GMC Envoy Reliability and Common Problems

The GMC Envoy is a fairly reliable midsize SUV. Unfortunately, after a seven-year production run, this SUV was discontinued in 2009. If you plan on purchasing a used 2009 GMC Envoy, AutoPadre.com says that this SUV’s 5-year depreciation rate is 7%. That means that from its current price of $7,300, its value will go down to $6,800 in five years. 

Are GMC Envoys Reliable?

Because the GMC Envoy was discontinued in 2009, many vehicle reliability evaluation websites don’t have sufficient information about this SUV’s reliability ratings. For example, as of writing, RepairPal.com doesn’t have enough data to give the GMC Envoy a reliability rating, as well as estimates for the average repair severity and repair frequency. But based on the information RepairPal does have, the annual maintenance costof the GMC Envoy is $497, which is lower than the $573 annual repair cost for all midsize SUVs

British marketing research firm J.D. Power only has reliability ratings for the 2006-2009 GMC Envoy. The model year that received the highest overall customer rating and reliability ratings is the 2006 Envoy, scoring 85/100 in both categories. The model year with the lowest reliability rating is the 2007 Envoy, with a score of 83/100. Based on the J.D. Power website, the average customer rating and reliability rating of this SUV is 84/100.

In terms of longevity, the GMC Envoy could easily last 150,000 to 400,000 miles, according to this forum for GM vehicle owners. Proper care and maintenance (which includes regular oil and fluid changes) is the way to go if you want to prolong your vehicle’s life. 

Top GMC Envoy Problems

The GMC Envoy may not have sufficient reliability information on vehicle evaluation websites, but owners have shared their problems with this SUV on CarComplaints.com. Below are some of the top GMC Envoy problems:

Exhaust Leak

A couple of 2009 GMC Envoy owners have reported hearing loud exhaust leak sounds from their SUVs. According to one of the reports, the noise was a result of a cracked exhaust manifold. Replacing the exhaust manifold cost the owners about $500. The affected owners said that they encountered this issue at around 80,000 miles.

GMC released a technical service bulletin (TSB) to provide more information on the intake manifold and how to service this issue. TSB #000601026I is the latest version of the bulletin and was released in August 2016.

Ignition Switch Not Working

Owners of 2008 GMC Envoys have problems turning the ignition switch on. Most of the reports said that this problem occurred repeatedly. A couple of owners have even reported that they encountered the problem at least three times within a single year. According to the reports, the issue started within 70,000 miles of ownership. These owners paid at least $250 to replace the ignition switch on their SUVs. 

GMC released a TSB to address this issue in September 2016. TSB #PIC5491J contains preliminary information for technicians on how to diagnose and fix this issue. As of writing, there are no recalls or investigations about this problem for this specific model year. 

Faulty Cluster Gauges

While this sounds like the worst problem on this list, CarComplaints.com didn’t put it on the top three GMC Envoy problems list. Affected owners of 2004-2007 Envoys shared how they were almost put into bad situations because of faulty fuel gauges, speedometer readings, and temperature gauges. On average, owners encountered this issue at around 75,000 miles, and it cost them at least $400 to fix. Most of the owners have reported that replacing the entire cluster fixed the problem. 

GMC released TSB #PIC3100F in November 2017 to provide information on how to verify the odometer’s accuracy. This bulletin covers all 2000-2018 GMC models. Aside from this informational bulletin, there are no other TSBs or recalls for this issue available online. However, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into this issue in June 2010. Aside from 2005 GMC Envoys, this investigation also covered Chevy Trailblazers, Buick Rainiers, and Saab 9-7X vehicles. The case was closed in 2011 and no recall was issued as of writing. 

Excessive Oil Consumption

According to CarComplaints.com, excessive oil consumption is one of the top three worst 2006 GMC Envoy problems. Many owners have reported that they constantly needed to top up their oil every 600 miles or so. According to one owner, there were no leaks or other signs that indicated an issue, but when they checked their SUV, they found that one of the cylinders was already damaged. Because the engine was damaged, affected owners had to pay $4,000 to get an engine replacement.

To help address this issue, GM released TSB #PIP5163, which was first released in 2013. According to this bulletin, owners claimed that their SUVs might possibly have cylinder bore damage, scoring, or are out of round.

This alleged defect is said to cause excessive oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage, and blow-by. According to the 2018 version of this document (TSB#PIP5163D), even if a cylinder is suspected of being oversized, GM can only confirm this by checking with an air gauge at the engine plant. This document also contains inspection procedures for this issue. The 2021 version of this document is unavailable as of writing. 

So far, there are no recalls for the excessive oil consumption issue. Apart from this, the 2006 Envoy has a few recalls for problems like a faulty master power window switch, headlamps, air bag sensing system, and power steering hoses. 

Loss of Engine Power

The loss of engine power is a common 2004-2005 GMC Envoy problem. A bad catalytic converter seemed to be the root cause of the issue for 2004 models. However, 2005 Envoy owners noticed different symptoms that pointed to different root causes. One owner said that the mechanic told them the issue was bad gas. Another was told that the problem was a bad throttle body and power control module. Another owner had to replace a damaged accelerator pedal module.  

Both the 2004 and 2005 Envoy model years have several TSBs listed for this problem on CarComplaints.com. However, most of these documents aren’t uploaded to the website as of writing.

2004 and 2005 Envoys only have three recalls each that resulted from NHTSA investigations. Parts that were involved in these recalls include headlamp assemblies, brake lamps, turn signals, air bag sensing systems, and windshield urethane adhesives. A fuel pump module leak issue was also investigated in the 2004 model years, but it was closed because the ODI saw the actions that GM took to mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety. As mentioned above, the ODI opened an investigation on fuel level gauge system failure in 2005 GMC Envoys, but this case was closed in 2011. 

Gas Leak and Cracked Filler Neck

According to CarComplaints.com, gas leaks are one of the top three worst GMC Envoy problems. It’s also known for being the worst 2003 and 2004 GMC Envoy problem. Affected owners have reported that their check engine lights went on before they found a crack in their fuel system. When they went to the dealership for repairs, they learned that they needed to replace their gas tank and fuel sending unit. On average, this cost owners at least $1,200 to fix. 

NHTSA opened an investigation back in January 2004 regarding this issue for both the 2003 and 2004 model years. NHTSA’s ODI found that the rate of complaints, field reports, and warranty claims was low compared to other vehicles that were recalled. As such, the GMC Preliminary Evaluation #PE04001 case was closed and no recalls were issued for both model years.

NHTSA also opened an investigation (GMC Engineering Analysis EA07009) on the 2004 model year back in July 2007, but they found that most of the reports came from the salt belt region in the U.S. The cracks in the fuel pump module and filler necks were caused by corrosion from road salts, which are often used in de-icing roads in the area. Instead of a recall, GM extended the warranty for the affected components for 2004 GMC Envoys to 120,000 miles. The case was closed in August 2008.

Blower Fan Malfunction

A number of 2002 GMC Envoy owners have problems with their SUV’s blower fans. While this issue isn’t as severe as all the others on this list, it’s still a fairly annoying problem that causes the SUV’s air conditioning to malfunction. According to reports, the blower motor on the affected SUVs only worked on the highest settings, and sometimes the A/C wouldn’t function at all. Owners encountered this issue at approximately 85,000 miles. Repairs cost $60 to $100 and involved replacing the blower motor resistor and, in some cases, the blower fan itself.

Unfortunately, as of writing, many of the related TSBs for this issue aren’t available on CarComplaints.com. On another note, the 2002 Envoy has quite a few recalls and NHTSA investigations. Some of the parts that needed to be recalled include the seat belt assembly, instrument panel cluster, steering column, fuel filter fitting, and air bag. There was also an investigation that resulted in a recall. This involved the SUV’s electronically controlled air suspension.

With all the recalls and common issues that the GMC Envoy has, it’s understandable that you may become hesitant to buy a used unit. However, as long as you do your research on the model year you like and find a seller that you can trust, buying this SUV may come with little risk. Just remember to clear everything up with the seller before you seal the deal.

Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your GMC Envoy

Replacement and performance parts for discontinued models can be hard to find, so don’t be surprised if your local auto parts stores don’t stock GMC Envoy components. On the bright side, that’s not a problem when you shop online at CarParts.com.

We have a wide array of high-quality parts and accessories for GMC Envoys. They’re all on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you, so all you have to do is place your order.

Our selection includes accurate and detailed fitment information, so you’re sure to get exactly what your GMC Envoy needs to get back on the road. Use our vehicle selector and search filters to customize the catalog results based on your needs.

Moreover, here at CarParts.com, you’ll never go over budget to repair, upgrade, or style up your GMC. All our products come with a low-price guarantee to help you get the best value for your money.

Don’t let issues keep your SUV cooped up in your driveway. Check out our catalog and shop now!