YearToAvoid

2020 Buick Envision Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

33/100

#7 most-complained of 10 Envision years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Buick Envision has a complaint index of 33, ranked 7th out of 10 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other Envision years. NHTSA lists 11 complaints, no recalls, and the top problem area is Airbags at 27% of complaints.

Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24
21 city / 27 hwy

Top 2020 Buick Envision problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags3 (27%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain3 (27%)
  3. Brakes2 (18%)
  4. Electrical System2 (18%)
  5. Engine2 (18%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (18%)
  7. Other2 (18%)
  8. Lane Departure1 (9%)
  9. Seat Belts1 (9%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (9%)

What owners report

  • Side airbags failed to deploy during a crash with a semi-trailer at 35 mph, resulting in broken ribs.
  • The transmission or gear selector allowed the vehicle to shift into neutral or roll away on its own after the driver exited or pressed the stop button.
  • An unattended vehicle accelerated on its own and crashed into a cement wall seconds after being parked.
  • The instrument cluster screen went completely blank with no gauges displayed and no warning lights, with no prior history of the issue.
  • Airbag, parking brake, and StabiliTrak warning lights stayed illuminated due to a diagnosed internal defect in the airbag sensing and diagnostic module.
  • The engine's low oil pressure light came on while driving, with owners finding the oil level several quarts low.
2020 Buick Envision complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2020Nov 2021Sep 2023Feb 2024Aug 2024Sep 2026
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Sep 2023 (3).

2020 Buick Envision recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2020 Buick Envision fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other Envision years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Best014024
2019Best2223024
2020Good3311024
2021Good4423225.5
2022Caution6725125.5

All Buick Envision years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Buick Envision reliable?
NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 33 for the 2020 Envision, ranking it 7th out of 10 model years and earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Envision years.
Does the 2020 Buick Envision have any recalls?
NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2020 Envision, with none classified as do-not-drive recalls.
What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Buick Envision?
Airbags are the top problem area, making up 27% of the 11 complaints filed, including a case where side airbags failed to deploy in a crash.
What year Buick Envision should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Envision has the highest complaint index at 100 and is rated "Avoid," while 2023 and 2024 also carry "Avoid" verdicts.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Buick Envision?
The EPA rates the 2020 Envision at 24 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.