2016 Buick Cascada reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Buick Cascada holds 22 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is the most complaints per year among the 4 Cascada years on this site. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Power windows.

Complaints

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Structure (10 of 22), then Visibility (4) and Electrical system (3).

Next to 2017

The 2017 Cascada has 15 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Buick Cascada. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (1)

Recall visibility, power windows 2016-11-21 · NHTSA campaign 16V844000

Summary 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."

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.

Complaints by component (22 total)

Structure

Visibility

Electrical system

Engine

Engine and engine cooling

Wheels

Seat belts

Service brakes

Visibility and wipers

Show 1 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"After owning for a year, it started idling very rough. Took it to a shop and there was a GM Service Bulletin issued on these cars N192291620 that expired on 6/2026. They would not reimburse me as it expired and car was…"
Engine · filed 2026-09-17
"The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal squealing sound. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the dealer, where it was…"
Engine and engine cooling · filed 2026-06-23
"Buick Cascada back window on the convertible tops coming apart, causing flooding inside the car, also there's a danger the window will come out driving down the road. Buick refuses to do anything."
Structure, Unknown or other · filed 2026-04-14
"The rear window of the convertible top starts to pull away from the top itself. Could separate and displace entirely causing damage or injury behind."
Structure, Unknown or other · filed 2026-02-18
"The back window on the convertible top has separated from the fabric. Buick dealership said it was not a covered item under the extended warranty. We tried to glue it back down but it keeps separating all around.…"
Structure · filed 2026-02-18

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2016 Buick Cascada C FWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Cascada	1.6L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	Front-wheel drive	20	27	23 MPG	$2800

Specs and fitment

First generation, 2016–2019

Body styles Convertible

Oil 5W-30 (all temps); 0W-30 below -29°C (1.6L turbo) , 5.8 qt capacity

Tire size 245/40R20

Known issues for this generation

Recall 16V-844 covers certain 2016 Buick Cascada vehicles manufactured December 1, 2015, to February 24, 2016: the original convertible roof control module (CRCM) may have been replaced with an incorrect CRCM that allows the windows to close automatically when the roof is operated, which can increase injury risk. Dealers replace the CRCM with the correct module.

Compare

Next year 2017 Buick Cascada See every Buick Cascada model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Buick Cascada reliable?

What are common problems with a 2016 Buick Cascada?

The complaints owners file most often name Structure (10 of 22), then Visibility (4) and Electrical system (3).

Is the 2016 Buick Cascada more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 Cascada has 15 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Buick Cascada been recalled?

The 2016 Buick Cascada has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Buick Cascada?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2016 Buick Cascada with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2016 Buick Cascada get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2016 Buick Cascada is 23 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Buick Cascada use?

The 1.6L turbo is commonly specified with 5W-30 (0W-30 below −29 °C) and about 5.8 qt with filter.

What tire size is on the Buick Cascada?

Factory fitment is 245/40R20 on all four corners for typical U.S. Cascada convertibles.

What recall covers the Cascada convertible roof module?

Recall 16V-844 covers certain early-2016 Cascada builds where an incorrect convertible roof control module may allow windows to close automatically during roof operation; dealers install the correct CRCM.