2016 Buick Verano: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Buick Verano? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 59 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2016 Buick Verano Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2016 Buick Verano trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2016 Buick Verano Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Buick Verano has 59 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Verano
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Buick Verano Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Buick Verano?
The 2016 Buick Verano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Buick Verano
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and electrical components before purchase.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls related to the airbag system.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and electrical components before purchase.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls related to the airbag system.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Buick Verano, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Buick Verano are concentrated in airbag malfunctions and electrical faults, with a single crash-related report. The data suggests potential issues with safety systems and electronics, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints (23 out of 59).
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported component (15 complaints).
- Only one crash-related complaint was recorded across the 2016 model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 23 complaints, indicating a recurring theme of airbag system issues.
- Electrical Faults: 15 complaints, suggesting potential problems with vehicle electronics.
- Engine Problems: 8 complaints, though less frequent than airbag or electrical issues.
All 2016 Buick Verano Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Verano. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Verano. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 Ligh…
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, i…
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 wit…
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.
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 persist…
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 …
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 w…
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 ful…
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 expo…
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: [XXX] Letter was sent to all customers; I did not ever receive it as i purch…
- 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. [XXX] - This happened while driving. The vehicle would still drive, but los…
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…
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 airba…
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 sa…
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 remai…
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 ri…
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 hav…
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 fina…
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.
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 HAPP…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Buick Verano.
2016 Buick Verano Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Buick Verano. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Buick Verano Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Buick Verano reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Buick Verano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Verano?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (23 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (15 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Buick Verano?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Buick Verano?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Buick Verano, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Buick Verano have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Buick Verano. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Buick Verano?▾
The 2016 Buick Verano shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Verano reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Buick Verano based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.