Owners have filed 34 complaints
about the 2016 Buick Cascada with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 81
Against the median year of the Buick Cascada. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 96
56% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
16.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
531.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
318.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
212.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
212.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
318.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2016peak 3Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Buick Cascada
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2016 Buick Cascada
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V844000
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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 19,000 milesChristiansburg, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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 diagnosed with a PCV valve failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loudon, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11731096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loudon, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11731096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myrtle Beach, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myrtle Beach, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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. Dangerous situation because it could separate completely during travel and cause an accident/injury to others. Should be a recall item since it is being reported by several other Cascada owners.
NHTSA complaint #11718833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11688051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suwanee, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11688051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSouthold, NY
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that when his wife entered the vehicle, the rear passenger’s side window automatically rolled down when the vehicle was started. The contact was unable to confirm if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V844000 (Visibility). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canyon, TX
SEAT BELTS
The motor is out of the seat belt presenter on the driver's side. It does not present and makes a horrible sound. This part was ordered in July, 2024. I've contacted the dealer and Buick directly to find out when I can expect the part to be replaced. They've told me that the back is on an extended back order. I asked if the part could be replaced with a used part. They told me that because it's a safety-sensitive part, it has to be replaced with a new part. But this part has been on back order for months with no delivery in sight, and they expect me to drive my car like this with this "safety" issue compromised.
NHTSA complaint #11630157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating could render the rear defrost inoperable, too, decreasing visibility. NHTSA bulletin 17-NA-216 describes this problem; why was no recall ever issued?
NHTSA complaint #11582433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating could render the rear defrost inoperable, too, decreasing visibility. NHTSA bulletin 17-NA-216 describes this problem; why was no recall ever issued?
NHTSA complaint #11582433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blaine, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The rear window on the Cascada is known to separate from the convertible top material, likely due to an insufficient amount of primer used during the assembly process, which creates stress points allowing the material to separate from the glass. Once this bond has started to fail, it is eventually going to lead to the glass completely falling off the car. It is likely that the glass separating could render the rear defrost inoperable, too, decreasing visibility. NHTSA bulletin 17-NA-216 describes this problem; why was no recall ever issued?
NHTSA complaint #11582433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My convertible top is not lining up with the windows. When it rain water on the floor . U don’t see where it’s coming from . I just see large amount of water
NHTSA complaint #11580207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
My convertible top is not lining up with the windows. When it rain water on the floor . U don’t see where it’s coming from . I just see large amount of water
NHTSA complaint #11580207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capitol Heights, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My convertible top is not lining up with the windows. When it rain water on the floor . U don’t see where it’s coming from . I just see large amount of water
NHTSA complaint #11580207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRancho Santa Margarita, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that the rear windshield glass had begun to separate from the convertible top headliner. The contact attempted to repair the failure by using epoxy glue, but the failure returned over time. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where she was provided a quote to replace the top. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin Manufacturer Communication Number: 17NA216 which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesRancho Santa Margarita, CA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that the rear windshield glass had begun to separate from the convertible top headliner. The contact attempted to repair the failure by using epoxy glue, but the failure returned over time. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where she was provided a quote to replace the top. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a service bulletin Manufacturer Communication Number: 17NA216 which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Janesville, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My rear window of my car is becoming unglued from the top. I talked to the GM dealership nearby, and they told me I needed a new top. There was a memo put out in 2019 stating that this was happening due to not having enough primer from the manufacturer. This is a safety hazard. If my window falls out, it can create a crash and harm any vehicle behind me. If GM knew this part was bad because of a manufacturer, they should be liable to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11455952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
My back window glass on convertible too is coming unsealed from the convertible top, if I pay to replace the top this has been reported 6 times already, and will happen again. Pointless to pay $3,000 dollars to have my top replaced. The glass is going to end up coming completely unsealed and fly off and hit someone’s car and cause an accident. My car has low milage and is financed under a reputable Buick dealership. This needs to be recalled immediately! The pictures I submitted are from a week ago, and the glass is now even more separated from the fabric.
NHTSA complaint #11450750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesBaldwin, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that the rear windshield separated from the convertible top making it difficult to secure the top of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the window and top of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMilan, MI
WHEELS
I PURCHASED MY 2016 BUICK CASCADA IN 2017, IN THE SUMMER OF 2018 I NOTICED THE PAINT CHIPPING OFF ALL 4 OF MY RIMS. THEN IN DECEMBER OF 2020 I NOTICED THE BACK WINDOW STARTED TO BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TOP, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. I PAID $38,000 FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS FALLING APART. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY GENERAL MOTORS IT'S NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?
NHTSA complaint #11396566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMilan, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED MY 2016 BUICK CASCADA IN 2017, IN THE SUMMER OF 2018 I NOTICED THE PAINT CHIPPING OFF ALL 4 OF MY RIMS. THEN IN DECEMBER OF 2020 I NOTICED THE BACK WINDOW STARTED TO BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TOP, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. I PAID $38,000 FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS FALLING APART. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY GENERAL MOTORS IT'S NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?
NHTSA complaint #11396566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BACK WINDOW IS COMING AWAY FROM THE FABRIC TOP. HAD BEEN GETTING WORSE FOR MONTHS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP I DID THAT MONTHS AGO, WHEN I STILL HAD WARRANTY. NOTHING WAS DONE. I HAVE TAKEN IT AGAIN TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE WINDOW IS COMING OUT MORE. I NOW HAVE TO GET IT FIXED AND I HAVE TO PAY A PORTION OF THE COST OF A NEW TOP, SINCE THE WINDOW CANNOT BE PUT BACK PROPERLY. I AM MAD THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HELP WHEN IT FIRST STARTED AND THAT MOW. I HAVE TO PAY SOME NOW THAT I AM OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11378152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesRaynham, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE REAR GLASS WINDOW IS LIFTING ON THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. MY HUSBAND JUST NOTICED IT ONE DAY. A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS RELEASED BY GM IN NOVEMBER, 2019 REGARDING THIS ISSUE. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER IT AS IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE. SAFETY HAZARD: IF I DRIVE WITH MY WINDOWS OPEN AND TOP UP, I'M AFRAID THE PRESSURE WILL CAUSE THE WINDOW TO DETACH, WHICH WOULD INJURE ANY VEHICLE BEHIND ME. THIS SHOULD BE A GM RECALL. THE GLASS CAN NOT BE REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE SOFT TOP.
NHTSA complaint #11339734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.