1996 BUICK Century Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 complaints

TO START THE ENGINE , AND THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO ST STALL BY.THE SS TUBE UNDER THE CAR AND THE SS MANIFOLD ON THE MOTOR BLOCK ARE CONNECTED VIE A THIN-WALLED PLASRIC TUBE, WHICH IS HEAT-SHRINKE UNDER THE CAR AND CONNECTED TO THE MANIFOLD BY A FLIMSY PLASTIC CONNECTOR. BOTH CONNECTORS BROKE ( OF COURSE THEY MUST BRAKE EVENTUALLY THRU AGE ETC), AND THE GAS SPILLED ONTO THE HOT MOTOR BLOCK, FORMING A PUDDLE AND VAPORIZING , THUS FORMING AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE WAITING TO BE IGNITED FROM THE HOT EXHAUST MAMNIFOLD. *AK REFERENCED IN EA02-030

Jun 06, 2002

Injuries: 1

NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, DEALER NOTIFIED, AND UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Apr 29, 2002

CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING.*AK

Feb 27, 2002

CONSUMER PULLRED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED DOWN THE ROAD, NOT 100 YARDS FROM DRIVEWAY SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT OF THE VENTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER EXITED VEHICLE THEN IT CAUGHT FIRE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. NLM

Aug 14, 2001

Fire: 1

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED TWICE CAUSING THE SES LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

+ 5 more complaints for this component

STEERING

9 complaints

I went to turn my wheel and it wouldn't turn left then the rack and pinion broke the wheel just turns 360 to the left but no movement in turning lost all steering

May 10, 2022

CONSUMER REQUESTED HIS VEHICLE BE INCLUDED IN THE POWER STEERING RECALL. *PH THE CONSUMER HAD EXTENSIVE POWER STEERING WORK PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ASSEMBLED WITH A W BODY WHICH WAS THE BODY FOR THE BASIS OF THE RECALL. *JB *SC *JB

Jun 04, 2004

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT WHILE BACKING IN MY DRIVEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN.*AK

May 15, 2004

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE VIN AND MODEL YEAR WAS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE. #03V457000. *JB *MR

Mar 17, 2004

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE VIN NUMBER AND MODEL YEAR IS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE (RECALL # 03V457000). *NM

Jan 15, 2004

+ 4 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

9 complaints

WHILE BACKING INTO MY DAUGHTER'S ATTACHED GARAGE, THE GAS LINE RUPTURED AND LEAKED A LOT OF GASOLINE BEFORE I SHUT-OFF THE IGNITION. I PROMPTLY RE-STARTED THE CAR AND BACKED IT OUT OF THE GARAGE, UNWITTINGLY RISKING IGNITING THE GASOLINE IN THE PROCESS, BUT STILL AFRAID OF THE GAS/FUMES IN THE GARAGE IGNITING AND BURNING US, THE CAR AND THE HOUSE DOWN! WE GOT A WATER HOSE AND BROOM AND SWEPT AS MUCH OF IT OUT OF THE GARAGE AS WE COULD. WE WERE LUCKY. THE POINT OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF G M CARS BEING DRIVEN AND PARKED IN GARAGES WITH QUITE OLD, DETERIORATING GAS LINES WHOSE DRIVERS ARE TOTALLY UNAWARE OF IT. OUR EXPERIENCE, ALONE, COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. MY SON-IN-LAW HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS 1995 OLDSMOBILE CIERA, ALTHOUGH HE BELIEVES THAT THE SQUIRRELS AROUND HIS HOME LIKE TO CHEW ON THE PLASTIC GAS LINES. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THESE OLD PLASTIC GAS LINES REPRESENT AN ENORMOUS RISK TO THE SAFETY OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHILE THEY'RE NOT EVEN IN OR NEAR THE SOURCE OF IGNITION. THEY COULD, IN FACT, BE IN BED AT THE OTHER END OF THE HOME WHEN IT ALL BLOWS-UP! *TR

Jun 27, 2014

ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LINES LEAKED. *NM FUEL LINE WAS UNPROTECTED. *TC

Sep 28, 2004

THE FUEL LINE FAILED. THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. *JB

Apr 16, 2003

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TWO TIMES ENGINE STALLED, AND ONE TIME WHILE STOPPING AT STOP SIGN IT STALLED

Aug 12, 2000

CONSUMER COMPLAINING OF VEHICLE CONTINUALLY SHAKING/VIBRATING AND HESITATING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON NUMEROUS TIMES. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THE PROBLEM IS THE CHEAP GAS SHE PUTS INTO THE VEHICLE. *AK

Jun 25, 1998

+ 4 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

9 complaints

THE CONSUMER STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. *MR *SCC *NLM

Apr 10, 2003

WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPERS WHEN USED, SPRAY WOULD SQUIRT THE WATER THREE TIMES, CAUSE VERY POOR VISIBILITY WHICH ESPECIALLY WHEN USES AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WASHER SHOULD SPRAY ONLY ONCE.*YD

Nov 08, 2001

THE CONSUMER HEARS WIND NOISE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOWS EXPERIENCE SEVERE CONDENSATION DURING COLD WHEATHER. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

FAULTY WASHER FLUID RESERVIOR AND CAP CAUSED THE FLUID TO FREEZE. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

IN COLD WEATHER/WINTER SNOW AND FROST DEVELOPS INSIDE OF WINDSHIELD, WHICH CAUSE WATER TO ENTER INTO DASH, AND POSSIBLY MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jan 12, 2001

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE PEDAL DIDN'T DEPRESS WHICH RESULTED IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE BRAKES, AND INDICATED THAT THE POWER BOOSTER FAILED, AND A CHECK VALVE IN THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FROZE UP. *AK

Sep 28, 2004

Crash: 1

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. *JB

Apr 02, 2004

THE ABS BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, THEY LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO THROUGH A RED LIGHT. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

THE ABS BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, THEY LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO THROUGH A RED LIGHT. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. CONSUMER IS AFRAID THAT ABS BRAKES MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY. *AK

Jun 05, 2000

+ 3 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

7 complaints

HAD ACCIDENT IN 1996 BUICK CENTURY WITH NO AUTO INSURANCE/ REQUESTING HELP GETTING VEHICLE REPAIRED.*MR CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH 1996 BUICK CENTURY. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING HELP IN GETTING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. VEHICLE WAS NOT INSURED DURING THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.*MR

Jan 22, 2004

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT FRONT LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. 'DOORLOCKS JAMMED, AND CONSUMER COULD NOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER FELT THAT IF CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BURNED UP.*AK

Aug 17, 2001

GLOVE COMPARTMENT MISALIGNED AND THE FABRIC ON THE CONSOLE PEELED OFF TWICE, THE CONSOLE LID WAS REPALCED. NLM

Feb 05, 2001

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT VEHICLE THE HANDLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BROKE OFF. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE HANDLE. *AK

Oct 20, 1999

CONSUMER ACCIDENTLY TRIPPED THE DOOR LOCKS WHEN GETTING OUT OF CAR. CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR WHEN KEYS ARE IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER GETS LOCKED OUT AND HAS NO PRIOR WARNING OR INDICATION. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN FLAW, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK

Mar 01, 1999

+ 2 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

TRANSMISSION ARE JUNK AND THEY KNEW

Jan 15, 2004

THE TRANSMITION GRINDING, SLIPPING & FAILURES.

Jan 15, 2004

WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY CAR SHUT DOWN, AND CONSUMER HAD TO COAST TO THE NEAREST SHOULDER. CAR RESTARTED 5MINUTES LATER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK

Sep 27, 1999

VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS ACCELERATING WHEN IT STOPS AND GOES. CAR SEEMS TO BE RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. *AK

Sep 03, 1999

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Oct 27, 1997

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Apr 29, 2002

WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED WITH FOOT PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING UNWANTED SPEED. ALSO, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE KEY HAS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK *YC

Oct 25, 1999

CRUISE CONTROL SPEED INCREASES UPON DESCENDING A HILL. (QCAW)

Aug 04, 1998

SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A VEHICLE COLLISION.

Jun 17, 1998

ONCE A DAY, THE FIRST TIME OF OPERATION OF VEHICLE, WILL EXPRIENCE STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROX. 2 BLOCKS BEFORE PROBLEM STARTS. WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL HALF WAY DOWN, VEHICLE WILL IMMEDIATELY BEGIN STALLING. THEN IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BEGIN TO SURGE. WHEN SURGING BEGINS CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO HIT HIS BRAKES QUICKLY. AFTER THIS HAPPEN ENGINE DIES. STALLING AND SURGING AND ENGINE DYING HAPPENS SOMETIMES. BUICK SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING IN MOST 95/96 BUICKS WITH A 3.1 ENGINE. *AK

Sep 23, 1997

+ 1 more complaint for this component

AIR BAGS

4 complaints

IN 2003 I HAD THE AIR BAG SYSTEM OF MY 1996 BUICK CENTURY WAGON SERVICED AT RAGSDALE CHEVROLET IN SPENCER, MA. THE INITIAL REASON FOR BRINGING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICING WAS THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. THE MECHANICS OF RAGSDALE CHEVROLET THEN WENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM AND REPLACED THE SENSORS. THE COST OF THE REPAIRS WAS VERY HIGH AND SEEMED LEGITIMATE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON. ON JANUARY 23, 2004 I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISSION WHEREIN I WAS CUT-OFF AT AN INTERSECTION BY AN SUV. MY FRONT STRUCK HIS CAR BROADSIDE. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO FULLY DEPLOY THE BAG AND IN FACT NO PART OF THE AIR BAG EXITED THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

Jun 14, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

CONSUMER IS REQUESTING INFORMATION AS TO HOW TO OBTAIN FREE VEHICLE REPAIRS. *MR *TS THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED AND CAUSED INJURY TO THE DRIVERS HEAD. THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE ARE ON A FIXED INCOME. *NLM

Sep 12, 2003

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNSPECIFIED, VISION BAD DUE TO AIR BAG UNIT.

Oct 27, 1997

CAN'T READ INSTRUMENT PANEL DUE TO AIRBAG MECHANISM ON STEERING WHEEL BLOCKING VIEW.

Feb 21, 1997

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH VEHICLE WILL VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY, POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK

Mar 03, 2000

FRONT END VIBRATION.

Oct 20, 1997

SUSPENSION, RIGHT FRONT TIRE, AFTER 50MPH PULLS TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND HAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. *AK

May 08, 1996

AXLE BROKE, MAKING NOISE. *DSH

Feb 05, 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

DRIVING TOWARDS A STOPLIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ON A 1996 BUICK CENTURY. PUMPING GAVE ONLY PARTIAL REAR BRAKING. DROVE TO FRIEND'S HOUSE (DURING WHICH THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY THE WHOLE WAY). WE PULLED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FIBROUS FINELY WOVEN TUBE COVER (FIBERGLASS?) TO THE EXTREMELY THIN AND FRAGILE WIRES TO ABS SENSOR LOOKED BURNT. CUTTING IT OFF WE DISCOVERED THE WIRES INSIDE HAD SHORTED OUT. WHEN WE CLEARED THE SHORT AND INDIVIDUALLY WRAP INSULATED THE WIRES, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT THEN CAME ON. A GRAVEL SKID TEST REVEALED NO ABS AT ALL. WE FOUND THAT DEAD SHORTING THE WIRE TO THE SENSOR WITH A JUMPER WIRE WILL CAUSE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT TO GO OUT, BUT OBVIOUSLY DISABLES THE ABS. WE REPLACED THE SENSOR (WHICH REQUIRES THAT THE WHOLE BEARING/STUD ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED), AND THEN THE ABS LIGHT WENT OUT. A GRAVEL SKID TEST REVEALED THE ABS WORKING FINE AND HE SAYS THE NORMAL BRAKING IS NOW BETTER TOO. SOME RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THE ABS DETECTS NO TIRE TURNING DURING A SKID VIA THE SENSOR, AND RELEASES HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES UNTIL THE TIRE IS DETECTED BY THE ABS AS TURNING. WE THINK THAT WHEN A SHORT TO THE SENSOR OCCURS, THE SENSOR CAN'T DETECT THE TIRE TURNING AGAIN AND THUS THE ABS UNIT NEVER STOPS BLEEDING FLUID PASS THE BRAKE (AND THE INITIAL SHORT MAY EVEN SET OFF THE ABS WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SKID OCCURRING - THAT IS WITHOUT THE SENSOR EVER SENSING A TIRE NOT TURNING). ANYONE HAVING RANDOM NEAR-TOTAL OR TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE MIGHT DO WELL TO EXAMINE THE WIRES AND TERMINALS LEADING TO THE ABS SENSORS - AND REPLACE SUSPICIOUS UNITS (WE PAID ABOUT $90 FOR A UNIT FROM A COMMON AUTO PARTS CHAIN). A GRAVEL SKID TEST MIGHT ALSO REVEAL AN ABS SYSTEM NOT WORKING EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO ABS WARNING LIGHT LIT. REPLACING THE BEARING/STUD/ABS SENSOR ASSEMBLY IS MODERATELY HARD. *TR

Jun 18, 2011

ALTERNATOR WENT OUT 3 TIMES . ABS WARNING LIGHTS COME ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DLR HAS REPLACED ALTERNATOR.*AK

Jul 30, 1999

IN JULY 1996, OWNER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS W/HIGH IDLE. AREA DEALERSHIP REPLACED COMPUTER BUT VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCES SAME CONDITION, ALSO, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS/PADS OVERHEATED/REPLACED. *AK

Sep 10, 1996

SEAT BELTS

3 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WAS TOO TIGHT AND CAUSES HER TO CHOKE. SHE NOTICED BRUISES ON HER NECK. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL DEALERS REQUESTING THAT THEY ADJUST OR CHANGE THE SEAT BELT. THE DEALERS STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADJUST OR CHANGE THE SEAT BELT DUE TO THE DESIGN. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE SEAT BELT. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD REVIEW THE REPORT; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

May 11, 2009

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH CEMENT-BASED LAMP POST IN PARKING LOT GOING 10-15 MPH, SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT WINDSHIELD AND BRUISE CHEST ON STEERING COLUMN. MJS

Nov 16, 1999

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH CEMENT-BASED LAMP POST IN PARKING LOT GOING 10-15 MPH, SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT WINDSHIELD AND BRUISE CHEST ON STEERING COLUMN. MJS

Nov 16, 1999

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

BATTERY FAILED TWO TIMES.

Nov 18, 1998

THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SYSTEM. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IT VIBRATES. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED T MANUFACTURER TWICE, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Oct 16, 1998

PUTTING KEYS IN IGNITION IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.

Oct 27, 1997

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

1996 BUICK CENTURY. AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR AND IDLING. DRIVER MISTAKENLY GOT OUT OF CAR WITH THE CAR IN GEAR AND IDLING. THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS IMMEDIATELY LOCKED THE DRIVER OUT OF THE CAR. DRIVER HAD TO BUST WINDOW TO SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE CAR ROLLED INTO BUILDING. *TR

Mar 06, 2008

WHILE BEING DRIVEN, THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH RELEASED, ALLOWING THE SECONDARY LATCH TO CATCH FORCE. HOOD LATCH ADJUSTED BY AREA DEALER WITH HOOD LATCH STILL RELEASING, ALLOWING SECONDARY LATCH TO CATCH FORCE. *AK

Jan 21, 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

WHEN CONSUMER HITS THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGES A FOOT OR TWO, THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. *SLC

Oct 22, 2000

WHEN CONSUMER HITS THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SURGES A FOOT OR TWO, THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES BUT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. *SLC

Oct 22, 2000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING UP TO A HILL VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABOUT 50 MPH WITH HEADLIGHTS ON. THEN, THEY WILL GO OUT WITHOUT A WARNING. *AK

Aug 03, 2000

NO SOUND FOR TURN SIGNAL.

Oct 27, 1997

INTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

CONTINUOUS LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD WITH ANTI -LOCK ON IT

Jul 10, 2000

DOME LIGHT LAMP FELL OFF DUE TO LOOSE COVER.

Sep 11, 1997

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

CANNOT READ CLOCK IN DAYLIGHT.

Oct 27, 1997

REFLECTION OF SUN FROM DASH BOARD INTO WINDSHIELD DISTRACTS VISION.

Jul 10, 1997

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

STARTED CAR AND GASOLINE STARTED GUSHING OUT FROM BENEATH THE CAR BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND THE FRONT WHEEL-WELL. AS THE CAR WAS PARTLY IN THE GARAGE, I DROVE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THIS STOPPED THE FLOW OF GASOLINE. A MECHANIC LATER DETERMINED THAT THE PLASTIC GAS LINE HAD FAILED AND, AFTER CUTTING-OFF THE DAMAGED PART, HE SPLICED THE LINE BACK TOGETHER WITH A BRASS COUPLING. THAT SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM, FOR NOW. THE REALLY SCARY THING IS THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF GM CARS "OUT THERE" IN GARAGES AND ON THE ROAD WITH DETERIORATING PLASTIC GAS LINES! PROBABLY SOME OTHER BRANDS, AS WELL. AN ACQUAINTANCE OF MINE HAD THE SAME GAS LINE FAILURE ON HIS 1996 OLDSMOBILE CIERA. *TR

May 07, 2013

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

I HAVE A 1996 BUICK THAT RECENTLY DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE RACK IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO TURN LEFT. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM WITH MANY GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES. I CONTACTED GM WITH MY CONCERNS AND I WAS TOLD BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE, BUT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR COSTS NOR ISSUE A CONSUMER ALERT OF A POSSIBLE DANGER OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR NOW. I WISH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENTS I HAVE OUTLINED AS THERE IS A DEFINITE POSSIBILITY OF A FATAL ACCIDENT HAPPENING WITH ALL 1996 - 1998 BUICK PRODUCTS. THE PROBLEM RESULTS IN COMPLETE FAILURE TO CONTROL THE CAR WHILE TRYING TO TURN LEFT. IF THE PROBLEM WOULD BE WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE CAR COULD STILL TURN, BUT IN MANUAL MODE. THIS PROBLEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO TURN TO THE LEFT. THIS COULD BE DISASTROUS FOR SOMEONE. GM SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS BUT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION OR HELP PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK. I FEEL THAT A RECALL WOULD BE IN ORDER IF IT WOULD SAVE LIVES. YOU CAN CONTACT ME FOR THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL I SPOKE WITH AND THE REFERENCE NUMBER FOR MY COMPLAINT TO GM. *TR

Aug 26, 2008

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATIONS AT SPEEDS EXCEEDING 70 MPH. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW MICHELIN TIRE BUT THEY DID NOT CORRECT THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. THE GEAR SELECTOR BECAME STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION PERIODICALLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *MR *NLM

Oct 01, 2003

SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

MY CAR HAS HAD A HORRIBLE FRONT END VIBRATION SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY ALWAYS BLAMED MY TIRES, EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES WERE BRAND NEW. THEY BLAMED THE TIRES EVEN AFTER THE DEFECT CAUSED THE ORIGINAL TIRES TO FALL APART AND I BOUGHT BRAND NEW TIRES OF BETTER QUALITY THAN WAS ON IT ORIGINALLY. THEN, A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTING NOT WORKING. I HAD IT TO THE SHOP, BUT THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT, AND WHEN IT WAS IN THE SHOP, THEY WORKED FINE. THAT DOESN'T HELP ME WHEN IT STARTS TO RAIN AND I CAN'T SEE THE ROAD AND TURN ON THE WIPERS AND THEY FAIL. NEXT, THE DRIVER'S DOOR POWER WINDOW QUIT WORKING. AFTER REPLACING IT, THERE WAS A SMALL PIECE OF STEEL ON THE DOOR HANDLE THAT BROKE. IT STUNNED ME. IF IT HAD BROKEN A FEW DAYS EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN MY CAR WITH NO WAY OUT THE WINDOW OR DOOR. I FAILED TO UNDERSTAND WHY A PIECE OF STEEL IN A $20,000 CAR WOULD BREAK. WE ARE REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR. MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN A GM FAN ALL HIS 62 YEARS, BUT WE WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Mar 01, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE RIDING ABOUT 25 MPH CAR IN FRONT STARTED TO PUT ON ITS BRAKES. CONSUMER ALSO ATTEMPTED TO PUT ON THE BRAKES. BUT, INSTEAD, CAR SPEEDED UP AND JUMPED THE CURVE. CAR GAINED EVEN MORE SPEED AND FINALLY WAS STOPPED BY HITTING A TREE, UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DIDN'T DIPLOY. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS BROKEN IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO PUT ON THE BRAKES. THE PASSENGER WAS ALSO BANGED UP. PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT HAVE AN AIR BAG. *AK

Sep 20, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED.

Sep 22, 1997

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

BRACKET THAT HOLDS SPEAKER IS SHARP, CUTTING OWNER'S HAND.

Jul 09, 1997

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

AUTO-TRAN: VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING UPHILL OR WHILE PASSING, LURCHES FORWARD WHEN STARTED IN PARK, TRIES TO LURCH BACKWARD WHILE IN REVERSE, JUMPS FORWARD AT HIGH SPEED IN DRIVE POSITION, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK ALSO WHEN WENT TO HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED IT WAS FOUND THAT A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED AND THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK.*JB

Nov 15, 1996

4.7/5.0

58 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 BUICK Century have?

The 1996 BUICK Century currently has 99 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 BUICK Century?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 BUICK Century are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 BUICK Century problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 BUICK Century comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.