VehicleVerdict

2016 Buick Verano problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Buick Verano sits mid-pack among Verano years: 97 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 121, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (23), electrical system (19), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

97

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Verano years?

Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted169 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 156 complaints2014: 169 complaints2015: 82 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 19 complaints
Verano NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Verano years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Buick Verano problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2324%
Electrical System1920%
Engine88%
Transmission77%
Other77%
Seats44%
Fuel System44%
Lighting44%
Steering44%
Suspension33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Driver Assistance33%
Brakes22%
Body & Structure22%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2016 Buick Verano have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V595000Fuel SystemAugust 11, 2016 · 189 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the fuel line contacts the engine, the fuel line may wear, resulting in a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE DRIVER AS WELL AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER LOSES THE BENEFIT OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE AIRBAG STATUS INDICATOR LIGHTS. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN MY CRASH IN WHICH THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER INJURED. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 19, 2016 · crash

“WHILE CAR WAS UNATTENDED AT NIGHT AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A FIRE STARTED, APPARENTLY UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, STARTING AT THE BOTTOM AND CONTINUING UP TO THE WINDOW OPENING. THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN THE NEXT DAY AND ALL THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 6, 2017 · fire

“WAS DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY GOING 65 WHEN CAR TOTALLY TURNED OFF OR STALLED. IT SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME. HAVEN'T EVEN MADE MY FIRST CAR PAYMENT YET. CALLED DEALER THEY WANTED ME TO WAIT TILL TOMORROW ARE THEY KIDDING. THEY FINALLY AGREED TO GIVE ME A LENDER CAR. SALESMAN SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 3, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK VERANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE CEASED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 20, 2020

“WHILE CAR WAS UNATTENDED AT NIGHT AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A FIRE STARTED, APPARENTLY UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, STARTING AT THE BOTTOM AND CONTINUING UP TO THE WINDOW OPENING. THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN THE NEXT DAY AND ALL THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 6, 2017 · fire

2016 Buick Verano — common questions

Is the 2016 Buick Verano reliable?

It is close to typical for the Verano: 97 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Verano problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (23 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2016 Buick Verano have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Buick Verano. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

How safe is the 2016 Buick Verano?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Buick Verano earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.