2017 Buick Envision Safety Report

2017 Buick Envision: Strong Crash Ratings, But Persistent Brake and Electrical Failures Raise Real-World Safety Concerns

79Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (11)Electrical System (10)Unknown Or Other (7)Exterior Lighting (5)Power Train (4)Seat Belts (3)Electrical System,Engine (2)Power Train,Engine (2)Visibility (2)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Buick Envision

The 2017 Buick Envision presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has a notable number of owner complaints, totaling 79. These complaints include 2 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 3 injuries, which are concerning given the relatively low total complaint count. A significant pattern of issues revolves around the 'SERVICE BRAKES' component, with 11 complaints, including multiple reports of brake line failures leading to loss of braking ability. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' also stands out with 10 complaints, some describing complete vehicle shutdowns while driving, loss of power steering, and infotainment system failures impacting safety features like the rear camera. The vehicle has also been subject to 4 recalls, addressing critical safety concerns such as potential fuel leaks increasing fire risk, incorrect headliner foam blocks affecting occupant injury risk, improperly installed tablet holders impacting head restraint function, and incorrect tire loading information that could lead to overloading and reduced vehicle control. The combination of high crash test scores with recurring critical component failures and multiple safety recalls suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its real-world reliability and component integrity have raised safety concerns for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Buick Envision receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Buick Envision

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Buick Envision:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Brake Line Failure
Multiple reports of front brake lines (e.g., driver side) blowing out or rupturing, leading to complete loss of brake fluid and braking ability, with several instances occurring at low speeds or while stopping.
High Common unknown miles
Sudden Vehicle Shutdown/Loss Of Power
Vehicle completely shuts off while driving or at lower speeds, resulting in loss of power, inability to restart, and loss of hazards or other electrical functions.
High Occasional unknown miles
Power Steering Loss
Electronic power steering quits while driving, accompanied by warnings and loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control.
High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Issues (Shudder/Delayed Engagement)
Vehicle shakes or jolts forward during acceleration, particularly around 40 mph, or experiences delayed shifting into drive or second gear from a stationary position.
Medium Occasional 10000-unknown miles
Seat Belt Fraying/Failure To Release
Driver's side seat belt strap fraying at the connection point or failing to release, posing a safety risk in a crash or preventing proper restraint.
Medium Occasional 40000-unknown miles
Liftgate Malfunction
Power liftgate randomly closes on its own, striking occupants, causing pain.
Low Occasional unknown miles
Sunroof Opening Independently
Sunroof opens independently and will not close, leading to water intrusion.
Low Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Buick Envision:

Service Brakes 13% of complaints

Frequent reports of brake line failures, loss of braking ability, and brake pedal going to the floor.

Electrical System 12% of complaints

Issues include sudden vehicle shutdowns, loss of power steering, and infotainment system malfunctions affecting safety features.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Complaints related to transmission shudder, delayed engagement, and check engine lights indicating transmission issues.

Seat Belts 3% of complaints

Reports of seat belt fraying and failure to release.

Fuel System, Gasoline 1% of complaints

One recall related to potential fuel line damage and leak, increasing fire risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Buick Envision

Is the 2017 Buick Envision safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Buick Envision received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 79 owner complaints, including 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 3 injuries. There are significant concerns regarding brake line failures, sudden vehicle shutdowns, and power steering loss, which are critical safety issues. The vehicle also has 4 recalls addressing various safety defects.

What are common problems with the 2017 Buick Envision?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Buick Envision are related to the SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints), with multiple instances of brake line failure. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints) is also a common problem area, including reports of complete vehicle shutdowns and power steering loss. Other notable issues include POWER TRAIN problems (4 complaints) like transmission shudder and delayed shifting, and SEAT BELT issues (3 complaints) such as fraying or failure to release.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Buick Envision?

Yes, the 2017 Buick Envision has 4 recalls. These include recalls for a potential fuel leak increasing fire risk, incorrect headliner foam blocks that could increase injury risk in a crash, improperly installed accessory tablet holders affecting head restraint function, and incorrect tire and loading information that could lead to vehicle overloading.

How does the 2017 Buick Envision perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Buick Envision performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection, 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Buick Envision?

When considering a used 2017 Buick Envision, pay close attention to the brake system for any signs of leaks or spongy pedal feel, and ensure all recalls have been addressed. Check for any electrical system warning lights, intermittent power loss, or infotainment system malfunctions. Also, inspect the seat belts for fraying and test the power liftgate for proper operation.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2017 Buick Envision's recurring critical safety complaints, particularly concerning brake failures and electrical system issues, and verify all 4 recalls have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Buick Envision

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Buick Envision. The data includes 79 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Buick Envision an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.