2020 Buick Envision
The 2020 Buick Envision is a compact SUV offering a blend of comfort and practicality. It came with two engine options: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque and a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Envision’s quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and user-friendly infotainment system. Common criticisms include the somewhat uninspired styling and the less-than-stellar fuel economy for the base engine.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil level warning light illuminating and the need to frequently check and top off the oil.
- Solution: The repair typically involves replacing the piston rings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced turbocharger failure, leading to a loss of power and potential engine damage. Whining noise coming from the turbocharger. Check Engine Light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5L Engine No Issues Found
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly when accelerating or decelerating. Hesitation when shifting gears can also be a symptom.
- Solution: The repair may involve a transmission flush, software update, or, in more severe cases, valve body replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (flush/update), $800 - $2,000+ (valve body)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature failure of the front struts. Symptoms include clunking noises when going over bumps and diminished ride quality.
- Solution: Replacement of the struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ (for a pair)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or crashes, requiring a restart. This can affect navigation, audio, and other connected features.
- Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update), $500 - $1,500+ (head unit replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Backup Camera Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera. The screen may display a black image or a distorted view.
- Solution: Replacement of the backup camera or repair of the wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Water Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaks in the cabin, often around the sunroof or windshield. This can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof seals or windshield sealant.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck or not open/close properly.
- Solution: Replacement of sunroof motor, or repair of the components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Buick Envision experiences a range of issues, from minor infotainment glitches to more significant engine and transmission problems. The 2.0L turbocharged engine is more prone to issues than the 2.5L engine. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as engine repairs or transmission valve body replacements, can be costly. The potential for oil consumption and turbocharger failure on the 2.0L engines should be carefully considered when evaluating a used 2020 Envision, with appropriate maintenance records reviewed if available.