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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-BUICK-VERANONHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Buick
2016 Buick Verano problems
The 2016 Buick Verano has 59 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Buick Verano has 59 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 14 complaints, typically surfacing around 63,857 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Verano?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 Buick Verano? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 14 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,857 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,920 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 37,250 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 52,365 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 63,857 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Verano· electrical
- 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…
With regard to my complaint # 11040554 filed on line last month. Please be advised that so far no serious action have been taken to fix the problem in spite as per the gm adviser mr craig to check the car with two different Buick dealer mechanics who failed to address the…
Pass air bag light was off most the time when a pass is there. Reported the problem two times to gm dealer near to me. But the dealer was unable to fix it. Call gm and reported it, with a case # [xxx] on 10/26/17, without any response till now. Please advise me about…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Buick verano. While attempting to make a left turn, part of the subframe connected to the windshield obstructed the contact's vision. The issue made it difficult to effectively complete the turn. As a result, the contact drove over a curb. The vehicle…
Had a problem with your 2016 Buick Verano?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
If the fuel line contacts the engine, the fuel line may wear, resulting in a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Buick Verano reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Buick Verano is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Buick Verano?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Buick Verano does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Buick Verano?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 14 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,857 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Buick Verano a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 59 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 63,857 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Buick Verano?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 14 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,857 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 63,857 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Verano has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Buick Verano?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 59 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Buick/Verano.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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