Buick Century Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 55 safety recalls and 1,817 owner complaints across 33 model years of the Buick Century (1973–2005). The most-complained-about year is 1999.

Pick your Buick Century model year

• 1973
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• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
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• 1981
• 1982
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• 2004
• 2005

What Buick Century owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 1,817 complaints with NHTSA. The 1999 model year has the most, with 235.

• Power train: automatic transmission84
• Vehicle speed control74
• Electrical system70
• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip65
• Exterior lighting58
• Engine and engine cooling51
• Exterior lighting: headlights46
• Visibility: power window devices and controls45

All Buick Century recalls (55)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Buick Century, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Headlights (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 04V375000 Reported August 10, 2004 199,793 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements.

   Remedy: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080. Note: if the bulb needs replacement in the…

   Model years: 1999

2. Seat belts

   NHTSA 01V109000 Reported April 6, 2001 116,007 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with sunvisor located air bag labels, fail to conform to federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have a message area less than 30 cm which does not meet the requirements of the standard.

   Remedy: GM will mail a new bilingual air bag label with installation instructions. However, the customer may bring the label to their dealer for installation free of charge. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. Owners who do…

   Model years: 2000, 2001

3. Air bags: side/window

   NHTSA 00V371000 Reported November 13, 2000 12 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the driver side impact air bag inflator separates from the air bag module during deployment.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the side impact air bag module.

   Model years: 2000, 2001

4. Seat belts

   NHTSA 00V228003 Reported August 7, 2000 156,305 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt…

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

   Model years: 2000, 2001

5. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

   NHTSA 00V160000 Reported June 16, 2000 248 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The clamp that secures the flexible fuel fill hose to the metal fill tube may be loose and could separate.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel hose fill neck clamp and, if necessary, reposition and tighten the clamp.

   Model years: 2000

6. Drum (service brakes)

   NHTSA 00V143000 Reported May 17, 2000 18,754 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts.

   Model years: 2000

7. Headlights (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 99V356000 Reported December 17, 1999 411,880 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device may not be calibrated properly.

   Remedy: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps.

   Model years: 1998, 1999

8. Linkages (visibility)

   NHTSA 99V348000 Reported December 16, 1999 155,149 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and…

   Model years: 1997

9. Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

   NHTSA 99V170000 Reported July 9, 1999 168,559 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe.

   Remedy: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.

   Model years: 1999

10. Headlights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 98V102000 Reported May 15, 1998 149,342 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Remedy: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.

    Model years: 1997, 1998

11. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 95V173000 Reported September 15, 1995 2,216,325 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with FMVSS no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.

    Model years: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

12. Arm (steering)

    NHTSA 94V189000 Reported October 4, 1994 206 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The right hand spindle nut was not properly tightened during assembly. This can cause premature wheel bearing failure and over time, the spindle can fracture.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque on the right hand front spindle nut. If the spindle nut is undertorqued the dealer will replace the right hand front wheel bearing assembly and the spindle nut will be replaced.

    Model years: 1994

13. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 94V159000 Reported August 31, 1994 139,542 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Water intrusion can cause a short circuit in the power door lock assembly.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the power door lock relay and any corroded terminals. In addition, the new relay will be relocated to an area where water intrusion is less likely.

    Model years: 1994

14. Springs (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 94V008000 Reported January 12, 1994 49,047 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    In the event of a primary accelerator control spring failure, the secondary (back-up) accelerator control return spring will not return the throttle to the fully closed position, as required by FMVSS no. 124, "accelerator control system."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary throttle return spring.

    Model years: 1994

15. Cables (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 94V021000 Reported January 8, 1994 10,646 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    During assembly, water may have entered the accelerator control cable conduit causing it to develop a high effort and/or binding condition in very cold weather.

    Remedy: The dealer will purge the throttle cable of any internally trapped water, if it is present.

    Model years: 1994

16. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 93V162000 Reported September 27, 1993 579 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The cruise control cable may separate from the conduit end fitting while engaged and accelerator control could be lost.

    Remedy: Replace the cruise control cable.

    Model years: 1994

17. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 93V121000 Reported July 21, 1993 2,848 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with FMVSS 106, "brake hoses."

    Remedy: Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.

    Model years: 1993

18. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 92V124000 Reported September 1, 1992 319,181 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.

    Remedy: Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.

    Model years: 1990, 1991

19. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 92V066000 Reported May 11, 1992 33 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The optional remote entry module may have a fault which causes random actuation of interior lamps, door locks, and/or tailgate release. This actuation may occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended.

    Remedy: Replace the remote entry module with a newly revised module to prevent random actuation.

    Model years: 1992

20. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 91V214000 Reported December 6, 1991 10,141 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The reverse servo apply pin may bind in the case which could cause reverse band distress (loss or slipping of reverse), reverse band drag in drive range (poor performance -- poor power), or the transmission to remain in reverse while the shift indicator shows neutral gear position.

    Remedy: Replace the transaxle where required.

    Model years: 1992

21. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 88V164000 Reported October 18, 1988 27,369 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Fuel feed hose could leak at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly.

    Remedy: Install new fuel feed hose assembly.

    Model years: 1988

22. Suspension: lower arm

    NHTSA 88V048000 Reported April 1, 1988 3,428 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front suspension lower control arm bracket could develop metal cracks.

    Remedy: Inspect all vehicles and replace engine cradle assembly on all suspect vehicles.

    Model years: 1988

23. Seat belts

    NHTSA 88V007000 Reported January 20, 1988 6,083 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Owners manual did not include statement on child restraint systems.

    Remedy: Furnish owners with updated owners manuals that contain the omitted instructions.

    Model years: 1988

24. Electrical system: rear compartment/trunk

    NHTSA 86V061000 Reported May 13, 1986 197 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An incorrectly indexed wiring harness may cause the center high mounted stop lamp to remain illuminated when the headlights or parking lamps are on. FMVSS 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment requires that this stop lamp be lighted only when the brakes are applied. Also, the opera lamps may come on when the brakes are…

    Remedy: Correctly index wiring harness terminals.

    Model years: 1986

25. Alternator/generator/regulator (electrical system)

    NHTSA 85V122000 Reported October 4, 1985 772 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The generator "bat" terminal located on the rectifier end frame may contact the carburetor fuel inlet pipe. Consequence of defect: the "bat" stud may rub through the terminal boot and contact the fuel pipe which could result in an underhood fire and cause burn injuries to the occupant.

    Remedy: Obtain clearance between fuel pipe and generator "bat" terminal by rotating the rectifier end frame.

    Model years: 1986

26. Drum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V104000 Reported August 14, 1985 3,192 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some wagons were assembled with a ja2 rear system instead of the ja3 brake system. These station wagons may exceed the maximum stopping distance required by FMVSS 105. Consequence of defect: a crash could occur without prior warning should a stopping distance conforming with FMVSS 105 be required while the vehicle is in motion.

    Remedy: Install correct brake system.

    Model years: 1984

27. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V048000 Reported April 29, 1985 1,810,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.

    Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

    Model years: 1978, 1980

28. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 85V034000 Reported March 29, 1985 121,095 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The fuel system may leak at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection. Consequence of defect: this leakage could result in an underhood fire which could spread to the passenger compartment and cause burn injuries to occupants.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel feed pipe.

    Model years: 1984

29. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 84V149000 Reported November 24, 1984 3,100,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

30. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 84V011000 Reported February 6, 1984 76,586 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.

    Remedy: Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.

    Model years: 1984

31. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V105000 Reported October 13, 1983 352,036 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.

    Model years: 1983

32. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V007000 Reported January 1, 1983 15,495 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rear brake hoses may have been manufactured incorrectly when the metal end fittings were installed. Some rear brake hoses may separate from the metal end fittings when subjected to the pulling force specified by federal motor vehicle safety standard 106, "brake hoses".

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and replace, if necessary, the rear brake hoses at no charge to owners.

    Model years: 1982

33. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V021000 Reported March 8, 1982 519,329 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certaain conditions, the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and fuel tank filler vent pipe could fracture. The fracture of these clamps could cause fuel leakage at any of the four pipe to hose connections. Leakage can occur during refueling, or while driving, if the fuel tank is above 3/4 full.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and vent pipe at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

34. Hubcap/cover (wheels)

    NHTSA 81V036000 Reported March 23, 1981 6,690 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    "tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1981

35. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 81V025000 Reported February 25, 1981 5,821,160 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.

    Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

36. Glass, side/rear (visibility)

    NHTSA 81V022000 Reported February 11, 1981 67,350 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The electro-clear rear window defoggers contain a defect which causes the glass to shatter without impact during or some time after use of the defogger. Vertical electrical strips may deteriorate and cause hot spots that can result in breakage of the rear glass.

    Remedy: Vehicles will be inspected for presence of a particular weatherstrip. If present, a layer of a special conductive epoxy will be added to the vertical bar on the rear window glass. This epoxy is a new conductive…

    Model years: 1979, 1980

37. Wheels

    NHTSA 81V009000 Reported January 13, 1981 17 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The steel used in some compact spare wheels is too thin. While in service the wheel may fracture, resulting in a partial or complete separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Spare wheels will be replaced without charge to owners within 60 days of recall notification.

    Model years: 1981

38. Floor shift (power train)

    NHTSA 79V214000 Reported September 18, 1979 55 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The shift cable retaining clip may have been installed backwards or not at all. The purpose of this spring clip is to secure the lower end of the shift cable housing to the transmission. If the clip is backward or missing, the console shift lever may not shift the transmission and/or the transmission range indicator may indicate that…

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and if necessary correct the shift cable retaining clip installation at no charge.

    Model years: 1979

39. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 79V205000 Reported September 12, 1979 227 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The bolts that attached the rear suspension control arms to the frame and axle may be defective and the bolt head may separate from the bolt shank. This could allow the control arm to come loose.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace all suspect rear suspension control arm bolts prior to delivery. This will be done free of charge.

    Model years: 1980

40. Wheel bearing (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V175000 Reported July 23, 1979 1,896,222 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front wheel spindle nut.

    Remedy: The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be…

    Model years: 1978

41. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported June 6, 1979 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

42. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 78V138000 Reported June 13, 1978 265,068 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal. This flaw could allow the shaft to break and the tire and wheel assembly to separate.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace one or both rear axle shafts, if necessary, free of charge.

    Model years: 1977

43. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported June 13, 1978 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

44. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 78V018000 Reported January 24, 1978 100 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims", in that the tire placard does not contain legible tire size information.

    Remedy: Dealer will provide proper labels for the owner to install, or for dealer installation, if preferred.

    Model years: 1978

45. Electrical system: front underhood

    NHTSA 76V147000 Reported September 21, 1976 505 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

46. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported September 7, 1976 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

47. Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

    NHTSA 76V016000 Reported February 10, 1976 3,011 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

48. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V214000 Reported December 19, 1975 39,278 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

49. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 75V032000 Reported February 19, 1975 220,982 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

50. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V140000 Reported September 4, 1974 2,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

51. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 74V027000 Reported February 15, 1974 1,218,387 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

52. Retractor (seat belts)

    NHTSA 74V016000 Reported January 25, 1974 26,421 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

53. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported December 27, 1973 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

54. Master cylinder (service brakes)

    NHTSA 73V152000 Reported July 16, 1973 3,094 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

55. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V275000 Reported November 14, 1972 155,418 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

Other Buick models

• Lesabre3,728 complaints
• Regal3,264 complaints
• Enclave2,501 complaints
• Lacrosse2,122 complaints
• Park Avenue1,368 complaints
• Rendezvous1,241 complaints
• Lucerne943 complaints
• Encore601 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.