1986 BUICK CENTURY
3 recalls, 43 complaints
06E043000 May 19, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE... Read more
Consequence
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
86V061000 May 13, 1986
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Remedy
CORRECTLY INDEX WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS.
85V122000 Oct 4, 1985
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Remedy
OBTAIN CLEARANCE BETWEEN FUEL PIPE AND GENERATOR "BAT" TERMINAL BY ROTATING THE RECTIFIER END FRAME.
Complaint Statistics
43 total complaints
2 crashes 2 fires 5 injuries 1 deaths
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 3 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 1 |
STEERING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Sep 15, 2003
STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.
Crash
1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Feb 28, 2002
Incident date: Nov 15, 1995
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Feb 28, 2002
Incident date: Nov 15, 1995
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 28, 2002
Incident date: Nov 15, 1995
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *YH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Sep 6, 2000
Incident date: May 24, 2000
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE BY A CHEVROLET TAHOE. COLLISION WAS PARTIALLY INVESTIGATED BY CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. FORCES PLACED ON BELT DURING ROTATION SEPARATED THE WEBBING. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT, CASE: CL-031-00, PHONE: (559)277-7250
Crash
1 injured
1 deaths
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jun 22, 1999
Incident date: Oct 22, 1995
MUFFLER FAILED. MJS
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Jun 22, 1999
Incident date: Oct 22, 1995
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FAILED. MJS
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
Jun 22, 1999
Incident date: Oct 22, 1995
FRONT AND REAR SPRING FAILED. MJS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Jun 22, 1999
Incident date: Oct 22, 1995
FRONT AND REAR SPRING FAILED. MJS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 20, 1999
REQUESTING INFORMATION REGARDING PROBLEMS.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Aug 5, 1998
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jul 24, 1997
THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)
Fire
1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Dec 4, 1996
CONSUMER STATES THAT PLASTIC COVER THAT HOOKS AROUND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERABLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jul 25, 1996
Incident date: Nov 2, 1995
INTERMITTENT STALLING. *SD
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1992
'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: Feb 28, 1996
THE REAR DISC BRAKES ARE RUSTED AND THEY DO NOT HOLD WHEN APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: Feb 28, 1996
THE REAR DISC BRAKES ARE RUSTED AND THEY DO NOT HOLD WHEN APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Apr 17, 1996
Incident date: Mar 9, 1994
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MOVED FORWARD IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD
2 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Apr 17, 1996
Incident date: Oct 6, 1995
STEERING LOCKED UP PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Apr 4, 1996
Incident date: Sep 20, 1995
STEERING RACK AND PINION LOCKS UP. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Mar 14, 1996
Incident date: Dec 22, 1992
REPLACED MUFFLER.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 14, 1996
Incident date: Dec 22, 1992
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 14, 1996
Incident date: Oct 20, 1995
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS. *AK
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Sep 26, 1995
SEAT BELTS FAILED. *SD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Sep 26, 1995
SEAT BELTS FAILED. *SD
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Sep 20, 1995
RACK AND PINION STEERING LOCKS UP, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
Jan 31, 1996
Incident date: Jan 31, 1996
THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE WILL LOCK UP ON SLICK SURFACES OR WHEN THE BRAKES ARE WET. TT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Aug 29, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1993
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE WHICH IS CAUSING A SAFETY PROBLEM. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
CONTINUOUS INTERMITTENT STALLING AFTER MANY REPAIRS. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 489266) *SKD
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
PASSENGERS AIR VENT DAMPER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
WATER PUMP FAILED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
DASHBOARD RATTLES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
THERMOSTAT REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
ENGINE SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
NOISY REPLACEMENT RADIATOR FAN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
COOLANT LEAK.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
BRAKE PADS REPLACED DUE TO SQUEAK.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
DEFECTIVE HOOD STRUT, PREVENTING HOOD FROM STAYING IN AN UPWARD POSITION.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY WITH OVERLAP GOING WRONG DIRECTION, CAUSING RATTLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
TRANSMISSION PAN FAILED, CAUSING LEAK.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Apr 12, 1995
FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR LOCK JAMS IN CLOSED POSITION DUE TO FAULTY OPERATING CYLINDER. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479632) *SKD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jan 18, 1995
Incident date: Jan 18, 1986
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY IN TRAFFIC. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1986 BUICK CENTURY
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 29.0 | 23.0 | Regular | $2,700 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,300 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
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 (current) | 3 | 43 | |
| 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 | 7 | 0 | View |
| 1977 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1975 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1974 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1973 | 3 | 0 | View |