1991 BUICK CENTURY

2 recalls, 50 complaints - 1 TSBs

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Defect Description

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."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

2,216,325 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

THE HIGH CURRENT CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL SHORT WELDS THECIRCUIT BREAKER ELEMENTS TOGETHER IN THE CLOSED POSITION, LEAVING THE CIRCUITUNPROTECTED AND GENERATING SUFFICIENT HEAT TO BURN THE WIRE INSULATION ANDIGNITE THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.

Remedy

REPAIR ANY ABRADED WIRING AND REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS USING A WIRING HARNESS CLIP.

319,181 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

50 total complaints 9 crashes 2 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	3
SEATS	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP	2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	1

Incident date: Jan 23, 2017

I PUT THE KEY IN I TURN IT AND OUT CRANKS BUT WON'T TURN OVER.STATIONARY

Incident date: Dec 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 BUICK CENTURY (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2003

TRANSMISSION DOESNT WANT TO GO IN GEAR AFTER MAKING A TURN. HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR REPAIRED BECAUSE THE VALUE OF IT IS APPROX. $2,725 ONLY. HAVE ONLY HAD AN ESTIMATE. THE REPAIR-MAN SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS A SPRAGUE. DONT KNOW IF THIS IS CORRECT SPELLING. I REALIZE THE CAR IS OLD, BUT THE MILEAGE I... Read more

Incident date: Dec 14, 2001

WHEEL CYLINDER DETACHED FROM MOUNTING POINT,GOT CAUGHT UP IN BRAKE SHOES, WHICH CAUSED WHEEL TO FREEZE UP, LEADING TO ROLLOVER ACCIDENT

Crash

THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. NLM

THE POWER WINDOWS WORK FINE IN THE WINTER BUT IN THE SUMMER THEY GET STUCK IN THE UP POSITION, AN ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST WAS UNABLE TO FINE THE PROBLEM. NLM

THE ENGINE STALLS EVERYTIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN MORE THAN 50 MILES, THE VEHICLE STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS ON TURNS, IT STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AFTER THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED IT RACES, DEALER IS UNABLE TO DETECT THE PROBLEM. NLM

Incident date: Jan 16, 2001

WHEN SWITCHING GEAR FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE ENGINE SUDDEN ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO VEHICLE BEHIND. THEN, SWITCHED GEAR TO DRIVE AND ENGINE SUDDEN ACCELERATED AGAIN, CRASHING INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. VEHICLE TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN, DRIVING OVER CURVE AND CRASHING INTO A WALL THEN, HITTING AN UTILITY ... Read more

Crash 4 injured

Incident date: Jan 16, 2001

Crash 4 injured

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CUTS OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING, CONSUMER HAD ALL 6 FROST PLUGS REPLACED AND THE WATER PUMP, STARTER, THERMOSTAT, HEAD GASKET AND RESURFACED THE ENGINE HEAD. NLM

Incident date: Sep 6, 1999

WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, ACCELERATING THE ENGINE, THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND IN THE PARK POSITION. *MJS

THE FRONT SEAT BRACKET BROKE OFF LEAVING THE SEAT LOOSE AND UNSTABLE. YH

Incident date: Jan 10, 1999

MY CLEAR COAT IS CHALKING AND PEELING MAINLY ON MY HOOD AND TWO SIDE PANELS, THE PAINT ON MY BACK BUMPER IS COMPLETLY FLAKING OFF. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS REPLACED FREE UNTIL 1995. I DONT FEEL I HAVE DONE ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I WASH AND WAX MY CAR... Read more

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE REAPPLIED WITH MORE PRESSURE. THIS HAPPENS ONLY DURING PANIC STOPS. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN.MJS

Incident date: Mar 19, 1999

HAD STARTED VEHICLE, WHICH DID NOT START RIGHT AWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC & HAD BATTERY REPLACED HOWEVER, PROBLEM CONTINUED. VEHICLE WOULD RUN FOR A WHILE. TURNED VEHICLE OFF & LEFT. RETURNED & VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE PROBLEM. THERE IS A TSB #916D-5. *AK

Incident date: Apr 21, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RECALL COMPONENT FAILURE OF THE POWER SEAT OR RECLINER WIRING HARNESS WHICH RESULTED IN FIRE, HOWEVER DENIED SERVICE DUE TO VIN #. (92V-124). MJS

Fire

Incident date: Feb 23, 1999

DRIVER SIDE DOOR FALLING OFF. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE DOOR/HINGES ETC. NOT ACCIDENT RELATED. DEALER SAID THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER CENTURY MODELS. *AK

Incident date: Feb 27, 1999

WE ARE HAVING [PROBLEMS WITH ALL THE ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH ANS POWER WINDOWS, NOW THE CAR WONT START EITHER

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE SKIDDED.

NEW HIGHER INTENSITY VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS ARE BLINDING TO ONCOMING VEHICLES.

WATER PUMP FAILED.

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.

FUEL PUMP FAILED.

ALTERNATOR FAILED.

FIRE OCCURRED IN PASSEGER'S SIDE SEAT. CAUSE OF FIRE POSSIBLE ELECTRIC SHORT IN SEAT. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERS.

Fire

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN, CONSUMER SAID PART IS MISSING

MUFFLER FAILED.

BRAKES FAILED.

GENERATOR FAILED.

FUEL PUMP FAILED.

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE COVER BROKE, CAUSING BELT NOT TO LATCH PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHEN SET AT THE HIGH SETTING.

THE DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK IF CONSUMER WANTS SEAT FIXED, SHE HAS TO PAY FOR IT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 22555 MILES ON IT. *SLC

Incident date: Sep 9, 1995

WHEN DRIVING OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME(80 MILES OR SO)THE VEHICLE BUCKS AND STALLS. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTOR CONTROL SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 6/10/97. *AK

WHEN DRINVING IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS AND UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID BEFOR STOPPING. *AK

Incident date: Oct 26, 1994

SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE THE BRAKES DRAG AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG ASBESTOS ODOR COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR BRAKE.. BECAUSE THE LEFT REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE WORN SO BADLY THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 23,416 MILES. REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK

Incident date: May 23, 1996

VEHICLE PARKED, WAITING FOR GRANDDAUGHTER, WHEN SHE ARRIVED, STARTED VEHICLE, THEN SUDDENLY TOOK OFF, 2ND TIME IT OCCURRED. *AK

Crash

Incident date: May 20, 1996

BRAKES FAILED 5 TIMES. *SD

Incident date: Apr 26, 1996

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH

Crash

Incident date: Dec 21, 1995

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND NEITHER FRONT SEATBELTS RESTRAINED THE OCCUPANTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Crash 2 injured

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE PARTS NOT IN. TT

Incident date: Nov 1, 1995

AFTER SCHEDULING APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER, DEALER DID NOT HAVE PARTS TO FIX VEHICLE. DROVE 62 MILES ONE WAY FOR THIS WORK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Incident date: Aug 27, 1995

PARKED IN DRIVE WAY WITH ENGINE RUNNING PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND ENGINE WENT WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Aug 27, 1995

PARKED IN DRIVE WAY WITH ENGINE RUNNING PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND ENGINE WENT WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Nov 18, 1995

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN IT CUTS OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

Incident date: Feb 21, 1995

DIFFICULTY FASTENING CHILD SAFETY SEAT BUCKLE. *SKD

Incident date: May 4, 1995

VEHICLE STALLED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT. TT

Crash

EPA Fuel Economy, 1991 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	28.0	22.0	Regular	$2,850
3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	17.0	24.0	19.0	Regular	$3,300
3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	17.0	27.0	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.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1991 BUICK CENTURY

1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)	1

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

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

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1997

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

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 2000

ACCELERATOR CABLE DETACHES FROM THROTTLE

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

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

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1987

STICKING THROTTLE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1986

FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1987

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.===

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987

POWER STEERING HOSE FAILS

===

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988

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.===

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1987

BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1984

HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE

===

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1986

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

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1982

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

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1980

POWER STEERING FAILURE

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1985

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

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1978

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

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1982

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

C, Closed , Model Year: 1982

REAR BRAKE LOCKUP

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1983

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 (current)	2	50
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	7	0	View
1977	4	0	View
1976	2	0	View
1975	2	0	View
1974	2	0	View
1973	3	0	View

Other BUICK Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
REGAL	207	4,454	View
ENCLAVE	86	3,218	View
SKYLARK	71	755	View
LESABRE	64	4,872	View
LACROSSE	64	2,885	View
RIVIERA	46	439	View
ENCORE	41	854	View
ELECTRA	35	52	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1991 BUICK CENTURY

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1991 BUICK CENTURY

Technical Service Bulletins, 1991 BUICK CENTURY

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, BUICK CENTURY

BUICK CENTURY - All Years Overview

BUICK CENTURY - Year by Year

Other BUICK Models