The Lemon Index
201520171st generation
About average · most complaints: airbags
31 owner complaints, first 3 years 24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Hyundai Veloster 1822016 Hyundai Genesis 742016 Fiat 500
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 39,000 miles (4,800–63,000 km) (the middle half of the 24 complaints, of all 31 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 16V595000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 16V502000 (electrical) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 31 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 39K miles (5K to 63K km) on the car (24 of all 31 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Airbag system service indication light comes on, the passenger side airbag goes on and off without warning when a passenger sits down, causing the airbags to be turned off. This happens while the car is stationary and in motion.
2016 Buick Verano owner · NHTSA complaint 11182277
More owner reports
Service tire monitor system, tire pressure not reading properly, service battery charging system, battery saver active, service power steering, service air bag, radio powers off & on while driving. All light indicators
NHTSA complaint 11115114
Service airbag lights appears for driver side airbag even though all modules are new, not defective nor have they been tampered with.
NHTSA complaint 11208390
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 4.6M views · 2012–2017 Buick Verano
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door183K views
How to replace a 2015 Buick Verano cabin air filterAaron Cano · 145K views · 5 videos - Oil changes & service143K views
How To Change Oil 2014 Buick Verano 2.4 Ecotec 2012-2017FixIT · 100K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter122K views
Buick Verano Shifter knob replacement 2014 1 min straight to the point.Taylorb47 · 64K views · 4 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical115K views
Buick Verano - How to Replace / Remove the Battery (2012-2017)QuiteAlright · 86K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Intake, EGR & engine sensors46K views
2015 Buick Verano Throttlebody ServiceRick Frausto · 30K views · 3 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition37K views
2015 Buick Verano Won't Start...Has Power But Engine Won't Crank...Just Clicks...Fixed...Peter L · 37K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank31K views
2014 Buick Verano fuel pump replacementStanFixCars · 31K views - Oil leaks & gaskets29K views
How to change valve cover gasket on 2012-2018 Buick Verano 2.4LMaster Tech · 29K views
Before you buy, watch
Buick Verano 2012 - 2017 common problems, issues, defects and complaintsHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS · 105K views
2013 Dodge Dart vs Buick Verano vs Chrysler 200 0-60 MPH Starter Sedan Mashup ReviewThe Fast Lane Car · 216K views
2015 Buick Verano FWD: A Nice Little Car. Real world review and testGallup Journey Test Drives · 145K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2016 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Recalls 2
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2016 2.0L engines only
The engine fuel line assembly may be misrouted, allowing the fuel line to contact the surface of the engine.
- Electrical · recall issued 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Verano 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Buick Verano year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 5 Buick Verano years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-verano/?y=2016" title="Buick Verano reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-verano/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Buick Verano reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Buick Verano reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 101; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Verano year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2015.
What are the most common 2016 Buick Verano problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (39%), electrical (26%) and lights (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Verano have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Verano get?
24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Buick Verano safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Buick Verano problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,000 and 39,000 miles (4,800–63,000 km) (the middle half of the 24 complaints, of all 31 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2016 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2016 Buick Verano have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Buick Verano cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Buick Verano have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Verano year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2015 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works