While driving my brand new 2026 Buick Envista Avenir with only 347 miles on the odometer, the vehicle became difficult to control and multiple warning messages and service lights illuminated simultaneously: “Brake System Failure — Your driving speed is being restricted as braking may be difficult,” “Service Brake Assist — Your vehicle may not brake automatically or assist in braking when it detects a likely collision,” and “Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care.” I pulled over immediately and contacted OnStar who advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive and arranged for a tow. The vehicle was towed to the selling dealer the same day, January 13, 2026, and remained in the dealer’s possession for 31 days for diagnosis and repair, until February 13, 2026. The dealer replaced multiple primary braking components: electronic brake control module (EBCM), brake master cylinder, power brake booster, and reservoir kit. These repairs involved both the vehicle’s electronic control systems and major hydraulic/mechanical brake components. The simultaneous multiple critical warnings, the loss of full brake response/control, the restriction of driving speed, and the reduction of steering assist show that core systems responsible for stopping and vehicle control were compromised. Replacing the EBCM along with major hydraulic components indicates a complex, systemic malfunction. This failure created immediate danger on the road, forced an extended out of service period for a new vehicle, and caused a month long significant disruption and expense. A primary safety system failing at such low mileage raises serious concerns about reliability and the risk of loss of braking performance, which could lead to a crash and endanger vehicle occupants and other road users. Consumers should be aware that a brand-new vehicle with only 347 miles stopped operating safely without cause, under normal driving conditions, and required replacement of major hydraulic/mechanical brake components.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11745129 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact's friend owns a 2026 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH into a parking lot, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle jolted as if the vehicle was in a crash. The steering wheel was unresponsive while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the front wheels failed to respond as intended. After stopping the vehicle, the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the damage to the steering and front suspension was caused by the vehicle driving over a curb. The contact stated that the driver had not driven over a curb. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a collision center, and it was determined that there was a failure with the front suspension and steering. The collision center also concluded that the damage had been the result of the vehicle driving over a curb. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11723545 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2026 Buick Envista. While driving at various speeds, the defroster failed to adequately clear the fog and condensation from the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was eventually cleared; however, the condensation quickly returned, obstructing the driver's view. The contact stated that there was a lattice-like pattern formed on the windshield while the defroster activated. On one occasion, the obstruction forced the contact to pull over for approximately 20 minutes to wait for the windshield to clear. The contact stated that the side and rear windows were cleared normally and stated that the issue might be with the front windshield, and possibly not an HVAC system failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763000 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov