Total Complaints
94 filings
BUICK VERANO · model year
94 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2016BUICKVERANO carries 94 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 3 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 VERANO is air bags with 23 filings, followed by electrical system (14) and engine (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2016 VERANO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
94 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 23 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14 |
| ENGINE | 7 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 |
| SEATS | 4 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 3 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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, 201
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. 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, itâs been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmiss
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. 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, itâs been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmiss
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. 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, itâs been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmiss
After consulting with a certified technician, Iâve learned this model uses the same 6-speed transmission (6T40) found in several GM vehicles, and that itâs widely known to fail prematurelyâmany as early as 100Kâ117K 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.
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 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.
Mileage: 189,000
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.
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 âAir Bag Offâ and âService Air Bagâ 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.
Mileage: 134,700
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
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.
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.
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 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 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)
- 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 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 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)
- 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 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 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)
- 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 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 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)
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 thatâs the way theyâre supposed to be. Only 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 spe
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 thatâs the way theyâre supposed to be. Only 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 spe
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 thatâs the way theyâre supposed to be. Only 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 spe
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.
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.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.