2016 Buick Verano problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Buick Verano, most often about airbags. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 45,500 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Airbags is the most-reported problem area, named in 11 of 28 complaints (39%).
- Electrical System (7) and transmission & drivetrain (5) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 45,500 mi.
- The 2016 Buick Verano has 2 recalls on file.
- It ranks 5th of 6 Buick Verano model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
2016 Buick Verano problems by category
- Airbags11 complaints
- Electrical System7 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain5 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Engine3 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech3 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts3 complaints
- Steering3 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion2 complaints
- Suspension2 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control1 complaints
- Body & Structure1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 11 |
| Electrical system | 7 |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
| Power train | 4 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Lane departure: blind spot detection | 3 |
| Seats | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2016 Buick Verano recalls (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.
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.
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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."
Risk: 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.
Recent 2016 Buick Verano complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Mar 29, 2026NVElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11727752 · source - Filed Feb 3, 2026AZAirbagsEngineOther / Unknown
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…
NHTSA complaint #11715188 · source - Filed Jul 30, 2025GATransmission & 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.
NHTSA complaint #11677381 · source - Filed Jul 28, 2025NCBody & 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.
NHTSA complaint #11676782 · source - Filed Jun 30, 2025189,000 miTXElectrical 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.
NHTSA complaint #11670260 · source - Filed Apr 8, 2025CAEngine
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.
NHTSA complaint #11653419 · source - Filed Aug 20, 2024134,700 miIDAirbags
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…
NHTSA complaint #11609743 · source - Filed May 6, 2024TXAirbags
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…
NHTSA complaint #11587107 · source
Compare the 2016 Buick Verano with another vehicle →
Other 2016 Buick models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology