Why does the Buick Envision transmission have a jerky feeling?
3 Answers
It is normal for the Buick Envision transmission to have a jerky feeling. The jerky transmission refers to the dual-clutch transmission in the 20t model, while the AT transmission in the 28t model has very minimal jerkiness. During low-speed driving, the dual-clutch transmission may exhibit jerking, which is a normal phenomenon. The Buick Envision is a midsize SUV under the Buick brand, equipped with two types of transmissions. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The dimensions of the Buick Envision are 4667mm in length, 1839mm in width, and 1694mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm.
My Buick Enclave has been running for almost three years, and recently, I've experienced transmission jerking, especially when accelerating at low speeds—it feels like the car gets stuck for a moment. I consulted a mechanic, who said common causes could be insufficient or aged transmission fluid needing replacement, or possibly a bug in the shift computer or issues with the control solenoid valve. This car sometimes has such design quirks, and delaying repairs can lead to more component wear. They suggested first checking the fluid color myself—if it’s darkened or smells bad, don’t wait and head straight to the 4S shop for diagnostics. Spending a few hundred bucks on fluid replacement or a software update should fix it. Regular transmission system maintenance every 40,000 km prevents issues, saving money and ensuring peace of mind—don’t delay until major repairs are needed, as it could affect driving safety.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I often encounter Buick's jerking issues. Main causes include insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid affecting lubrication; malfunctioning shift modules; or worn clutch plates being more noticeable in low-speed zones. You can use an OBD tool to read error codes yourself—if it indicates a software fault, a firmware update is needed. Check the fluid color for abnormalities; an oil change costs about five hundred to fix. Design-wise, the Envision's dual-clutch version is prone to such jerking. For prevention, stick to genuine oil products and maintain every 50,000 kilometers to extend lifespan—don't cut corners to avoid major hidden dangers.
