GM recalls Buick Envision due to all-weather floor covering that could pinch the accelerator pedal
Photo: Buick / GM Parts Authority on eBay / edited
The second-generation Buick Envision was introduced in 2020 for the 2021 model year and refreshed for 2024 with new exterior design elements, more technology, and more standard features. However, certain 2024 models are prone to unintended acceleration caused by the all-weather floor mats, which have part number 85647097 in the parts system.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationthe driver’s side floor mat was not modified to match a design change to the 2024 model’s driver’s carpet. Accelerator failures cause the loud pedal to become trapped under the mat and remain stuck in the depressed position.
If this condition sounds familiar, it’s because Toyota Motor North America recalled millions of vehicles between 2007 and 2011 due to problems with intruded floor mats. Turning back to General Motors, the Detroit-based manufacturer estimates that a small portion of the 27,793 Buick Envision vehicles may be equipped with questionable inserts.
After being informed by a dealer, a General Motors brand quality manager reported this issue to safety experts on June 25 through the Speak Up For Safety program. The subsequent investigation confirmed that GM had not taken into account the design change to the driver’s carpet for MY2024.
Before GM submitted recall documentation to the U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles, the company was aware of nine field complaints related to the described issue that had been received between June 25 and July 23. Fortunately for owners and the automaker’s legal team, no accidents were reported. GM noted that 2,450 floor mats had not been contained, meaning the actual number of affected vehicles is 2,450, not the 27,793 units produced during the September 2023 to July 2024 period.
Photo: GM Parts Authority on eBay
As you might have guessed, dealers were instructed to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver’s side floor mat. But that’s a mistake. Instead, Buick dealers were instructed to modify the mat in the area of collision with the accelerator pedal.
The remedy also includes a refund, with owners being reimbursed for the original cost of the all-weather flooring. Those who no longer want them will have the option to return the flooring for a refund. GM expects to start sending notification letters to owners on September 23.
The Envision is a compact crossover manufactured by GM’s joint venture with SAIC in China and based on the Cadillac XT4’s E2XX platform. The front-heavy utility vehicle has a list price of $35,900 for 2024, with maximum cargo capacity listed at 52.7 cubic feet (1,492 liters) with the tailgates folded down.
Under the hood, the only available engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four mated to a nine-speed automatic that Ford Motor Company famously refused to put in its vehicles. The best fuel economy figures you can expect in city driving and on the highway are 22 and 28 miles per gallon, respectively. Converted to metric units, that’s 10.7 and 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers, respectively.
