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.
Social links
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
-
Vehicle year: 2016
2020 UPDATE: Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share some exciting news with you - my partner and I just got back from an amazing road trip around Colorado in our 2016 Buick Cascada! We spent hours cruising with the top down, taking in the beautiful mountain air. The fold-down back seats were a lifesaver for all our luggage and coolers, and it was so easy to load and unload everything with the top down. We're absolutely in love with this car and plan on keeping it in the family for a long time to come. As of now, we haven't even hit 18,000 miles yet!2019 UPDATE: Happy New Year! I hope you're having a great start to 2019. I just wanted to give you a quick update on my 2016 Buick Cascada - I still own it and love it just as much as the day I bought it. I live in Colorado, so I was a bit hesitant about owning a convertible at first, but it's been perfect for those mild fall, winter, and spring days - especially with the heated seats! I haven't had any mechanical issues with the car, and it still looks as good as new. I have learned a few lessons along the way, though - like not leaving the top down under a tree on a fall afternoon! When I purchased the car in October 2017, it only had 5k miles on it and was still under factory warranty. We got an amazing deal on it since it was considered When driving long-distance with the top down, we made sure to put on plenty of sunblock. I was worried about it being too hot in the summer with the top down, but we discovered that with the windows up and the air conditioner on, there was no issue with wind or temperature. Driving through the mountains and cities with the top down is amazing because you get a panoramic view of everything. It's incredible what you get to see with the top down! I am very impressed with the overall performance of this car on the highway. It keeps pace with other cars even going up/down mountain passes. The handling is very smooth. Since we were on a 2-week road trip, I was concerned about luggage space, but since it was just the two of us, we folded the back seats down and had plenty of room for our luggage. It was super convenient loading/unloading the car with the top down. The top goes up/down very quickly and operates with one button, which is a great feature. The car has great handling in both city and highway driving, and the heated leather seats are perfect for cool drives with the top down. The car is very stylish overall and we've received many compliments, which is a great conversation starter with other motorists (yes, we get a lot of
-
Vehicle year: 2017
The car does not have blind spot monitoring sensors, which can be a concern when driving with the top up. Additionally, I was unable to locate the Home Link system for opening garage doors. The navigation screen is quite small and can be difficult to read, although I still find it to be a fun car despite its poor gas mileage.
-
Vehicle year: 2017
I hope Buick will continue to produce new models of this car, even though their focus seems to be on SUVs. By the way, I must say that my car is the best looking one in the parking lot!
-
Vehicle year: 2018
I recently purchased a 2018 Buick Cascada and I must say, it is incredibly comfortable. The performance is smooth and it has plenty of pick up. The colors are very nice and the workmanship is of high quality, making it a safe choice. Unlike other convertibles that sit low to the ground like a Corvette, the Cascada sits up nicely. It also outprices the Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. In my opinion, the Buick Cascada is a better choice due to its better view and overall quality. It truly stands out from the other imports in the real world.
-
Vehicle year: 2018
The Cascada is a fantastic convertible that is often overlooked in the USA. It handles corners like a sports car and has a great interior design with high-quality materials. While the acceleration may not be on par with a sports car, it is still very quick. Although the interior is a bit tight and rear visibility can be a challenge with the top up, these are minor issues. The controls can be a bit fussy and complicated, but overall, this car is a gem, especially considering its price. It has a great look and is definitely not your grandmother's Buick! I would definitely buy it again.
Are you having problems with your Buick Cascada?
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.
Troy Stroman 2024-10-11
Vehicle year: 2016
This car is great for someone like me, a baby boomer who wants a comfortable and safe convertible cruiser. However, after driving it, I think it could benefit from a few additions. Even if they are stand-alone options, blind spot/cross traffic monitoring and automatic emergency braking should be added to its forward collision warning. I would gladly pay 2 to 3 thousand more for these options. The Verano already has part of this. I will be replacing my Mustang convertible with another one, loaded with all the latest tech, including adaptive cruise control. If more tech is added to the Mustang or even the Cascada (I don't need a fast sports car) in the next two or three years, I will trade. Smart folks my age want driver assist tech because, as Clint Eastwood put it so well, 'A man's got to know his limitations.' A tech-assisted comfortable cruiser is in order. Maybe they could even bring back the Toyota Camry Solara Convertible? That puppy had a REAL back seat.
Moses Muller 2024-10-03
Vehicle year: 2016
The electronic systems in the vehicle could use some improvement. For example, the navigation system once gave me an address in California instead of South Carolina. Additionally, the telephone system had some issues with delivering my voice clearly. Unfortunately, these issues were significant enough that I decided to trade the car back in after only three months.