Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Buick Verano problems

Owners filed 59 complaints about the 2016 Buick Verano with NHTSA between May 2016 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (23).

Complaints
59
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags23
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Power train7
  4. Engine7
  5. Steering4
  6. Seats4
  7. Fuel/propulsion system4
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  9. Exterior lighting4
  10. Lane departure3
  11. Suspension3
  12. Visibility/wiper3
  13. Structure2
  14. Wheels2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20165
20179
20188
20199
20206
20215
20225
20232
20244
20254
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

23 reports1 crash
“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, it’s been widely documented by other consumers of having the same problem with the transmission failing prematurely on these type of vehicles as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2026Air bags, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11715188

Electrical system

15 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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 applied pressure). Mobile mechanic reader coded my vehicle with U0101 “Lost Communication with TCM”. After touching that TCM connection all of the service lights randomly turned back off, and the vehicle drove (temporarily) normal. No repairs were performed due to possible recall concerns.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11727752

Power train

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2025Power trainODI 11677381

Engine

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2025EngineODI 11653419

Steering

4 reports
“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 that’s the way they’re 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 specific thing that seems to trigger the effect, it is variable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2023Steering, Suspension, Electrical systemODI 11507977

Seats

4 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2022Air bags, SeatsODI 11489395
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.