1978 BUICK CENTURY
7 recalls, 0 complaints
07E088000 Oct 24, 2007
EQUIPMENT
Defect Description
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AN... Read more
Consequence
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
85V048000 Apr 29, 1985
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
Defect Description
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. ... Read more
Remedy
ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
84V149000 Nov 24, 1984
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Defect Description
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.
81V025000 Feb 25, 1981
SUSPENSION:REAR
Defect Description
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.
79V175000 Jul 23, 1979
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Defect Description
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 S... Read more
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 DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
78V139000 Jun 13, 1978
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Defect Description
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 B... Read more
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
78V018000 Jan 24, 1978
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
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.
No complaints found for this vehicle.
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BUICK CENTURY
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA03019
Opened: Sep 15, 2003 , Closed: Dec 18, 2003
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICL... Read more
RQ03001
Opened: Jan 2, 2003 , Closed: Sep 15, 2003
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1... Read more
SQ00004
Opened: Feb 2, 2000 , Closed: Jan 19, 2001
ACCELERATOR CABLE DETACHES FROM THROTTLE
There is no summary currently available
EA99024
Opened: Aug 20, 1999 , Closed: Jan 13, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPER
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF... Read more
PE99028
Opened: Apr 16, 1999 , Closed: Aug 20, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPER
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
EA92024
Opened: Jun 26, 1992 , Closed: Jan 31, 1994
STICKING THROTTLE
There is no summary currently available
PE91120
Opened: Aug 30, 1991 , Closed: Nov 4, 1991
FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP
There is no summary currently available
EA89026
Opened: Jun 12, 1989 , Closed: Oct 9, 1990
LOSS OF POWER STEERING
SUMMARY: THE COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE A FAILURE OF THE PRESSURE HOSECONNECTED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP.USED ONLY ON THE 4 CYL MODELS.THIS PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND EACH GM DIVISION HAS ISSUED ASERVICE BULLETIN.WARRANTY CLAIMS AND PARTS SALES ARE VERY HIGH.===
PE89105
Opened: Mar 20, 1989 , Closed: Jun 12, 1989
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILS
===
PE89035
Opened: Jan 19, 1989 , Closed: May 24, 1989
STOP LAMPS
SUMMARY:A CHEVROLET SERVICE BULLETIN DATED JULY 1988 INDICATES THAT BOTHSOCKETS MUST BE REPLACED USING PART NUMBER 5972532.THIS SERVICE STOCKUSES A NEW HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL.PRODUCTION STOCK WAS ALSO CORRECTEDBEGINNING WITH VINS J7163799 AND JJ187909.===
EA89010
Opened: Jan 17, 1989 , Closed: May 8, 1990
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
There is no summary currently available
PE88027
Opened: Feb 9, 1988 , Closed: May 11, 1988
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
===
EA87022
Opened: Aug 27, 1987 , Closed: Nov 27, 1991
STALLING
SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT STALLING IS DUE TO VARIOUS FAULTYCOMPONENTS OF THE FUEL INJECTION AND/OR IGNITION SYSTEM. THE FOLLOWINGMODELS ARE INVOLVED:BUICK ELECTRA, LESABRE, RIVERA, CENTURY; OLDS CUTLASSCIERA, 88, 98, TORONADO; PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.STATUS:THIS INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING.WE ARE C... Read more
EA87006
Opened: Dec 16, 1986 , Closed: Sep 19, 1988
POWER ST. ASSIST
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER:GM HAS DEVELOPED A SPLITRING FIELD REPAIR KIT AND IS EXTENDING THE WARRANRY ON ALL 1982-84 A,J, AND X, BODY CARS AND 1985 C,BODY CARS.THE WARRANTY APPLIES TO CARSTHAT ARE FOR 50,000 MILES OR 5 YRS.IT INCLUDES REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUSREPAIRS.ANALYSIS:WEA... Read more
DP86018
Opened: Sep 5, 1986 , Closed: Dec 19, 1986
POWER STEERING FAILURE
POWER STEERING FAILURE
EA86025
Opened: Aug 25, 1986 , Closed: Mar 2, 1988
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
SUMMARY:GM BELIEVES THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED THROUGH ITS PUBLI-CATION OF 7 SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THIS MATTER. IN ADDITION, GMDOES NOT BELIEVE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD.ANALYSIS: THREE FAILURE MODES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED; INSULATING FILM MAYBUILD UP BETWEEN THE B... Read more
EA86006
Opened: Nov 27, 1985 , Closed: Nov 28, 1988
BRAKE BACKING PLATE
SUMMARY:GM IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN (85V-048)INVOLVING 2,136,826 VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO VEHICLES BUILT ATCERTAIN ASSEMBLY PLANTS WHICH, ACCORDING TO GM, OVERTORQUED THE BRAKEPIPE NUT,THEREBY OVERSTRESSING THE WHEEL CYLINDER SUPPORT AREA OF THEBACKING PLATE.ANALYSIS:FRONT... Read more
EA85046
Opened: Aug 30, 1985 , Closed: Jul 24, 1987
POWER BRAKE ASSIST
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: IN ANALYZING THIS MATTER GMIDENTIFIED THREE PRIMARY SOURCES FOR THE COMPLAINTS.THE FIRST INVOLVESA GRADUAL DETERIORATION IN PERFORMANCE OF BELT DRIVEN VACUUM PUMPS.AC-CORDING TO GM, VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM PUMPS ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITHA LOW VACUUM WARNI... Read more
C85007
Opened: Jun 19, 1985 , Closed: May 18, 1989
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
PE85016
Opened: Dec 3, 1984 , Closed: Mar 22, 1985
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
There is no summary currently available
BUICK CENTURY - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BUICK CENTURY across all model years (1973, 2005).
103
Total Recalls
2,397
Total Complaints
20
Investigations
184
Reported Crashes
48
Reported Fires
4
Reported Deaths
BUICK CENTURY - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 35 | View |
| 2004 | 2 | 51 | View |
| 2003 | 2 | 170 | View |
| 2002 | 2 | 204 | View |
| 2001 | 5 | 190 | View |
| 2000 | 7 | 249 | View |
| 1999 | 5 | 287 | View |
| 1998 | 4 | 278 | View |
| 1997 | 4 | 132 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 110 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 127 | View |
| 1994 | 6 | 144 | View |
| 1993 | 2 | 71 | View |
| 1992 | 3 | 64 | View |
| 1991 | 2 | 50 | View |
| 1990 | 2 | 49 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 46 | View |
| 1988 | 4 | 26 | View |
| 1987 | 1 | 32 | View |
| 1986 | 3 | 43 | View |
| 1985 | 1 | 9 | View |
| 1984 | 4 | 11 | View |
| 1983 | 1 | 10 | View |
| 1982 | 2 | 4 | View |
| 1981 | 3 | 1 | View |
| 1980 | 6 | 0 | View |
| 1979 | 6 | 0 | View |
| 1978 (current) | 7 | 0 | |
| 1977 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1975 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1974 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1973 | 3 | 0 | View |