2016 Buick Verano Problems
Compared with other Buick Verano years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
34/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Buick Verano year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 22 of its 59 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Passenger airbag light wrong / "Service Air Bag" message (18 complaints, median 45,500 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 24,250miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Buick Verano (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the airbag system, especially the passenger presence sensor and intermittent "Service Air Bag" messages, with many complaints filed between roughly 15,000 and 55,000 miles. A second cluster involves electrical problems — blind-spot/side detection modules, gauges and radio behavior — often appearing at low mileage, while smaller groups describe stalling or loss of power and fuel gauge readings that drop off.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag light wrong / "Service Air Bag" message
- 18 complaints (31%)
- median 45,500 mi at 3.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the passenger airbag status indicator showing the bag as off with someone seated, or on with the seat empty, and a "Service Air Bag" message that appears and disappears while driving or parked. Several say dealers could not duplicate the fault or quoted repair costs for the passenger presence sensor, and some mention a GM special coverage notice for that sensor that their vehicle was not included in. A few report the message recurring after module replacement. Reported from very low mileage up to about 55,000 miles, with several complaints noting it is worse in hot, humid weather.
What to check: With the engine on, sit in the passenger seat and confirm the airbag status reads on, then check it reads off with the seat empty. Ask whether the passenger presence sensor has been replaced and whether any special coverage applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Jan 2018, the system airbag light came on while driving took it into the shop and turns out the airbag module itself has to be removed and replaced. How annoying is this on a still fairly new vehicle. Let's keep in mind I just brought it in to the shop dec 2017 for a dead battery because apparently I auto started it to much.”
NHTSA complaint #11061181, filed 2018-01, 14,530 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11587107, filed 2024-05 - Engine
Loss of power, stalling or rough shifting while driving
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 4,500 mi at 1.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the car shutting off or losing power at speed, sometimes with a hard jolt or harsh shift beforehand, and warning lights appearing at the same time. Owners report dealers either could not reproduce the problem or found cam position and timing codes; some describe repeated visits without a lasting fix. A few mention the car restarting only after being jump-started or towed. Spread from a few hundred miles on nearly new cars to around 100,000 miles, with many reports in the 25,000-75,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for any stored diagnostic codes and service history for camshaft/timing or fuel pressure codes, and take a test drive that includes a highway merge and a stop-start cycle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 any problems with Verano upon checking this morning I have found many years with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10939206, filed 2017-01, 300 miles“Beginning in may, I started noticing odd declines in accelerations, randomly, even when using cruise control. Then, I almost stalled out on the road & lost power steering. This is dangerous & scary. I took it to the dealership & reported a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear and my radio shutting off randomly, too. After looking over my car, I was told they could not 'replicate the issue' of losing power, and that they needed a code or an error message & to bring it back when I had that! …”
NHTSA complaint #11124253, filed 2018-09, 29,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Dim low-beam headlights and night visibility
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 424 mi at 1.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2018
Owners report low-beam headlights that light only a short distance ahead, making night driving difficult, and say the dealer described the output as normal. Some complaints also mention windshield tint or reflections further limiting the view at night. Several note the concern from the first weeks of ownership. Mostly reported under about 4,000 miles, typically on early night drives.
What to check: Drive the car after dark on an unlit road before buying, and ask whether the headlamps have been aimed or adjusted.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As soon as I bought this new car I was driving it at night with my dim head lights on and I could not see very far ahead of me unless I put my bright lights on, so this needs to be fixed or an accident can occur very easily !!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10871213, filed 2016-05, 3,000 miles“I purchased my 2016 Buick Verano on july 23, 2016. That evening while visiting friends, my wife and I left after it became dark. As we started to drive we noticed we could only see out of the lower quarter of the windshield. If I put the high beams on viewing becomes better. But you cannot drive around with the high beams on, all the time! I cannot drive this vehicle at night for fear of having an accident and hurting my family or another family in another vehicle. Tried to trade but they wanted to deduct $10,000.00 of my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10916244, filed 2016-10, 45 miles
Buying note. Check the airbag status indicator with and without a passenger, confirm the side detection and blind-spot systems work, and ask for service records covering the passenger presence sensor and fuel sending unit. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes and a night test drive are worthwhile given what owners describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2016 Buick Verano. 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 74% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 24,250 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,063 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Buick Verano model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 34 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags23 39%
- Electrical system15 25%
- Engine7 12%
- Other or unknown7 12%
- Exterior lighting4 6.8%
- Fuel system4 6.8%
- Seats4 6.8%
- Steering4 6.8%
Also reported: Lane departure (3), Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Brakes (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “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 turning left on a city street. A letter from Buick in december 2016 claimed that only the air bag on the passenger's side needed fixing.”
NHTSA complaint #10971512, filed 2017-04, 8,000 milesElectrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11416069, filed 2021-05, 24,000 milesEngine: “The recall and free replacement of the 2016 Buick Verano due to its car status as a federation violation and restricted code of cars not to be sold nor lease in the united states of america bearing a VIN#pp . Whereto the car has anti-lock break for hot climate country. No automatic breaking system (ABS), no traction control system (tsc), and no heating elements for the fluid case holders. Hence forth my Buick Verano 2016 car did not comply to the must requirements for all cars in snow country like USA . …”
NHTSA complaint #10876968, filed 2016-06, 4,000 milesOther or 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11321402, filed 2020-04, 28,450 milesMileage when problems were reported
74% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,000 and 50,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Buick Verano. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verano · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Buick Verano version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verano FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Verano FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Verano FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V595000Aug 11, 2016Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Buick Verano 2016
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…
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Buick Verano 2013–2014, 2016–2017, Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2016, Equinox 2010–2013 +4 more
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…
Recall details for the 2016 Buick Verano → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,063 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the Buick Verano
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 9 | 55,021 | 1 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 59 | 24,250 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 59 | 40,797 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 101 | 41,700 | 6 | 5 | 24 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 107 | 35,500 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 56,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
All Buick Verano model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Verano?
Owners of this model year most often write about the airbag system, especially the passenger presence sensor and intermittent "Service Air Bag" messages, with many complaints filed between roughly 15,000 and 55,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag light wrong / "Service Air Bag" message; Loss of power, stalling or rough shifting while driving; Dim low-beam headlights and night visibility.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Buick Verano have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2016 Buick Verano as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Buick Verano is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 23 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 15.
Has the 2016 Buick Verano been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Buick Verano do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Buick Verano 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Verano get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Buick Verano (Verano, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Buick Verano reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 24,250 miles and the middle half falls between 4,000 and 50,600 miles; 74% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.