The Worst Problems for Every Buick Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Buick problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  2. Buick Over-Promised Its MPGs

    General Motors admits their estimated gas mileage for certain 2016 SUVs was a bit too optimistic. To make up for the snafu, the automaker will pay up or offer warranty extensions to 135,000 owners.

    Continue reading article "Buick Over-Promised Its MPGs" Close up of a yellow gas pump with the word 'FuelSave' on it.

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Buick Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 15 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 24 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 30 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 2,530 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 14,425 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 190 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Buick News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. GM says it needs to bleed the brake systems of 230,000 cars.

    Some of the recalled vehicles have rear brake caliper pistons that have hydrogen gas trapped inside that could be released into the brake systems. ZF, the manufacturer of the brake pistons, didn't properly temper and chrome-coat the pistons, causing hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the bodies of the pistons.…

    keep reading article "Excess Gas Buildup in the Brake Caliper Pistons of Regal and LaCrosse"

  3. Back in May, GM admitted that they overstated the fuel economy on some 2016 SUVs and offered a compensation program as a sorry 'bout that.

    Owners received somewhere between $450 to $1500, based on a few factors, for their troubles. But that wasn't enough for some.

    A new lawsuit wants GM to pony up more cash for the decreased resale value of the 2016 Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia.…

    keep reading article "Has Enclave Lost Value Because of MPG?"

  6. The 2016 Buick Verano is a hot mess. Or at least, it will be once it catches on fire from fuel line leaks.

    General Motors found fuel lines that were not shaped correctly, causing the lines to touch the engines once installed in the vehicles. The supplier investigated and determined the machine operator responsible for the lines apparently wasn't trained well enough.…

    keep reading article "2016 Verano Recalled Because They Keep Catching on Fire"

See More News

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Buick

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint