1998 BUICK Century Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
251
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
26 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED INDICATING A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ABS MOTOR PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Jun 22, 2011
ABS FAILURE. NOW 54,931 MILES ON ODOMETER.. 1998 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. I SENT A LETTER TO RAY LAHOOD SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ANSWER FROM ANY ONE! THIS IS S SAFETY ISSUE! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT GM ENGINEERS COULD NOT DESIGN AN ABS THAT WOULD LAST AT LEAST 100,000 MILES! HOW MANY FAILURES HAS GM EXPERIENCED? THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ABS PUMP HAD FAILED AND IT WOULD COST $800 TO REPLACE IT. UPDATED IVOQ 10/29/10.*JB *TR
Jul 10, 2010
MY BRAKES STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE ALL THE FLUID SUDDENLY DRAINED OUT OF THE SYSTEM AND IT IS REPORTED TO ME BY A DEALER THAT THIS IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I AM TOLD THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT MAKES SENSE TO ME, HOWEVER, IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS MAY BE A SAFETY PROBLEM BEYOND MY CAR. WHY WOULD BUICK USE MATERIALS IN A BRAKE LINE THAT WOULD CORRODE SO BADLY THAT IT WOULD FAIL IN ONLY 11 YEARS WHEN THE CAR COULD EASILY LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THAT? I NOW HAVE MY CAR IN MY GARAGE WITH NO BRAKES. I WILL BE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO REPAIR MY BRAKE LINES BUT THOUGHT THAT IF THIS IS NOT UNIQUE TO MY CAR SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THEIR CONDITION BEFORE I HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. THANK YOU *TR
Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Feb 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY REPLACING ALL OF THE PARTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
Sep 17, 2007
+ 21 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
24 complaints
TRANSMISSION FELL APART AT 41,600 MILES. (NAR) *PH *CB
Mar 09, 2004
ENGINE IS STARTED AND TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T MOVE. AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL.
Feb 06, 2002
I ATTEMPTED TO BACK UP OUT OF THE GARAGE TO GO TO AN EVENING FUNCTION. THE CAR SEEMED TO RESIST THE REVERSE PROCEDURE. AFTER EXITING THE CAR AND CONTINUING TO RECEIVE CONTINUING RESISTANCE TO REVERSE OR IN DRIVE I EXITED THE CAR. I COULD SEE NO PROBLEM WITH OBSTACLES. MY NEIGHBOR, WHO WAS WALKING HER DOG, SAID THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE NOT TURNING. I ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO GO FORWARD BUT COULD NOT. THEREFORE, I FORCED THE CAR BACK INTO THE GARAGE WITH THE REAR WHEELS SCREECHING AT THE FORWARD MOVEMENT INTO THE GARAGE. THIS IS WHERE THE CAR IS AT PRESENT. IN THE GARAGE SUNDAY MORNING 1/20/02.*AK
Jan 20, 2002
INITITIALLY THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT, ALONG WITH CLUTCHES THAT WERE BURNED UP. I PICKED THE CAR UP AND DROVE IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND AT 30 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THE NEXT GEAR. I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE CAR TO THE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, BRACEY'S AUTO REPAIR WHO DOES THE WORK FOR R.E. DAVIS AND MR. BRACEY CHECKED THE PRESSURE ON THE MODULATOR AND REPLACED THE MODULATOR. HE THEN DID A TEST WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PRESSURE WASN'T WHERE IT SHOULD BE. HE KEPT THE CAR ANOTHER DAY BECAUSE HE NEEDED TO MAYBE REPLACE A PISTON. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP HE DISCOVERED A PIN HOLE IN THE DRUM THAT WAS FROM A POOR WELD DURING ASSEMBLY. MR. BRACEY GAVE ME THE PART WITH THE POOR WELD AND IS WRITING A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM FOR ME.*AK
Feb 22, 2001
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *SLC
Sep 20, 2000
+ 19 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
23 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL UP ALL FOUR WINDOWS BUT ONLY THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WINDOW MOTORS AND TRACKS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 4/1/11 *CN UPDATED 1/13/2012 *LN *TR
Mar 04, 2011
POWER WINDOW AND MIRROR ISSUES IN 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2004, I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS THAT IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE BUICK CENTURY, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THE WINDOWS KEEP COMING OFF THE TRACK, I DRIVE ON SMOOTH ROADS AND FOLLOW THE SPEED LIMIT, SO WHAT IS GOING ON???? MY POWER MIRRORS HAVEN'T WORKED SINCE 2004. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW IS THE ONE THAT'S GIVEN ME THE WORST HEADACHE, PUT IN A NEW MOTOR THINKING THAT'S WHY IT WAS STICKING AND THEN IT QUIT WORKING AGAIN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, IT'S NOT SAFE. *TR
Jan 05, 2010
WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. MY LEFT WIPER BANGS A FEW INCHES UP THEN SMACKS BACK DOWN. THIS IS NOT SNOW RELATED BECAUSE I'VE LEARNER TO COVER ALL ASPECTS OF THE WIPERS AND WINDSHIELD BECAUSE OF MY FIRST TIME WAITING FOR SNOW TO MELT. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE I ACQUIRED THE CAR FROM MY GRANDMOTHER IN DEC. 2008. SHE PURCHASED THE CAR, BUT IS TOO OLD TOO KEEP UP WITH RECALLS AND SUCH. I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS AND I WAS ALMOST IN A CRASH WITH MY CHILDREN DUE TO A SUDDEN RAIN SHOWER CAUSING THE VISIBILITY TO BE AWFUL. *TR
Feb 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR ELECTRIC WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE. HE STATED THAT THE WINDOWS CANNOT ROLL UP ONCE THEY ARE DOWN. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. HE HAS REPLACED THE REGULATOR COMPONENT, WHICH COST AN ESTIMATED $350. WHEN THE WINDOW WAS REPLACED, THE MECHANIC FAILED TO OFFER AN EXPLANATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. PRESENTLY, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW STILL MALFUNCTIONS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,225.
Aug 01, 2007
WE HAVE A 1998 BUICK CENTURY WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. THE INFORMATION IN COMPLAINTS 10137627 AND 10134068 ARE VERY SIMILAR TO OUR TWO EXPERIENCES. IN JUNE 2004 THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW JUST FELL AND COULD NOT GO BACK UP. THE REAR WINDOW ON THE SIDE DID THE SAME THING A YEAR LATER. BOTH WERE SPONTANEOUS. EACH REPAIR WAS ABOUT $500.00. I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT TO BUICK WHICH WAS SUMMARILY DISMISSED BECAUSE THE CAR IS "OLD" AND IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED TO EACH WINDOW ONCE. (AS AN ASIDE MY WIFE'S BROTHER HAS THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO THREE OF HIS WINDOWS. THE TWO VEHICLES WERE PURCHASED FROM THE SAME DEALER ABOUT 4 MONTHS APART) I HAVE ACCESSED SOME INFORMATION MENTIONED IN THE OTHER COMPLAINTS SO I NEED NOT REPEAT IT HERE. I BELIEVE BUICK HAS IN INHERENT DEFECT WHICH SHOULD BE REPAIRED OR CHANGED AT NO COST. IT WAS HOWEVER REPLACED WITH THE SAME HARDWARE. OUR GRANDCHILDREN RIDE IN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND THIS FAILURE COULD ENDANGER THEM. YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. *JB
Oct 21, 2005
+ 18 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
20 complaints
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. DURING JANUARY 2007 THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE NOT ON WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO TURN THEM ON WITH THE ON OFF SWITCH BUT THAT DID NOT WORK. THE HIGH BEAMS WOULD TURN ON WHILE HOLDING THE LEVER, BUT THE NORMAL HEAD BEAMS LIGHTS DID NOT. THE CONTACT EXPLAINED THAT AFTER MOVING THE LIGHT LEVER THE NORMAL HEADLIGHT BEAMS TURNED ON. A MONTH AFTER THE FAILURE BEGAN THE HEAD LIGHTS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING ON 2/25/07. THE CONTACT WAS GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS TOO SOON FOR A VEHICLE WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 119,000 MILES AND ABOUT 9 YEARS OLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118500.*AK
Feb 26, 2007
HEADLIGHT LENS DEVELOPED A CLOUDY FILM. THIS REDUCED THE LIGHT ILLUMINATION, AND RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY. THE LENS COULD NOT BE CLEANED. *AK THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE DESIGN OF THE LENS IS POOR BECAUSE IT DOES NOT ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. *NM
May 11, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY THE HEADLIGHTS OPERATE POORLY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME. INDEPENDENT SHOP COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Sep 29, 2003
THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT STOPPED OPERATING DUE TO A FAULTY SOCKET WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
Sep 17, 2003
HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO LUMINATE IN THE DARK WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER WOULD HAVE POOR VISIBILITY DUE TO A LACK OF LIGHTING. TOOK VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, AND PARTS WERE REPLACED. HEADLIGHTS WERE REAIMED. PROBLEM OF POOR VISIBILITY STILL EXISTS.*AK
Oct 06, 2000
+ 15 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 complaints
I HAD BOTH 1999 AND 1998 INTRIGUES, BOTH HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR RUNNING LIGHTS AND BLINKING LIGHTS FAILING. REPLACE FUSES, REBLOW. SENT TO MECHANICS NUMEROUS TIMES, UNABLE TO RESOLVE. HOWEVER, THEY SAID THIS WAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE MAKE. MY SUPERVISOR SAID HE NOTICED MANY INTRIGUES ON ROAD WITH PROBLEMS, AND SINCE THEN, I NOTICE MANY INTRIGUES WITH SAME PROBLEM. MAYBE NOT IMMEDIATE DANGER, BUT WHEN BLINKER DOESN'T WORK, IT CREATES A DANGER OF BEING REAR-ENDED. *TR
Apr 17, 2009
WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLE TWO YEARS AGO. WITHIN THAT TIME, NONE OF OUR WINDOWS WORK. IT BEGAN WITH THE TWO BACK WINDOWS NOT ROLLING DOWN AND ONCE THEY WERE DOWN, NOT ABLE TO GO BACK UP. MY FATHER THOUGHT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING. HE PROCEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE BACK WINDOWS. THEN THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW WOULD DO THE SAME THING: ROLL DOWN AND THEN NOT GO UP, OR NOT EVEN ROLL DOWN AT ALL. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A FUSED. INDEED THE FUSE WAS VERY HOT WHEN REMOVING IT. NOW, NONE OF MY WINDOWS ROLL DOWN. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ALL THE MECHANISMS AT OUR COST. HOPING TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE OFF. *NM
Dec 28, 2005
FRONT DAY-TIME LIGHT/SIGNAL SOCKETS ARE OVERHEATING AND BURNING THE PLASTIC PARTS OF SOCKET & BULB. REPLACED BULB+SOCKET PRODUCED THE SAME RESULTS WITHIN SEVERAL WEEKS. DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE UNLESS PAID. GM SAYS CAR OUT OF WARRANTY. BURNING SMELL WAS DETECTED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO BUT COULDN'T LOCATE THE SOURCE, ONLY AFTER THE FLASHER FAILED. BULB WAS STILL FUNCTIONING BUT THE ELECTRIC CONTACTS DID NOT FUNCTION. *JB
Apr 19, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE GEAR SHIFT DUE TO A FAULTY ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROBLEM. *JB
Feb 21, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS HORN FAILS TO FUNCTION ON A RANDOM BASIS. HORN WORKS WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED. *AK THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT THE HORN FAILS SOMETIMES. *YH
May 21, 2001
+ 14 more complaints for this component
STEERING
18 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAINED CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Oct 09, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED HE INTERMITTENTLY HAD TO APPLY HEAVY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE FAILURE WAS RESULTING FROM THE LOWER PINION BEARINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Mar 29, 2011
THE POWER STEERING ON MY BUICK ONLY HAS POWER ASSIST WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT THE STEERING BINDS. *NM
Mar 05, 2006
1998 BUICK CENTURY STEERING FAILED & CANNOT TURN LEFT EVENT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED IN PARKING LOT AND NO DAMAGE RESULTED. DEALER WILL NOT COVER REPAIR OF VEHICLE WITH A 'W' DESIGNATION. ALTHOUGH THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THEY TO HAVE SAME STEERING RELATED DEFECTS AS CARS THAT RECEIVED RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN.
Jul 21, 2005
WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THIS MADE IT HARD TO STEER AND TURN THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 20, 2004
+ 13 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
18 complaints
BUICK CENTURY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST. *TR
Apr 14, 2009
ENGINE DIES WHILE DRIVING, LOSING BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE PAST FOUR WEEKS. TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS, NONE BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD, NOT ONLY TO MY DAUGHTER WHO IS THE PRINCIPLE DRIVER, BUT ALSO TO ALL DRIVERS/CARS DRIVING NEARBY, AS IT COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *NM
Jan 01, 2007
OVERHEATING ENGINE & TICKING SOUND. TOOK TO DEALER TWICE BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. ALWAYS A LITTLE BIT OF REPAIR. AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED SAME PROBLEM BUT THEN NEEDED OVER 600.00 IN REPAIRS. LATER SAME PROBLEM 300.00 IN REPAIRS. ALWAYS THERMOSTAT OR WATER PUMP. THE TEMP GAUGE GOES UP AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON, SAME AS BEFORE, A MECHANIC WAS AT THE CAFE I WORK AT & LOOKED AT THE CAR. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE RADIATOR & THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM FROM THESE GM PRODUCTS MANY MANY TIMES AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE. ADDED COOLANT & IT LASTED A LITTLE WHILE. TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION & WAS TOLD THE SAME. THE TEMP LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON BUT THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON. THE TICKING GOT LOUDER AND TOOK TO DEALER FOR THEIR OPINION, ASK THEM TO CHECK THE COOLANT TO SEE IF OIL WAS IN IT. WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS FROM A STUCK LIFTER & THEY PUT IN A HEAVIER WEIGHT OIL & ADDITIVE TO OIL CHANGE & THAT THE FLUIDS LOOKED GOOD. 2 WEEKS LATER LET 4TH MECHANIC LOOK, HE PUT IS FINGER IN RADIATOR & SHOWED ME THE GUNK, SAID I HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET & MORE. HE HAS SEEN HUNDREDS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. TOLD THAT GM SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, THAT THEY KNOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM AND DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND TRY TO COVER IT UP. GM SHOULD HAVE DONE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE IN THE PAST WEEKS. I DON'T WANT MONEY OR NEW CAR I JUST WANT MINE FIXED BY THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE. THE DEALER HAS LIED TO ME ABOUT THIS & I AM VERY UPSET, THIS IS WHY MY SON AND I ARE FREEZING TO DEATH IN THE CAR, THE GUNK HAS GUNKED UP EVERYTHING IT HAS COME IN CONTACT WITH, INCLUDING THE HEATING CORE. ACCORDING TO ONE COMPLAINT A VERY GOOD MECHANIC HAS DECIDED THAT THEIR ARE TWO PROBLEMS ONE AFFECTING THE OTHER. A COOLING SYSTEM GROUNDING PROBLEM, ELECTROLYSIS RESULTING IN CORROSION & DISINTEGRATION OF PARTS AND GASKETS & THEN DEXCOOL WHICH IS UNSTABLE IN AN ELECTRICALLY CHARGED ENVIRONMENT & TURNS IT IN TO GOOP. *NM
Oct 25, 2006
WE DROVE FROM HOME TO OLATHE, KS AND BACK TO A KOHL'S AT SHAWNEE STATION ON OUR WAY HOME. WE PARKED THE BUICK AND WHEN I TRIED TO START THE BUICK IT FAILED TO START. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TRIED TO START THE BUICK. THE BUICK STARTED BUT WHITE SMOKE COME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE AND IT BEGAN TO SHAKE TREMENDOUSLY LIKE WE WERE IN A BIG STORM. WE HAD THE BUICK TOWED TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID THE AIR MANIFOLD RINGS LET THE ANTI-FREEZE UP THE MOTOR AND THE SHAKING CAUSED OIL TO LEAK. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN SOMEWHERE ELSE. *JB
Feb 09, 2005
FAULTY DESIGN OF INTAKE MANIFOLD ON GM 3.8L ENGINE USED IN 1998 THRU 2004 ENGINE. PLASTIC HOUSING MELTS ENOUGH AFTER 80,000 TO ALLOW ENGINE COOLANT INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER CAUSING ENGINE TO HYDROLOCK WITHOUT WARNING. CAR BECOMES IMMEDIATELY UNDRIVABLE. *JB
Jan 01, 2005
+ 13 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 28, 2000
DASHBOARD DESIGN CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY DUE TO THE REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD. THERE APPEARS TO BE TWO(2) DISTINCT SECTIONS AND AN ANGLE TO THE DASHBOARD. *AK
Feb 04, 2000
LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES.
Sep 08, 1999
DESIGN OF DASHBOARD REFLECTS ON WINDSHIELD CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *YC
Jul 21, 1999
DESIGN OF PLASTIC DASHBOARD REFLECTS BACK INTO THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *YC
Jul 14, 1999
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
10 complaints
THE CONSUMER FAILED TO LOCATE THE SMALL PLACES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE HORN IS LOCATED. *LA THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS CONSTITUTES A DANGEROUS HAZARD. MODEL VEHICLE: ESTATE. *SC
Feb 19, 2004
DISSATISFACTION WITH NHTS'S RESPONSE TO HER COMPLAINT RE THE DASHBOARD DESIGN OF THE BUICK CENTURY, REF ES03-007553/S/ BRENNER 12/5/03, ENTIRE ENCLOSURES NOT IMAGED FWD TO NVS-200. *PH THE DASHBOARD WAS CONSTRUCTED IN SECTIONS WHICH CAUSED PERMANENT REFLECT LINES ONTO THE WINDSHIELD IN LINE WITH THE DRIVERS EYE LEVEL. *SC *JB
Jan 29, 2004
I AM UNCLEAR WHETHER I SHOULD ONLY REPORT "SAFETY" PROBLEMS TO YOU, AND AM NOT SURE THIS WOULD BE SUCH A PROBLEM. THE DESIGN OF THIS VEHICLE IS SUCH THAT THERE IS A BLACK PLASTIC PART WHICH HANGS DOWN BELOW THE FRONT BUMPER (LOOKS LIKE A MUD FLAP BUT IT IS STIFF). A BUICK DEALER REPAIR FACILITY TOLD ME THIS FLAP IS FOR ADEQUATE AIR FLOW TO THE ENGINE. THE FLAP IS SO LOW THAT NORMAL DRIVING (HITTING THE SMALLEST BUMPS IN THE ROAD, GOING UP OR DOWN DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES OR ANY UNEVEN SURFACE CAUSES THE FLAP TO SCAPE ON THE PAVEMENT MAKING A LOUD GRIDING SOUND. IT IS ANNOYING TO SAY THE LEAST, AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT WERE TO HIT AT HIGH SPEED. WOULD IT JUST CRACK OFF? BE DRIVEN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT? I BELIEVE THIS IS A POOR (IF NOT UNSAFE) DESIGN AND THAT A REMEDY SHOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. A DAY DOES NOT GO BY WHERE IT DOES NOT SCRAPE. IF THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN RELATE TO GM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO I CAN CONTACT THEM DIRECTLY. THANK YOU.
Jan 09, 2001
WHEN USING DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR IT COVERS UP 1/3 OF THE REAR VIEW MIROR, BLOCKING DRIVER'S VIEW. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. VALANCE UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR REPEATEDLY HITS BOTTOM AND SCRAPES THE ROAD AT MINOR DIPS. OWNER ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKING WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO PARK. *AK *ML
Mar 30, 2000
RIGHT SIDE POWER LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. MJS
Oct 04, 1999
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
9 complaints
I HAVE A 1998 BUICK REGAL WITH REAR SEATBELTS THAT JAM INSIDE AND CANNOT BE RE-EXTENDED. I HAVE PAID $200 TO HAVE THE BACK SEAT REMOVED AND THE SEATBELTS REALIGNED SO THAT THEY WORK. I WAS WARNED AT TIME OF REPAIR THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL CAR AND IT WOULD PROBABLY REOCCUR. DESPITE OUR GREAT CARE IN USING THE REALIGNED BELTS, THE PROBLEM DID IN FACT REOCCUR AND NOW BOTH REAR BELTS ARE JAMMED AGAIN, WITH THE RESULT THAT OUR CHILDREN CANNOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE CAR AND WE CANNOT USE IT WHEN TRAVELING WITH THEM (UNLESS WE PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AGAIN). MY MOTHER HAS A BUICK REGAL ROUGHLY THE SAME AGE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR
Sep 04, 2009
THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE JAMMED INTO THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM. THE REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. *AK BUICK REFUSED TO FIX THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Jul 19, 2004
THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DIDN'T TIGHTEN OR HOLD IT'S POSITION. THE CAR SEAT MOVED. *SCC *JB
Sep 04, 2003
BOTH OUTSIDE REAR SEATBELTS WILL NOT PULL OUT, VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY DEALER.*AK
Jul 15, 2002
SEAT BELT BUCKLE TWISTS TO OPPOSITE SIDE OF BELT. CAUSES BELT TO BE TWISTED WHEN ON. *AK
Dec 10, 2001
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaints
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE CONSUMER PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT. NLM
Aug 14, 2000
WHEN BACKING VEHICLE UP WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT SUDDENLY TOOK OFF. HAS HAPPENED 8 DIFFERENT TIMES. TOOK TO DEALER AT LEAST 3 TIMES FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT & THE MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE EACH TIME. *AK *ML
Jul 18, 2000
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN STARTING OUT IN FORWARD OR REVERSE GEARS, ON ONE OCCASION DAMAGE TO THE TIRE AND RIM WHEN VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB. YH
Jun 08, 2000
SOMETIMES THE GAS PEDAL STICKS WHILE DRIVING. YH
Jun 08, 2000
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN STARTING OUT IN FORWARD OR REVERSE GEARS, ON ONE OCCASION DAMAGE TO THE TIRE AND RIM WHEN VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB. YH
Jun 08, 2000
+ 4 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
8 complaints
WAS DRIVEN OFF THE ROAD BY ANOTHER VEHICLE I THEN HIT A POTHOLE AT THE SAME TIME MY PASSENGER DASH AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR
Oct 21, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WAS STARTING TO DETACH FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Jun 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR INJURIES. NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Dec 14, 2009
CONSUMER HAD ON/OFF SWITCH INSTALLED BY AIRBAG SYSTEM OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. AIRBAG INDICTOR LIGHT ON DASH STAYED ON AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WITH SWITCH TURNED ON OR OFF. A RECALL WAS ISSUED 00E01000, BUT MANUFACTUER WILL NOT REPLACE SWITCH, AND DENIED DEFECT. SWITCH WAS INSTALLED ON 1998, BUICK, CENTURY.*AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE COMPANY TO START THE ENGINE 200 TIMES AND THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF, BUT IT DID NOT HAPPEN. *YH
Jan 26, 2001
PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE AIR BAG IS MISSING CLIPS AND THE COVER IS BENT. MJS
Oct 04, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
7 complaints
1998 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. I BURNED OUT MY 3RD A/C BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR SINCE 2001. THIS TIME THE HARNESS STARTED MELTING EXPOSING BARE WIRES AND SMOKING. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT I CAME CLOSE TO HAVING A FIRE. A CALL TO THE GM DEALER FOUND THAT THEY ARE SOLD OUT OF THE PIGTAIL NEEDED FOR REPAIR. THE PART MUST BE IN SUBSTANCIAL DEMAND. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED FROM THE FACTORY. BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO GIVE A TIME FRAME. THEY WERE ALSO AWARE OF THE FREQUENT RESISTOR MODULE BURN OUTS. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD WIRE AND RESISTOR IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION. I DID NOTICE THAT THE NEWEST MODULES ARE DESIGNED DIFFERENTLY. THIS DID NOT PREVENT THE HIGH SPEED WIRE FROM BURNING.*AK
Aug 19, 2004
THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR THE DUAL COMFORTEMP CLIMATE CONTROL HAVE FAILED RENDERING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE THE TEMPERATURE AND AIRSPEED SETTINGS.
Jan 15, 2004
RADIO AND TAPE DECK FAILED. MJS
Oct 04, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSOR FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
+ 2 more complaints for this component
TIRES
5 complaints
MULTIPLE CRACKING ON SIDEWALLS OF 4 MICHELIN HARMONY TIRES BEING USED 3000 MILES A YEAR. TIRES BOUGHT IN 2007 AND HAVE 99% OF TREAD STILL PRESENT ON TIRE. FEEL MICHELIN USED INSUFFICIENT UV/OZONE INHIBITOR CHEMICALS IN RUBBER COMPOUND MANUFACTURING THESE TIRES. TIRES MAY BE UNSAFE AND NOT DUE TO CAR OWNER'S FAULT. FEEL MICHELIN SHOULD REPLACE THESE AT THEIR EXPENSE, NOT MY MOTHER'S EXPENSE. TIRES SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 7-8 YEARS AT 3000 MILES A YEAR WHEN 80,000 IS ADVERTISED FOR THESE TIRES.
Nov 06, 2015
I BRING IN MY TIRES FOR AIR PRESSURE, AND TELL ME " THAT THE TIRES CRACKING". *NM
Nov 13, 2006
WHILE TRAVELING THIRTY-FIVE TO FOURTY-FIVE MPH ON DRY HOT ROAD CONDITIONS CONSUMER'S DRIVER SIDE ORGINIAL EQUIPMENT GENREAL, AMERI-XG45 TIRE SIZE P205/70R15 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND CONSUMER WAS DENIED ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.*JB
Aug 08, 2001
RIGHT FRONT CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTAC TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION AT 45 MPH WITH DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE P205/70R15, DOT# UNAVAILABLE. *AK THE OTHER 3 TIRED WERE CUPPING. *SLC
Jan 18, 2001
TIRE BLOW OUT (GENERAL). *YC
Feb 01, 1999
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE SWAYING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP TO REPLACE THE TIRES AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL PART STORES, BUT NONE OF THEM HAD THE NECESSARY PART FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 145,000.
Sep 10, 2008
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, CONSUMER CAN HEAR A DISTINCT POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND CANNOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SHOCKS ON THE FRONT END. *LA
Jul 21, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT A BOLT CONNECTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CAME OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Jan 07, 2003
I AM NOT REPORTING A "FAILURE" PER SE. I AM EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN SB606088, DESCRIBED AS "STEERING SHUDDER OR VIBRATION AT LOW SPEED (REPLACE POWER STEERING LINES)." HOWEVER, THE DEALER DESCRIBED REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, CLAIMING INABILITY TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM. AS I EXPLAINED, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, SO THERE IS NO REASON TO EXPECT THAT THE PROBLEM CAN BE VERIFIED ON ANY PARTICULAR OCCASION. CAN YOU HELP IN GETTING THE DEALER TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT? *AK
Jun 12, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 70 MPH VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 02, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM PROBLEM. THERE WAS 50,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEFECT WAS THE RESULT OF POOR GAS THAT WAS USED IN ARIZONA. CONSUMER HAD THE FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED AND FLUSHED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Nov 17, 2004
SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR I HAVE HAD REPEATEDLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTORS. IN THE BEGINNING WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THE INJECTORS WERE REPLACED AFTER THE THIRD TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THEY JUST CLEAN INJECTORS NOW AND IT'S CAUSED BY BAD GASOLINE. IN ALL MY OTHER CARS I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEM USING STANDARD OIL GAS. EVEN THE DEALER BUYS THE SAME GAS AT THE SAME STATION FOR ALL THERE CARS. LATELY WHEN I HAD THE INJECTOR PROBLEM AGAIN THEY QUOTED ME $140 TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHEN I SAID I HAD IT DONE THE OTHER TIMES FOR LESS THEY AUTOMATICALLY REDUCED THE PRICE TO $64. THIS MAY SEEM FAIR TO SOME BUT WHY THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE AND WHY CAN'T THEY SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE THE SAME ENGINE AND DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
Jan 15, 2004
HOSE DISCONNECTED FROM THE GAS FILTER CAUSED GASOLINE TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE.*MR THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RECONNECT THE HOSE TO THE FILTER WHICH TEMPORARILY REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. AT A REPAIR SHOP, A NEW FILTER WAS INSTALLED WHEN THE MECHANIC INSTALLED THE FUEL FILTER. CONSUMER NOTICED THE CONNECTION FROM THE RUBBER HOSE TO THE FILTER WAS ONLY A PLASTIC SNAP AND NOT A SOLID CONNECTION LIKE THE OTHER END OF THE FILTER THAT GOES TO THE ENGINE. CONSUMER FELT THE PLASTIC SNAP COULD SNAP AGAIN AND CAUSE SERIOUS OR DEADLY INJURIES. *PH *JB
Sep 15, 2003
THE CLAIM BY THE DEALER PERFORMING THE REPAIRS IS NOT THE DEALER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM . THE DEALER IS NICK ABRAHAM CHRYSLER BUICK JEEP,1111 E. BROAD ST. ELYRIA, OH44035. THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE A MISS IN IDLE , AND PERIODICALLY LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE FOULING OUT OR BECOMING DIRTY DUE TO A CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION ,NOT DIRT OR FOREIGN MATTER BYPASSING THE FUEL FILTER. THE GASOLINE USED IN THIS VEHICLE IS SHELL 87 OCTANE OR SUNOCO 87 OCTANE. A HIGHER OCTANE (89) HAS BEEN USED AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURED. IF IT IS A CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION CAUSING THE INJECTORS TO CONTINUE TO FOUL OUT , I WOULD SUSPECT IT TO BE FROM THE FUEL REACTING WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND CAUSING REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER ONLY TO BE MET WITH THE SAME RESULTS OF BEING TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE OON HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. TAHNK YOU.
Apr 18, 2000
FUEL PUMP FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE WAY TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT LOCKED THE KEYS IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCESS THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO HOME TO RETRIEVE A SPARE SET OF KEYS TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK. THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY RISK FOR CHILDREN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Sep 08, 2014
THE HOOD WILL NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE LATCH BROKE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE PART NEEDED IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. ONE YEAR AGO SHE HAD THEM REPLACED BY THE LOCAL MECHANIC, THEN TWICE THEY WERE CLEANED BY THE DEALER. AFTERWARDS, SHE HAD TO HAVE 3 OF THEM REPLACED. ALL OF THIS BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, STATING THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE SERVICED SOON. ALL OF THIS STARTED WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK, AND SHE HAD IT CHECKED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HELP WITH ALL OF THIS SERVICING.*AK
Aug 14, 2003
OIL IS LEAKING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE TOWARDS THE FIREWALL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, AND RESEALED OIL PUMP WHICH HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Dec 21, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
VALVE UNDERNEATH THE GAS TANK, CANNOT FILL GAS TANK.
Sep 08, 1999
CONTINUAL GAS ODOR WITHIN THE VEHICLE, UNABLE TO DETERMINE SOURCE.
Aug 28, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE'S WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCK CONTROLS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, WHEN LOCKING THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT WILL NOT COME UP. THE REST OF THE WINDOWS CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE CAR WILL NOT WORK AS WELL. THE LIGHTING IN THE CAR FLICKERS IF YOU WOULD PUSH THE LOT OR THE WINDOW CONTROL. ANTERIOR LIGHT IS NO LONGER WORKING. NONE OF THIS WORKS EVEN WHEN PARKED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
Dec 29, 2020
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKES AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, A CONCUSSION, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Oct 04, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I FIRST NOTICED THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF IN JANUARY OF 2014, ESPECIALLY GOING DOWN A HILL. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS MOISTURE IN MY GAS TANK, BUT AFTER FILLING UP A COUPLE OF TIMES AND PUTTING IN SOME GAS DRYER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I USUALLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND START THE ENGINE WHILE THE CAR IS STILL MOVING. I TOOK MY REMOTE AND OTHER KEYS OFF THE KEY RING. IT STILL SHUTS OFF THE ENGINE WITH JUST ONE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT NOT AS MUCH. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW I CAN REMEDY THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY? WILL THIS BE AT MY OWN EXPENSE? *TR
Mar 06, 2014
SEATS
1 complaint
NO TOP TETHER ANCHOR AVAILABLE FOR CHILD CAR SEAT. GM REFUSES TO RETROFIT AND SAYS THAT THERE IS NO RETROFIT KIT AVAILABLE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A BULLETIN IN MARCH 2012 THAT SAYS THAT THEY WILL RETROFIT ONE FOR FREE. UNABLE TO SAFETY TRANSPORT MY CHILD. *TR
Jun 27, 2013
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
AFTER A SNOWFALL, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT PARK, STOOD STRAIGHT UP AND OBSTRUCTED MY VIEW. I CALLED BUICK AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALERSHIP AND IT WOULD BE REPAIRED. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S MODEL HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE WIPERS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TWO MECHANICS THAT MY CAR HAS THE EXACT ISSUE AS THE PREVIOUS MODEL. I FIND THAT THIS IS A DANGER TO MYSELF, MY CHILDREN AND OTHER DRIVERS/PASSENGERS AND FEEL THAT IT SHOULD BE ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
May 31, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKE INSPECTION. WAS INFORMED THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET WAS LEAKING COOLANT. HAD IT REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP ON 03/07/2006. ON 06/28/2010, THE SAME ISSUE SEEMS TO BE RE-OCCURRING. SHOULD AN INTAKE GASKET NEED REPLACING 2X'S UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS? *TR
Jul 02, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
DASH BOARD LIGHT WHERE THE MILEAGE SHOWS. CANNOT SEE ANYTHING, THE LIGHT SUDDENLY WENT OUT AND CANNOT SEE MILES ON CAR. ALSO, AUTOMATIC BUTTON TO PUSH SEAT BACK AND FORTH IS NOT WORKING. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY FACTOR BECAUSE THE SEAT IS PUSHED UP TO CLOSE TO THE FRONT . *TR
Sep 05, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE PAINT ON MY CAR KEEPS CHIPPING OFF AND THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *TR
Jun 05, 2008
SEAT BELTS,WHEELS
1 complaint
BOTH SIDE SEAT BELTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS CAUSED QUITE A PROBLEM WITH THE LAW REQUIRING PASSENGERS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD. THE STOCK RIMS OF THE VEHICLE SLOWLY CUT THE TIRES AND CAUSE AIR LEAKAGE. THIS REQUIRES THE OWNER TO REPLACE THE TIRES BEFORE THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE NEEDED. AND ALSO CAUSES THE 'LOW TIRE' WARNING LIGHT TO REPEATEDLY LIGHT UP AND NEED RESETTING. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD AS LOW TIRES CAN CAUSE BLOW OUTS. *JB
Nov 05, 2005
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT. *NM THE CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. *SC *JB
May 20, 2004
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE IGNITION WAS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED. *AK
Feb 10, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY CAR HAS HAD A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH MY FUEL INJECTIONS, SPECIFICALLY INJECTIONS 3 AND 4. NUMBER 3 HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND 4 ONCE. THIS STARTED 11/14/2001 WITH THE MOST CURRENT HAPPENING ON 11/12/2003 AFTER SUPPOSEDLY BEING REPAIRED ON 11/5/2003 AND 10/17/2003. I HAVE SPOKE TO GM ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH THE SAME RESPONSE. BECAUSE MY CAR NOW HAS 98,200 MILES ON THEY CAN'T HELP ME. THE FIRST TIME THAT THE INJECTIONS STARTED TO GIVE ME A PROBLEM IT WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND AT THAT TIME I ONLY HAD 64,047 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE THAT THE INJECTIONS ARE PRODUCING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS BUT TO DATE THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL DONE. I'M SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY TO FIX SOMETHING THAT APPARENTLY CAN'T BE FIXED. I THINK SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *LA
Nov 13, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISES FROM REAR SUSPENSION. *AK THE ROD SPINDLE ROD SHEARING CAUSED BY CHATTING AGAINST RIGHT STABILIZER SHAFT MOUNTING BOLT STOP. (INBOARD SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT) THE RIGHT SIDE HAD INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE. *SCC *JB
Oct 15, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
FAILURE OF BRAKES AND ABS SYSTEM ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED IT AND I HAD IT WORKED ON. BUT YET IT HAPPENED AGAIN, DUE TO THE BRAKES FAILING AND NOW I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Aug 18, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT REGULATES THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. THIS PROBLEM IN THE BEGINNING WAS INTERMITTENT BUT WE NEVER REPORTED IT UNTIL SOME TIME BETWEEN JAN. 2002 TO PRESENT. THEY CLAIM THAT THE BOARD IS DEFECTIVE BUT IT WOULD COST US AROUNG $ 500.00 TO BE REPLACED. WE BELIEVE THAT A CAR WITH LESS THAN 35000 MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 28, 2002
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT, NOISES SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN COMING FROM THE STEERING, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP, THE RACK AND PINION HAD GONE OUT AND LEAKED, THE A/C CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE SEAT BELT BUTTON LATCH HAD FALLEN AND THE BUTTON WAS MISSING, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICS, THE DRIVER DOOR WAS HARD TO OPEN, THE PANEL HAD MOVED WHEN THE WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN, THE POWER WINDOW(S) WERE INOPERATIVE, THE SHIFTER GOES IN AND OUT, THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR EXTERIOR TRIM WAS HARD TO OPEN, THE PASSENGERS SEAT COUSHIN WAS TOO SOFT AND HAD COLLAPSED, AND THE DOOR'S MIRROR WAS LOOSE. THE SERVICE DEALER HAD FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. SCC
Mar 14, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON DASHBOARD. CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE, AND DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT 5TH FUEL INJECTOR WAS DEFECTIVE, AND A SPARK PLUG WAS INOPERATIVE. ON SECOND OCCURRENCE, WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. THEN, ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND FOUND 4TH FUEL INJECTOR TO BE DEFECTIVE. HAD TO CHANGE OIL BECAUSE FUEL LEAKED INTO T CRANK CASE. *AK *SLC
May 25, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
POWER STEERING MECHANISM MOANS, GRAONS, AND SHUDDERS, STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN AND FLUID LEVELS DROP. ACCORDING TO THEIR SERVICE MANAGER, THE POWER STEERING PUMP SYSTEM HAS A FACTORY DEFECT. ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN TRYING FIVE YEARS TO RESOLVE, THEY CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. BRAKE SYSTEM HAS ABNORMAL WEAR FOR AGE OF CAR, ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND GROUND TWICE IN 18 MONTHS. FRONT-END COMPONENTS HAVE BROKEN NAMELY ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY IN FIRST 100 MILES AND REMAINED BROKE FOR 28,000 MILES. NUTS AND BOLTS HAVE FALLEN OUT OF THE FRONT END SUSPENSE SYSTEM. (TIRESIZE: P205/70R15) (TIRESIZE: P205/70R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
Oct 18, 2000
POWER TRAIN,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
HAD SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE WHEN THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON. WAS UNABLE TO STEER FORWARD OR REVERSE. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK. VEHICLE RESET ITSELF. IT'S WAS INTERMITTEN PROBLEM. WOULD HESITATE AT 50-55MPH. AT AN INTERSECTION VEHICLE WOULD STOP RUNNING. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC SUSPECTED ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE & NOTHING FOUND. *AK
May 30, 2000
SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
HORN FAILED TO WORK WHEN TRYING TO USE IT WHILE DRIVING. HORN FAILED TO WORK EVEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. ALSO, FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. LATCH PLATE WOULD NOT GO INTO THE BUCKLE MECHANISM. *AK
Apr 21, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WHEN OIL FILTER FELL(?) OFF THE ENGINE AND CAR WAS DRIVEN 2+ MILES WITH NO OIL IN ENGINE. CAR STALLED AND WAS RESTARTED 3 TIMES. AT NO TIME DID THE OIL WARNING LIGHT INDICATE A PROBLEM! DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND MUST BE REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATED WITHOUT OIL. IT COST ME ABOUT $4,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE WHEN REVERSE OR DRIVE ARE SELECTED UNTIL THE SELECTOR IS MOVED IN AND OUT OF OTHER POSITIONS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ANNOYANCE ONLY. *AK
Mar 27, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
SEAT BELTS DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE, BRAKE PEDAL MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Sep 08, 1999
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYED ON, AND VEHICLE VIBRATED. ALSO, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTORS. *AK
Jun 29, 1999
WHEELS
1 complaint
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE ENTIRE WHEEL INCLUDING THE RIM CAME OFF OF THE CAR. TIRE HAD NEVER BEEN REMOVED OR CHANGED.
Apr 08, 1999
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DASHBOARD LIGHT FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLS IN REVERSE FOR NO REASON. VEHICLE ALSO SHIFTS ERRATICALLY WHEN PUT IN ANY GEAR. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN ANY FORWARD GEAR AND UPON STOPPING AND PUTTING THE SHIFT LEVER INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE IS NOT ENGAGED IN REVERSE AND DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER AROUND AND BACK INTO REVERSE FOR IT TO ENGAGE, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND THE DEALER HAS WORKED ON THIS PROBLEM 3 TIMES, JUST RECENTLY THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE AND EVERYTHING SEEMS OKAY FOR RIGHT NOW. *SLC
Jun 08, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE WENT COMPLETELY DEAD DUE TO SHORT IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
Apr 13, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 BUICK Century have?
The 1998 BUICK Century currently has 251 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 1998 BUICK Century?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 BUICK Century problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 BUICK Century comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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