Buick Cascada problems
The Opel Cascada is a four-passenger fabric-roof convertible, manufactured and marketed by Opel across a single generation for model years 2013-2019, prioritizing year-round touring comfort over sportiness.
Nearly identical badge engineered variants were marketed globally using the Cascada nameplate under four General Motors brands: Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Buick — and the Opel Cabrio nameplate in Spain.
The 2+2 convertible was engineered at Opel's International Technical Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and was styled under the direction of Mark Adams, head of Opel design, at Opel's Rüsselsheim Design Center — with Andrew Dyson (exterior) and Elizabeth Wetzel (interior).
After debuting at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, the brand variants were manufactured in Gliwice, Poland, up until assembly ended on 28 June 2019 — with a combined total of 48,500 produced and the final Cascada manufactured for the US market.
The Cascada derives its name from the Spanish word for waterfall.
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Buick Cascada model years
Common Buick Cascada problems
The Buick Cascada is a mid-size convertible with four-person seating and front-wheel drive, produced from 2016 to 2019. While generally reliable, certain common problems have been reported by owners.
- Lack of Convertible Top Retracting: The convertible top has been a source of frustration for some owners. In the 2016 model, there were complaints about the convertible top not retracting with the key fob. This issue can be inconvenient and may require professional assistance to resolve.
- Window Opening Randomly: Windows opening randomly is another problem reported by Buick Cascada owners. This issue has been noted in various models, including the 2016 and 2017 versions. Random window operation can be distracting and may require a visit to a dealership or mechanic for a fix.
- Worn Out Parts: As with any vehicle, parts can wear out over time. In the case of the Buick Cascada, the rear window has been known to pop out, even in relatively new models. This issue has been reported in the 2016 and 2017 models and can cost around $3,000 to fix, which is not covered by insurance.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems have also been reported by Buick Cascada owners. For example, the front collision system has failed to work properly in some 2017 models, and the infotainment system has frozen in others. These issues can affect the safety and convenience of the vehicle.
While these problems can be frustrating, it is important to note that the Buick Cascada ranks 1st in reliability out of 15 Buick models, with only 8 complaints made over 4 model years, mostly about interior issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience with the Buick Cascada.
What is the problem with the Buick Cascada convertible top?
Convertible Top Malfunctions. Owners of the 2019 Buick Cascada have reported issues with the convertible top, including difficulties in proper opening and closing, leaks, and operational glitches.
Is Buick Cascada a reliable car?
It has excellent reliability scores compared to other Buicks and vehicles. Although there are some issues with the Buick Cascada, it's an excellent choice on the market. In its short time, it displayed dependability.
Why was the Buick Cascada discontinued?
Opel is a German manufacturer that was recently sold to French automaker Groupe PSA for 2.2-Billion euros. Buick didn't originally anticipate the sale would end the production or future of the Buick Cascada, but after poor sales of the brand, the automaker ultimately decided to discontinue building them.
How many miles per gallon does a Buick Cascada get?
24 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 2019 Buick Cascada | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic (S6) Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Premium Gasoline 24 combined city/highway MPG 21 city 29 highway 4.2 gals/100 miles |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Buick Cascada years
We have researched Buick problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Buick Cascada cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Buick Cascada model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Buick Cascada model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Buick Cascada years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Buick Cascada car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Buick Cascada , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Buick Cascada vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cascada model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cascada model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Buick Cascada . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Buick Cascada vehicles.
List of Buick Cascada complaints
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: W04WJ3N59HG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: A squealing sound was coming from the top of my engine and I had low/rough idle and it progressed to a low voltage output and check engine lights. I was able to use GM's Special Coverage Adjustment N232395320 Camshaft Cover (for the 2019 Cascada) and Special Coverage Adjustment N192291620 Camshaft Cover Replacement (for the 2016 Cascada) to CONFIRM that I had a broken/cracked PCV. The PCV vent constantly pulled vacuum (was stuck open to atmosphere) and the sound was only relieved by removing the dip stick. I took my car to the Buick Dealership for an official Diagnostic repair order and to contact GM. The dealership did a poor job of communicating the issue but eventually reported that my PCV was leaking. This is a $1800-$2000 repair(I'm outside my warranty period as I'm at 72K miles) that GM only offered $110 to the dealership as cost assistance. The offer does not cover the $170 diagnostic fee. The PCV in the Casada is integrated into the Camshaft cover and requires that then entire cover be replaced for the repair. There is NO part number difference in the Camshaft cover between model years 2016 thru 2019 Cascadas. I believe that the 2017 should be included in the same Special coverage as the 2016 and 2019 model years. This issue has been noted in several Casada forums and is also the same as NHTSA complaint IDs: 11593462, 11587414, 11574318, 11515179. Note: I would like to attach a video of the testing required to confirm the PCV issue per the Special Coverage Adjustments noted above, but it is not in your supported file submissions formats. Please provide me with an email, drop box, etc location and I will forward it.
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-10
- VIN: W04WH3N5XHG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock combustion vibration control system had failed. The dealer determined that the valve cover, the PCV valve, the head gasket, and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an unknown Warranty Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 21,318.
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-07
- VIN: W04WH3N58HG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Buick Cascada. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the diaphragm inside the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve had ruptured. The part was replaced by the mechanic. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure was covered under warranty through the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied the request for a reimbursement since the vehicle was not serviced at the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,928.
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-11
- VIN: W04WT3N56GG
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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?
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-30
- VIN: W04WT3N51GG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-27
- VIN: W04WH3N55HG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Took 2017 Buick Cascada in for repair following whistling noise and stalling while idle. This vehicle only has 42K miles. The mechanic was concerned this could/should be a recall issue due to the low mileage on the vehicle. On Google searches, I found similar issues were reported and GM extended the warranty on Buick Cascadas for different years. Both the 2016 and 2019 had a Global Warranty for PCV issues and Camshaft covers. "GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS [XXX] URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: February 16, 2023 Subject: [XXX]- Special Coverage Camshaft Cover The mechanic stated, "the built-in PCV system has failed causing a vacuum issue within the engine and requires the entire camshaft cover to need replacement." The mechanic was unable to do the repair and suggested the vehicle be taken to a GM dealership. It is scheduled for repair at McElveeen Buick in Summerville, SC in the next couple of days. The check engine warning light is on and the vehicle has stalled while idling in traffic. There is a whistling noise resembling a worn belt noise in the right front of the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Buick Cascada 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-18
- VIN: W04WJ3N58JG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 17-NA-216 was originally issued in in 2017 updated in 2019 to include 2018 model. Back windshield detaches from canvas/folding top. Was concerned primarily about safety of my child who drives car that windshield would completely fly off when driving. I replaced the folding top cover per bulletin. GM refused to reimburse stating not recalled since not safety issue. I disagree. Damage it could cause if flys off while driving could cause an accident for driver or other cars on the road who are hit with window or avoid being hit.
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-03
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-03
- VIN: W04WH3N5XHG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I HAVE NOTICED IN A BUICK THREAD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD A PCV VALVE GO BAD ON 2017 BUICK CASCADA. THE PROBLEM IS BUICK BUILT THIS VALVE INTO THE VALVE COVER,IT CAN NOT BE REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE WHOLE ALUMINUM COVER. THE COVER WAS A SMALL 900.00$ FEE , PLUS ANOTHER 5-600 FOR MECHANIC. SEEMS TO ME THEY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PCV VALVES, SINCE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. PCV VALVE IS AN IMPORTANT PART TO EMISSIONS AND THE CAR.
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-16
- VIN: W04WJ3N57HG
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Convertible Top Back glass Separation from Top Cover Material. The back glass window separated from the canvas roof, it started in the bottom corner of the glass window.
Buick Cascada 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-21
- VIN: w04wh3n5xhg
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Rear windshield is delaminating from the frame on the convertible top.
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-05-25
- VIN: W04WT3N59GG
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-09
- VIN: W04WT3N57GG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-07
- VIN: W04WT3N56GG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
Buick Cascada 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact rented a 2018 Buick Cascada. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond, which caused another vehicle going at an undisclosed speed to crash into the front driver side of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious and was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of emergency services. The contact went to the hospital the next day and was informed she had sustained a broken sternum. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised to tow the vehicle to their location so they could diagnose it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The VIN and failure mileage was unavailable.
Buick Cascada 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-06-09
- VIN: w04wt3n57gg
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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.
Recalls Buick Cascada
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Buick Cascada.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Buick Cascada 2016
- Report Received Date: 2016-11-21
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
Latest negative Buick Cascada car reviews
Latest positive Buick Cascada car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2016
This car is really solid and handles very well, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth ride. While it may not be a high-performance car like a Mustang or Camaro, the 4-cylinder turbo still moves you down the road with ease. I appreciate that all the controls are easily accessible and that it has a key to start, which is a nice throwback to classic cars. People everywhere I go are very positive about the car's looks, which is sure to bring in lots of traffic to the dealership. It's a fun car to drive, and that's what it's all about. On hot days, the A/C works really well and keeps you comfortable. I've driven 33,000 miles trouble-free and it's still a dream to drive. Once the temperature hits 65 degrees, it's top down and out for a ride. Overall, this car is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and reliable ride.
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Vehicle year: 2017
I recently visited a Buick dealership near me to learn about the Cascada and take it for a test drive. The showroom car looked stunning both inside and out. However, I was disappointed to find out that the trunk could not be opened by anyone in the dealership. It does not have a keyhole or an open lever/switch inside the car. The only way to open it is to press a plate on the trunk hood, but unfortunately, the battery was dead and it wouldn't work. Additionally, I was hoping for a driver seat with memory, but unfortunately, it doesn't have that feature. On the bright side, the back seat passenger is given more consideration as the seat stops if their knees are hit. Although I don't usually have passengers in the back seat, it's a nice feature. I was also informed that the 2017 model will bring an alarm sensor for when the top is down, which is a great improvement. However, I think I will wait for the next model to come out before making a decision. The hands-free microphone worked well with the top down, but the radio speaker quality was poor. On the other hand, the top went up and down smoothly without having to use latches to lock it, which is a great feature. The premium accessories include a windbreaker that has to be manually attached each time to avoid draft on the driver/front passenger back and the same for the back seat. I didn't test it, but I'm not a fan of the sound of that. Overall, I really enjoyed the ride, and although the acceleration was underwhelming, the car did pick up speed better than expected. This could very well be my next car and first convertible, but I will wait for next year's model with improvements that I hope will make me want to drive right out of the showroom as soon as possible.
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Vehicle year: 2018
Just a friendly reminder that this car is designed for two people. It might not be the most comfortable option for anyone sitting in the backseat during a long drive.
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Vehicle year: 2017
My wife and I had a Pontiac G6 convertible and a VW EOS. We recently got a new car that we absolutely love! It's so comfortable and the sound system is great. We even took it on a road trip from Tampa to Naples, FL and got 29.8 MPG, which we were really happy with. We can't wait to take it out for more drives!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I recently bought this car for my wife, and we have only had it for a few weeks. I was originally looking for a classic American convertible, like a 1960s Buick LeSabre or Pontiac Catalina, but unfortunately, those big, roomy American verts are no longer available. I also considered a 2 series BMW or a CPO E350 convertible, but I decided to check out this car as well. I'm glad I did! This car has a comfortable, adult-sized back seat, a big trunk for a convertible, and it drives well. The front seats are wonderful, and the car looks great in blue with a cream interior. It feels solid and is perfect for cruising, which is exactly what I wanted. The top works like a dream, and the car is very quiet with the top up. The Bose stereo is also solid. Although there are a few negatives, such as the lack of a memory driver's seat, the low profile 20-inch tires that can be jarring on rough pavement, and the poor rearward view with the top up, this car is still a great choice. Some people have complained about the gadgets in the car, like the nav and lane change assist, but I have an iPhone for nav, and I prefer to drive without electronic nanny steering my car. As far as they go, these gadgets work okay, but I do not need them or want them on this or any other car. If you're looking for a relatively affordable convertible that looks great and makes you smile, this could be the car for you. Update: We've had the car for about six months now, and we've loved every minute of it. It's a great car! Update: The car now has 26,900 miles on it. We've had two unscheduled maintenance issues, one being a tire puncture and the other being a windshield washer motor that went out, but both were repaired under warranty. Despite these minor issues, we still love the car and would highly recommend it. Update: For owners, I would suggest keeping the tire pressure at a high 35 PSI (cold) to enhance gas mileage. Thank you for considering this car!I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share that I've been running my car at between 30-32 PSI (when it's cold) and it's made a noticeable difference in the ride quality. Where I live, rough pavement and potholes are the norm, so this has been a game-changer for me in terms of comfort.
Are you having problems with your Buick Cascada?
Glen Farrell 2025-02-18
Vehicle year: 2016
The 2016 Cascada has unfortunately experienced some issues with its convertible top, resulting in multiple visits to the dealership for repairs. Despite initial resistance from the first dealership, the issue was eventually diagnosed and resolved by a more attentive technician at a different dealership. However, the problem has persisted and required further adjustments and replacements. While these issues have been frustrating, they have been addressed by the dealership and the car is now functioning properly.Although the service team was polite and helpful, I did not purchase the vehicle to have it in service more than I am able to drive it. I am confident in my decision to regret the whole purchase at this point. UPDATE: 12/14/2016 GM and I reached an agreement that included a buy-back of the Cascada.
Nasir Smith 2025-02-04
Vehicle year: 2016
The car has some areas that could be improved. The visibility is poor due to the sensing equipment blocking the front window view and the rear window visibility being limited. The Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning could be more effective, as they do not seem to prevent accidents. However, the car does have some great features such as the Autonomous Cruise Control, Blind Spot Alert, Rainsense, Auto on/off headlamp control, and climate control. The car handles extremely well and has a powerful engine. The backseat pass through is also a great feature. Although the car has limited storage space and the navigation system could be better, overall it is a nice car. It is important to note that the car is manufactured in various countries and distributed under different names, but it is still a quality American car.Overall, I like it, but it needs some improvements as mentioned above. UPDATE: I have now had the car for several months. I tried to put the top down using the key fob as stated in the manual and as instructed by the dealer. Unfortunately, the windows retracted but stopped at that point and the top wouldn't go down. I took it to the dealer and they worked on it for about 2 hours. They called the manufacturer when they couldn't figure out the problem. Long story short, GM decided not to install the software until the 2017 Cascada (it is on the Canadian version). I called and complained to GM, but even though the dealer thought the software was there and the manual states it's there, GM won't fix the problem. I thought GM emerged from bankruptcy as a new and improved company. Unfortunately, their customer service is still not up to par. This will be the last GM car I will own.
Zachariah Kuhlman 2024-11-19
Vehicle year: 2018
Nice car! The price is great too. Although, the engine might be a bit noisy and not as powerful as some others.
Shad Jenkins 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 2017
1. The ride may feel a bit stiff and bumpy, but that's to be expected from a convertible. 2. Unfortunately, the top got stuck in the open position on a cloudy day when rain was coming, but a simple spring oiling should fix the issue. 3. Please note that GM authorized wipers are required for optimal performance, as after-market wipers may not work properly. Also, the left wipers may get stuck in the up position, which is not clearly stated in the owner's manual. 4. While the navigation system may have some issues, the dealer is working hard to fix it by downloading new software. Sometimes it may direct you to turn on roads that do not exist, or ask you to prepare to turn left on double and triple lane highways before suddenly asking you to turn right in 100 feet. Additionally, the route to a location may vary after the last software download, but the system is still able to accept addresses as before.
Ferne Corwin 2024-11-01
Vehicle year: 2017
Nice car! The price is great too. Although, the engine might be a bit noisy and not as powerful as some others.