
SAIC-GM's official website has announced a recall for brake hose replacement on all Envision vehicles manufactured between July 28, 2014, and February 11, 2018. Below is a detailed introduction about the function of brake hoses: Transmission of Brake Fluid: Brake hoses transmit brake fluid and transfer braking force, hence they are referred to as the transmission device of the braking system. Composition: Brake hoses are mainly divided into brake hard lines and brake soft lines. Hard lines are generally made of materials such as double-layer welded pipes and seamless steel pipes, while soft lines primarily consist of braided layer rubber hoses. Both types of hoses must adhere to strict national standards.

I've been repairing cars for over a decade and remember the brake hose recall very clearly. The issue was most concentrated in Envision models produced between 2014 and 2016. The manufacturer issued a notice stating that the brake hose connectors in these vehicles didn't meet corrosion resistance standards. Especially in northern regions using de-icing salts, cracks and brake fluid leaks could occur within three to four years. Last year, I saw a 2015 model where the brake pedal suddenly went soft - it nearly caused an accident. I recommend owners check their VIN - if the fourth character is a letter between D and G, it's a 2013-2016 model. This is no minor issue - brake failure can be deadly. Take advantage of the free replacement at dealerships while it's still available and schedule an appointment immediately.

My Envision was manufactured in 2015, and I was startled when I received the recall text message last year. The official document stated that batches produced between March 2014 and August 2016 were at risk, as the brake hose connectors might corrode and crack. I specifically asked the 4S , and they said there was an issue with the rubber formula used in these vehicles, with oil leakage cases reported in humid southern regions. Now, replacing the hose takes just half an hour, but if you delay until problems arise, replacing the brake master cylinder could cost several thousand. I recommend owners of the same model to call Buick's 400 hotline and confirm with the VIN number; the production date is also noted in the maintenance manual.

As automotive safety researchers, our laboratory has tested the brake hoses involved in Buick's recall. The Envision models produced between 2013 and 2016 had design defects, with insufficient anti-corrosion treatment on the metal fittings of brake hoses. Salt spray tests revealed a leakage risk as high as 37% after three years. More troublingly, initial leakage only causes brake pedal softness, making it difficult for owners to detect. SAIC-GM initiated the recall in 2018, covering model years 2014 through 2017. We recommend owners check brake fluid levels every six months and seek immediate inspection if the reservoir level drops rapidly.

Last month, while helping a friend look at used cars, I encountered this issue. Particular attention should be paid to the brake fluid line recall for Envisions from 2014 to 2016, with those having E or F as the 10th digit of the VIN being the most at risk. Some used car dealers won't proactively inform you if the recall has been addressed. I discovered abnormal fluctuations when testing the brake fluid pressure with a diagnostic tool. The recall notice clearly states that these vehicles may experience brake failure during emergency stops on icy or snowy roads. Nowadays, checking recall records is very convenient; just enter the license plate number in the WeChat mini-program 'Palm 12315' to view them. For vehicles that haven't had the recall service, you should negotiate a price reduction of at least 3,000 yuan, considering that replacing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake line is quoted at 1,200 yuan.

Having followed automotive recalls for over a decade, the brake hose issue primarily involves vehicles manufactured between September 2013 and December 2016. The core defect lies in insufficient thickness of the brake hose sealing layer supplied by the vendor, which may delaminate under prolonged high-temperature conditions. Data from the General Administration of Quality Supervision shows this recall batch involves 330,000 vehicles, with 2015 models accounting for the highest proportion. The most troublesome case is the four-wheel-drive version of the Envision, where the hose routing is more complex, adding an extra half-hour to replacement time. Owners are advised to retain repair invoices as they can add value during used car transactions. Other Buick models like the Excelle have not shown similar issues so far.


