1988 BUICK CENTURY
4 recalls, 26 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).
88V164000 Oct 18, 1988
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
FUEL FEED HOSE COULD LEAK AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT INAN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
88V048000 Apr 1, 1988
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Description
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET COULD DEVELOP METAL CRACKS.
Consequence
THESE CRACKS MAY RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE LOWERCONTROL ARM. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT COULD RESULT INLOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
INSPECT ALL VEHICLES AND REPLACE ENGINE CRADLE ASSEMBLY ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES.
88V007000 Jan 20, 1988
SEAT BELTS
Defect Description
OWNERS MANUAL DID NOT INCLUDE STATEMENT ON CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.
Consequence
VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 210.
Remedy
FURNISH OWNERS WITH UPDATED OWNERS MANUALS THAT CONTAIN THE OMITTED INSTRUCTIONS.
Complaint Statistics
26 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 4 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK | 3 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION | 3 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 2 |
| PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER | 1 |
STRUCTURE
Mar 19, 2002
Incident date: Mar 1, 2002
FRONT END COLLAPSED BECAUSE ENGINE CRADLE BOLT AND STEERING COLUMN DISINTEGRATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 88 V048 000. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER STATES THIS VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. *YH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Mar 19, 2002
Incident date: Mar 1, 2002
FRONT END COLLAPSED BECAUSE ENGINE CRADLE BOLT AND STEERING COLUMN DISINTEGRATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 88 V048 000. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER STATES THIS VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. *YH
SEATS
Oct 19, 2001
Incident date: Sep 19, 2001
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE. TOOK TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT WARRANTY EXPIRED. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Aug 23, 1999
RACK AND PINION STEERING FAIILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND RESIST ANY TURNS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO UNLOCK THE SEIZED WHEEL. NLM
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Oct 5, 1998
STEERING RACK FAILED.
SUSPENSION
Oct 5, 1998
POOR SUSPENSION.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 5, 1998
CHANNEL PLATE (SIDE) ON THE TRANSMISSION IS WARPED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
STEERING
Aug 4, 1997
Incident date: Jul 17, 1997
WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH THE LEFT CRADLE BOLT BROKE, AND THE RIGHT CRADLE BOLT FELL THROUGH THE FRAME, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERATIVE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Jun 27, 1997
WHEN TEMPERATURE IS COLD THE STEERING LOCKS UP.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Jun 27, 1997
RACK AND PINION FAILED.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Jun 27, 1997
RACK FAILED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
Jun 27, 1997
SHOCKS ABSORBER FAILED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: Aug 17, 1995
FRONT SEAT BELT PLASTIC COVERS BROKE. *SD
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Feb 3, 1995
'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 7, 1996
Incident date: Sep 5, 1991
SEAT BELT BUCKLE COVER POPPED OFF ON 2 1988 BUICK CENTURYS. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 7, 1996
Incident date: Jul 28, 1991
PLASTIC COVER ON SEAT BELT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 7, 1996
Incident date: Sep 5, 1991
SEAT BELT BUCKLE COVER POPPED OFF ON 2 1988 BUICK CENTURYS. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 7, 1996
Incident date: Jul 28, 1991
PLASTIC COVER ON SEAT BELT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 27, 1996
Incident date: Sep 19, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE SIT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AND SOMETIMES IT LOCKS YOU IN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Feb 27, 1996
Incident date: Sep 19, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE SIT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AND SOMETIMES IT LOCKS YOU IN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Dec 7, 1995
Incident date: Dec 1, 1992
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT FAILURE, SEAT BROKE DOWN. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Oct 4, 1995
Incident date: Oct 1, 1995
THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING UNEXPECTENTLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Sep 21, 1995
Incident date: Jun 12, 1995
STEERING RACK FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SKD
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Aug 4, 1995
Incident date: Jul 31, 1995
WELD BRACKET ON BROKE WHEN OPENING THE HATCHBACK. TT
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
May 26, 1995
BUCKET SEAT BACK BROKE AND COLLAPSED DOWN. TT
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL
Mar 9, 1995
Incident date: Mar 1, 1995
PARKING BRAKE LEVER CAME OFF 4 TIMES. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479512) *SKD
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 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) | 21.0 | 29.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,600 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 25.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 26.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 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 (current) | 4 | 26 | |
| 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 | 7 | 0 | View |
| 1977 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1975 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1974 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1973 | 3 | 0 | View |