NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Buick Envision Safety Ratings
The 2021 Buick Envision scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 23 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Buick Envision achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, an exceptional score. This places it among the safest options in the used SUV market, a standing supported by its strong performance across all NHTSA crash-test dimensions. The vehicle's complete suite of avoidance technologies further underpins its safety profile.
The 2021 Buick Envision SUV AWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Buick Envision ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 23 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 7 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Buick Envision?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful leap for the Envision in MotorCaliber's scoring. The Safety Index climbed from 85/100 in 2020 to 94/100 in 2021, a 9-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band. That jump is driven by a near-perfect crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim lineup. The defect-record sub-score of 18 out of 20 reflects the limited recall footprint of just two campaigns, both resolved through over-the-air fixes rather than dealer visits, which is a notable characteristic of this specific model year. The two OTA-resolved recalls involve the air bag warning lamp system and exterior lighting control module software, neither of which triggered a park-outside order. The 23 unverified complaints, while worth monitoring, do not alter the overall picture: the 2021 Envision is one of the stronger safety performers in its class year on NHTSA data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Buick Envision perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Buick Envision AWD demonstrates a strong safety profile, earning an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Both frontal and side protection tests yielded perfect 5-star ratings. The rollover assessment is the only area that did not achieve the maximum score, rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 15 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15340
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Buick Envision have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued in 2021, targets the air bag SRS malfunction warning lamp and was addressed via an over-the-air software fix. The second, issued in 2022, involves exterior lighting control module software across a broader GM lineup and was also resolved over the air. Neither campaign carried a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the available data.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous
Reported 2022-12-08
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT21V421000
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. 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
Reported 2021-06-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Buick Envision?
NHTSA has logged 23 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Envision. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel/Propulsion System with 6 reports, Power Train with 5, and Electrical System with 5. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Buick Envision?
Two Over-the-Air (OTA) recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Envision. Shoppers should verify the successful application of both campaigns to any specific vehicle by running its VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, as an incomplete OTA fix can persist undetected without this verification step.
- The 2021 model year produced a 9-point Safety Index gain over the 2020 Envision, moving from 85/100 Strong to 94/100 Exceptional, the largest documented year-over-year improvement in the current Envision generation on MotorCaliber's scale.
- Both recalls issued against this model year were resolved via over-the-air software updates, meaning no dealer visit was required, but VIN-level verification is still necessary to confirm a given vehicle received the fix.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the only NHTSA dimension that falls short of a perfect score, and used-market shoppers should weigh that in context of their intended driving conditions.
- The 23 unverified NHTSA complaints include 6 alleged Fuel/Propulsion System issues and 5 alleged Power Train issues, the two highest-volume categories, which prospective buyers may want to discuss with a qualified inspector before finalizing a purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Buick Envision places
The 2021 Buick Envision qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Buick Envision safety questions
Was the 2021 Buick Envision crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Buick Envision, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Buick Envision crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Buick Envision earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Envision have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Buick Envision. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Buick Envision?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Buick Envision. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Envision years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15340), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Envision 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 7 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.