2016 Buick Cascada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Buick Cascada ranks worst of the 4 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 22 complaints, mostly about the convertible top's rear window separating from the fabric. It carries 1 recall for a faulty convertible roof control module.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 4 Cascada years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 Buick Cascada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body10 (45%)
- Other7 (32%)
- Engine5 (23%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (18%)
- Electrical System3 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (9%)
- Brakes1 (5%)
- Seat Belts1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear windshield glass separates from the convertible top fabric, sometimes described as coming unsealed at a corner.
- Owners tried epoxy or adhesive fixes but the separation returned over time.
- Front camera and related safety features failed shortly after startup at very low mileage.
- Vehicle stalled or shut off completely while driving at various speeds, with repeated failed repair attempts.
- Front brakes locked up unexpectedly on city streets and highways within the same two-week period.
- A cracked frame was found during a routine oil change at low mileage.
2016 Buick Cascada recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V844000Nov 21, 2016Visibility & Wipers4 vehicles
Visibility:power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Buick Cascada vehicles manufactured December 1, 2015, to February 24, 2016. The affected vehicles may have had the original convertible roof control module (CRCM) replaced with an incorrect CRCM, that allows the windows to close automatically when the roof is closed and can allow the windows to be closed remotely from distances beyond 11 meters using the key fob. As such, these vehicles no longer meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk: If the windows close automatically or can be closed remotely in ways that do not meet all the requirements of FMVSS 118, the unexpected closure can increase the risk of injury to the passengers.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the CRCM with correct module, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 16126.
2016 Buick Cascada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Cascada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Buick Cascada reliable?
- Among the 4 Cascada model years with data, 2016 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst, earning an Avoid verdict. Later years like 2019 (index 0) report far fewer complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Buick Cascada?
- Structure & Body complaints make up 45% of reports for this year, mostly involving the convertible top's rear window separating from the fabric roof, with a median failure mileage of 36,000.
- Does the 2016 Buick Cascada have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (16V844000) covers a faulty convertible roof control module that could affect the top's operation. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- Which Buick Cascada year should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2016 is the year to avoid, ranking worst of the 4 years tracked with a complaint index of 100 versus 0 for 2019.
- How many complaints does NHTSA list for the 2016 Buick Cascada?
- NHTSA lists 22 complaints for the 2016 Cascada, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.