2017 Buick Verano Safety Report

2017 Buick Verano: High crash test scores, but critical recall and concerning electrical/steering complaints.

9Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Steering (1)Visibility,Structure,Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)Steering,Power Train,Electrical System (1)Steering,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control (1)Air Bags (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Lane Departure (1)Power Train,Electrical System (1)Air Bags,Structure,Wheels (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Buick Verano

The 2017 Buick Verano presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with perfect 5-star scores in frontal and side crash tests, and a solid 4-star rating for rollover. This indicates robust occupant protection in various collision scenarios. However, despite the high ratings, the vehicle has a small number of concerning complaints and a significant recall. The vehicle has accumulated 9 total complaints, with 1 crash reported, but no injuries, fires, or deaths. A notable recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000) addresses a critical electrical system issue where the ignition key could be removed without the transmission being in PARK, leading to potential vehicle rollaway and increased injury risk. This recall specifically impacts the electrical system and ignition, which aligns with some of the reported electrical system malfunctions. Complaint patterns, though few, highlight issues with the electrical system, steering, and power train. Specific complaints describe complete dash electronics shutting off, loss of power steering, and engine stalling while driving, which are severe safety concerns. One complaint directly references the recall, stating the issue was never checked or fixed, indicating potential gaps in recall completion. Another complaint details a sudden unintended acceleration incident leading to a crash, with side airbags deploying, which is a serious malfunction. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of some reported problems, particularly those involving loss of control or unintended acceleration, warrants attention despite the strong crash test performance.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Buick Verano receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Buick Verano

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Buick Verano:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Ignition Key Removal Without Park
Recall for electronic park lock lever allowing ignition key removal without transmission in PARK, increasing rollaway risk.
High Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System Shutdown/Loss Of Power
Dash electronics, radio, and power steering turning off while driving, leading to loss of control and engine stalling.
High Occasional Unknown miles
Steering System Malfunction
Steering becoming very hard to turn or steering gear linkage failure reported.
High Occasional Unknown miles
Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle lunging forward instead of stopping, leading to a crash.
High Rare Unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Buick Verano:

Electrical System 44% of complaints

Multiple complaints about complete electrical system shutdowns, loss of power, and 'Service Stability Track' messages.

Steering 33% of complaints

Issues reported include very hard steering, steering gear linkage failure, and power steering turning off.

Power Train 22% of complaints

Complaints related to engine stalling and vehicle losing power while driving.

Air Bags 22% of complaints

Air bag warning light illumination and deployment during an unintended acceleration incident.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Buick Verano

Is the 2017 Buick Verano safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Buick Verano received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side; 4-star rollover), indicating strong occupant protection. However, there is a critical recall for potential rollaway and a small number of severe complaints regarding electrical system failures, steering loss, and unintended acceleration that raise safety concerns despite the high ratings.

What are common problems with the 2017 Buick Verano?

The most reported issues, though few in number, revolve around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44% of complaints), with instances of complete shutdowns and loss of power. STEERING problems (33%) like hard steering and power steering failure are also noted. POWER TRAIN issues (22%) such as engine stalling and AIR BAG malfunctions (22%) have also been reported.

Has the 2017 Buick Verano had any recalls?

Yes, the 2017 Buick Verano has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000) concerning the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. This recall addresses a defect where the ignition key can be removed without the transmission being in PARK, increasing the risk of vehicle rollaway and injury.

How does the 2017 Buick Verano perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Buick Verano performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Are there any issues with the electrical system?

Yes, the electrical system is a primary concern, accounting for 44% of the complaints. Issues include complete dash electronics shutting off, loss of power, radio and power steering turning off and on constantly, and 'Service Stability Track' messages. There is also a recall related to the electrical system and ignition.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Buick Verano boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify that the ignition recall has been addressed and be aware of reported electrical and steering issues, which, though infrequent, can be severe.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Buick Verano

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Buick Verano. The data includes 9 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Buick Verano an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.