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Vehicle safety record

2016 Buick Verano Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2016 Buick Verano with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (23) and the electrical system (15). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 2016 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 2015 has 59 and the 2017 has 9.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Verano year, for its age

#125 most complained-about 2016 vehicle

Complaints
59
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Most common 2016 Buick Verano problems

Share of all 59 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2016 Buick Verano recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

16V595000189 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to May 12, 2016, equipped with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. The engine fuel line assembly may be misrouted, allowing the fuel line to contact the surface of the engine.
The risk
If the fuel line contacts the engine, the fuel line may wear, resulting in a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 54180.

Electrical system: ignition

16V5020008,367 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

What owners say

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59 complaints about the 2016 Buick Verano

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

While driving on the highway there was a random harsh jerk on my car, and I was immediately unable to maintain safe speeds driving nearly causing a serious crash. All of the service lights (Service Parking Assist, Service Power Steering, Service StabiliTrak, and Check Engine Light) should up on the dashboard. Trying to engage the vehicle into drive after parked had a harsh jerk shifting into gear and the accelerator was not working properly (going extremely slower than applied pressure). Mobile mechanic reader...

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coded my vehicle with U0101 "Lost Communication with TCM". After touching that TCM connection all of the service lights randomly turned back off, and the vehicle drove (temporarily) normal. No repairs were performed due to possible recall concerns.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11727752
AirbagsEngine & cooling

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related issue involving my 2016 Buick Verano. At approximately 112,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a major transmission failure that significantly affected drivability. Shortly thereafter, an airbag warning light illuminated, indicating a potential malfunction of the supplemental restraint system. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle was no longer safe or economically reasonable to repair due to the transmission failure and the airbag system warning....

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The cost of transmission repair was estimated between $5,000.00 and $7,000.00. The vehicle could not be safely driven, sold, or repaired, leaving me with an inoperable vehicle and an outstanding loan balance. I am submitting this complaint to ensure this issue is documented and reviewed, as transmission failure combined with an airbag warning presents a serious safety concern. Also, it's been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmission failing prematurely on these type of vehicles as well.

Filed Incident Air bags · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11715188
Transmission & drivetrain

After consulting with a certified technician, I've learned this model uses the same 6-speed transmission (6T40) found in several GM vehicles, and that it's widely known to fail prematurely - many as early as 100K-117K miles. There are dozens of similar consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and discussed online. These are not isolated incidents but part of a consistent pattern of early, costly failures.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11677381
Body, doors & structure

The paint has severely faded, chipping, and it is not from environmental factors- I have less than 30,000 miles on a 2016 Buick Verano. There are multiple websites confirming other consumers have had the same issues with their 2015/2016 Buick Verano.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11676782
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the doors of the vehicle were locking and unlocking independently, and the radio failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that an unknown relay and sensors were previously replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was hacked. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11670260
Engine & cooling

Engine is known for bad piston rings and a poor emission ventilation system causing extreme engine pressure, blowback, and oil consumption. Engine stalled due to NO oil in it. No oil warning light appeared. Almost ran over two pedestrians as my car would not brake quickly enough as there was no power to any of the systems. And now I have to pay well over $6,000 to repair it? I JUST had my oil changed 5 days ago.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11653419
Airbags

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side seat sensor failed to detect a passenger in the seat. The "Air Bag Off" and "Service Air Bag" messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module; however, the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,700.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11609743
Airbags

When I start my car air bag lights on when a passenger is not seat air bags keeps light is on and when I have passenger next to me air bag is off. I took this car to dealership I bought they want me to pay $1720 to fix the system I only driven 42000 miles since I bought I had fully guaranteed paid for 5 years by installation to the company. I am not happy for putting my vehicle I do not wish to take another place for repairs as I had not understand why the are asking a lot of money to put it right for air bag for passenger says need air bag service always when I am driving my vehicle

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11587107
Electrical systemDriver assistance

The side detection system got corroded as it was exposed to water. My airbags, turn signals, speedometer, cameras, blind spot warnings, etc. went out. This costed almost $2k to replace and get fixed when this could have been avoided if the side detection parts weren't easily exposed to water. Knowing that this could happen again as this is the way the car was manufactured does not sit well with me. It started failing while on an interstate which caused very unsafe driving conditions for me and the drivers around me. This seems to be a common issue with the Buick Verano that has not been addressed in a recall. The warning lights came on as soon as the failure started occurring.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Lane departureNHTSA 11582612
Airbags

There are 18 complaints about the passenger airbag sensor that should have been reported as a recall. Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger Presence sensor Reference Number: [[redacted]] Letter was sent to all customers; I did not ever receive it as i purchased this vehicle as used from the BUICK dealership in EL PASO TX. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I...

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never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues. I don't see why i should have to pay for this repair since its obvious this is a dealer installed defective product. Please help resolve this issue as it going to cause someone's life and by then it will be too late. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11570464
Electrical systemAirbagsDriver assistance

- The side detection module became corroded, blew a fuse and stopped functioning. This was reported in a service bulletin and extended warranty protection for some GM vehicles, but not the Buick Verano. [[redacted]] - This happened while driving. The vehicle would still drive, but lost all gauge functions (No speedometer, tachometer, fuel, or temp gauges). -The side obstacle detection system does not work. -The system also interferes with the passenger side airbag and leaves it turned OFF with a passenger in...

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the seat. These obviously all create a serious safety risk and have not been covered by a recall for this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Lane departureNHTSA 11561719
SteeringSuspensionElectrical system

Power Steering, Brakes, Turn Signals, Monitor Screen. The Cars steering will lock up and pull to the right hand side and the brakes get mushy. This could be deadly to myself and other motor vehicles. It happens suddenly with out warning and if there is a vehicle in the right hand lane, you will crash into it. I am waiting to take it to the dealer but prior to the steering and electrical, I told them on 10/12/21 oil service about the brakes feeling mushy and they said that's the way they're supposed to be. Only...

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other passengers have witnessed the electrical and steering problem happen. At the exact same time the steering goes out the stability trek light flashes on the panel, the media screen goes out and my turn signal (if on) has no audio. I bought the car 3/26/21 @ 44,690 miles. On 10/12/21 I mentioned the brakes and about 2 months after that this electrical/steering problem started happening. It started out as little quirks but has progressively gotten worse. There is not 1 specific thing that seems to trigger the effect, it is variable.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Electrical systemNHTSA 11507977
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Buick issued a Special Coverage Adjustment notice for the passenger prescence sensor Reference Number: N15202352 Letter was sent to all customers, I did not ever receive it. I recently started experiencing error messages with my airbags. Upon taking it to the dealer, the airbag sensor issue is related to the notice listed above. Because I never received the notice, I wasn't on alert for issues. I had to pay the full amount for the fix. My bigger concern is that with the airbag service error going off - if I had been in an accident, the airbag might not have deployed. This known issue should have been a recall and fixed in this car.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11489395
Fuel system

Fuel Sending Unit. Yes. Loss of power and control of vehicle due to no fuel. Mechanics have confirmed it as a common problem with GM fuel sending unit/pump No. No warnings, no lights, no indication of problem. I received a second pump and sending unit from GM and had the same problem for a 2nd time of fuel reading inaccurately and causing me to lose vehicle functionality.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11487645
Seats & seat beltsEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Verano. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat was no longer adjustable. The contact was unable to adjust the height in order to see over the steering wheel. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the check engine warning light remained illuminated; the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Incident Seats · EngineNHTSA 11465118
Fuel system

Fuel level sensor failure. I haven't checked but I don't think a regular dealer would inspect for free because it's inside of the gas tank. The gas gauge gets stuck at around a quarter of a tank leading a sensible person to assume their is gas in the vehicle. This is a safety risk because your vehicle can stall in the middle of the road as it did in my case. You lose the ability to steer the vehicle and put other vehicles behind you or around you at risk. The problem has been reproduced by me when comparing the...

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range for my vehicle (396 miles on a full tank) then resetting the trip after filling up. I then drove the vehicle across a couple weeks and the trip said I was at 335 miles and the range said 96 miles, which is an overestimate from the predicted range when filling up. I drove another 30 miles for work in the same day and the gas guage seemed to be in the exact same spot as it was earlier (and when I was stalled the time before) and my predicted range actually went up to 102 (pictures to prove all of this upon request.) And at 365 miles, it would be impossible fir my car to reach another 100 plus miles in range. My gas tank holds 15.6 miles and my average fuel economy was 25.5. When I filled the gas tank up after this trip, it put 14.7 gallons in which means I had .9 of a gallon. 25.5 × .9 is roughly 23 miles. Completely way off from the "predicted 100" it said before I filled up. Personal dealers have been completely unaware and I'm afraid to take it to a dealer in the event they try to charge me for it. No. No, there is no warning light and no check engine light. Gauge and light check works properly when vehicle is started and it runs the quick diagnostic by maxing out the gauges and turning on all of the dash lights.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11460200
Other & unknown

My car shut off while driving in a busy area. I was going 35 mph where the car just shut off while driving. I received a jump, but that only lasted long enough for me to get 2 lanes over for the car to cut off again. Myself and other drivers were at risk because someone could have ran into me and I had no power and unable to remove key from ignition or even turn the key. Police arrived but said that they are no longer allowed to touch our vehicles. For almost a year my car has been cutting off while parked, and...

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have received news that my battery had a dead cell, which was causing it to shut off. I have taken it to a mechanic who says my alternator is the issue. No warning signs or messages appear before shutting off.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11452344
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

While driving home from work, my car, lost power a few times. Though, the maintenance malfunction light did come on, it was while the issue was occurring. I mention this because, in the car's manual, it states that the light will come on BEFORE the malfunction takes place. I finally made it home, however, the car did continue to lose power while driving. The next morning I took the car to my mechanic, who experienced the same issues, then did a diagnostic test and found these results: P0011; CAM Position; RCTISATOR...

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BNK 1; TIMING OVER ADVANCE. Today while reading over all of the complaints, it is evident that this is a SERIOUS ISSUE! This malfunction is extremely dangerous and can prove to be fatal, due to losing driving power/car cutting off while driving. I am surprised that this potentially fatal malfunction is not considered to be a recall. PLEASE DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND SET A RECALL I also saw someone's post that stated, there was a Recall and Free replacement on cars with the letters PP within the VIN#, we're NOT BE SOLD or Leased in the US due to a Federation Violation and Restricted code. Somehow, I was sold one of these UNSAFE and BANNED vehicles. How do those who fall into that same category rectify this problem? Thank You for your help.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11435225
Airbags

Advanced diagnostics alerts whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not. Sensor alerts constantly while driving. If there is a passenger sometimes the airbag light isn't lit notifying the airbag is on. This happens whether the vehicle is in motion or not and has happened many, many times.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11416132
Electrical systemDriver assistance

The blind spot detectors stopped working and a warning on the dash appeared saying "service side detection system". This warning pops up every time I turn on the car and the blind spot detectors do not work when I am driving.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Lane departureNHTSA 11416069
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

SERVICE AIR BAGS IN THE SEATS COME ON EVERY YEAR.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11403685
Transmission & drivetrain

Almost all makes and models of my vehicle year are part of a recall for the transmission control module, but not mines. Transmission control module went out in my vehicle and all though alldata shows that all makes and models of my vehicle year should be covered under recall, gmc buick is telling me mines doesnt qualify! Transmission control modules never go out!! No machanic I can find has seen any go out outside recall, only mines! I do believe my car should be included in this recall. I will pay gmc 2700 to...

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repair something that should have been recalled and thats so unfair. I will continue to report and complain until justice is done and my money is returned to me. Theres no good reason or explanation given by gmc as to why my car should not be included in the recal along with all cars of its make, model, and year. Please investigate why it isnt!!

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11398935
Other & unknown

That were installed on originally... On the continental website, there are customer complaints about these tires wearing out too fast and bubbling up on sides of tires. I am experiencing both of these issues. Was told by service, that I need to pay $1100.00 Dollars. I asked to speak to service manager, now I need to pay $500.00 For tires, and get the same tires... So I get to go through this again??? What good is a warranty, and why is it not on the sticker and is not discussed during the purchase of said new vehicle! Spoke to hyndai and kia. They have bumper to bumper coverage. And no hidden surprises. Guess what kind of car will be in my driveway?

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11321402
SteeringAirbags

When driving with or without passenger the service airbag warning goes off and on the whole time while driving and being parked.Plus the service power steering warning comes on as well.

Filed Incident Steering · Air bagsNHTSA 11317027
Airbags

Airbags are constantly going on and off several times within minutes. Safety concern.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11315497

Buick Verano: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20179110Electrical systemA
201659211AirbagsB
201559021Electrical systemB
2014101631Electrical systemD
2013107341Engine & coolingC
2012106381Engine & coolingD
All Verano years

2016 Buick Verano vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2016 Buick Verano

Does the 2016 Buick Verano have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Buick Verano: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (August 2016); ignition (July 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Verano?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (23), electrical system (15), engine & cooling (8).

How many complaints has the 2016 Buick Verano had?

59 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 27, 2016 and the latest on March 29, 2026. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2016 Buick Verano a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 62 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Buick Verano year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Buick Verano years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2016 Buick Verano has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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