission fluid in coolant reservoir, delayed engagement when shifting to drive/reverse
Fix: Internal oil cooler inside radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush (often multiple flushes), and sometimes full transmission rebuild if contamination damage occurred. 8-12 hours labor for cooler/flush, add 20+ hours if transmission is damaged.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (cooler/flush only), $4,000-6,500 (if trans rebuild needed)
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle, visible engine movement when accelerating/braking, rough engagement during gear changes
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates prematurely. Replacement requires lifting powertrain slightly. 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Inspect all motor mounts during service as they often fail together.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Fuel Pump Failure (Subject to Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: no-start condition, engine stalling at operating temperature, loss of power under load, engine stumbling or hesitation, fuel pump whine audible in cabin before failure
Fix: Low-pressure fuel pump in tank fails. Covered under NHTSA recall 20V-490 for certain VINs—check eligibility first. If not covered, requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 4-5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 (if not recall-eligible)
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle (2.0T)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: rattling noise on cold start for 5-10 seconds, slight loss of boost pressure, occasional turbo underboost codes P0299
Fix: Wastegate actuator arm develops play or internal wastegate flapper loosens. If caught early, sometimes repairable with actuator replacement (6-7 hours), but often requires turbocharger replacement due to integrated design. Can limp along if boost performance acceptable.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Water Pump Leaking (2.0T)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant puddles under vehicle passenger side, low coolant warning, coolant smell in cabin, overheating in severe cases
Fix: Water pump seals fail, often weeping externally before catastrophic failure. Timing chain driven on 2.0T—not interference engine but requires timing cover removal. 5-6 hours labor. Replace thermostat and coolant simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color every oil change—pink/milky means immediate oil cooler failure, catch it before trans damage
2.5L engines: monitor oil consumption religiously and consider trading before 80k miles if consumption exceeds 1 qt per 3,000 miles
Verify fuel pump recall completion (20V-490) before purchase—non-recalled units will fail eventually
2.0T is the significantly more reliable engine choice; avoid 2.5L models if possible
Extended warranty highly recommended due to catastrophic failure potential—these are not high-mileage platforms
Only consider the 2.0T with documented transmission cooler replacement and clean engine history; the 2.5L is a hard pass due to internal engine failure risk.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; located in engine compartment
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Control Modules — 2017 Buick Envision
Every control module on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under front seats, driver and/or passenger side
🔧 GM GDS2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Memory seat relearn required if equipped; heated/ventilated seat calibration
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear liftgate, integrated into liftgate handle or trim
🔧 GM GDS2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Camera alignment calibration may be needed; dynamic guidelines configuration
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
STRUCTURE · 17V412000
2017-06-29
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement headliner as part of a repair. These service parts might not have had impact energy-absorbing foam blocks attached. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."
Consequence: If the service parts do not have energy-absorbing foam blocks, there may be an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headliner assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17275.
EQUIPMENT · 17V404000
2017-06-27
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. An accessory NSV Universal Tablet Holder may have been installed incorrectly onto the front seat head restraints, preventing the head restraint posts from fully engaging in the seat back. If so, the head restraints would fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
Consequence: If the head restraint posts are not fully engaging in the seat back, the head restraint may loosen or dislodge, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints and tablet holders for the correct installation, reinstalling them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17239/17258.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 16V516000
2016-07-07
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Incorrect weight information may cause an owner to overload the vehicle. Overloading may reduce vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label as necessary, free of charge. The began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 56340.
Vehicle Info — 2017 Buick Envision
Performance
Horsepower
252hp
Torque
295lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.2sec
Quarter mile
15.5sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,500lb
Payload
1,100lb
Curb weight
4,050lb
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
First generation Envision. Standard hook arm for all positions
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Buick Envision 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.