Buick

Cascada (1st)

2016-2019 · Compact Convertible · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.0)
45 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

IWC - SIDI: Spark Ignited Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, HO: High Output, FAM 1, GEN 4, GME

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 200 hp
⚠️ Caution (3.0)
44 complaints 8.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
15
body
14
other
9
cooling
5
electrical
4

Known Issues

Engine Issues (15 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (14 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (5 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Buick Cascada Unidentified Engine

Recommended (4.1)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Buick Cascada regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (15 complaints)
engine cosmetic
Body/Trim Issues (14 complaints)
body cosmetic
Cooling System Issues (5 complaints)
cooling cosmetic

Recalls (1)

16V844000Nov 20, 2016serious
Visibility

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2019 Buick Cascada problems?

The 2016-2019 Buick Cascada has accumulated 45 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Body/Trim, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Buick Cascada engine is most reliable?

The 2016-2019 Buick Cascada was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2016-2019 Buick Cascada a good used car?

The 2016-2019 Buick Cascada can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 45 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2019 Buick Cascada have?

The 2016-2019 Buick Cascada has 45 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2016-2019 Buick Cascada?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2016-2019 Buick Cascada vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Buick Cascada?

Before buying a used Buick Cascada, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Body/Trim, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Cascada?

The 2019 Buick Cascada received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 45 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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