2001 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
153
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
18 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DEXCOOL COOLANT WAS PLACED IN THE WATER TANK INSTEAD OF ANTIFREEZE. THE MANIFOLD ON THE WATER BLOCK, WHICH IS THE GASKET BETWEEN THE WATER TANK, DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT TYPE OF GASKET AND DETERIORATED THE WATER DUE TO OIL IN THE TANK. THE FAILURE IS CALLED A "PINK MILKSHAKE". THIS ALSO OCCURS WHEN THERE IS OIL IN THE WATER RESERVOIR. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $800. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Aug 03, 2009
LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR
Apr 09, 2009
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK. *JB
Apr 12, 2007
MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A SMALL LEAK WHICH IS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS. ALL MECHANICS THAT I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO SAY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE WHERE GM CHANGED TO PLASTIC GASKET. ALL SEEM TO HAVE SAME DIAGNOSES EXCEPT GM AND GM DEALERSHIP. *JB
Aug 23, 2006
THE CONSUMER'S 2001 BUICK CENTURY STALLS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN. *TS *NM
Feb 14, 2006
+ 13 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16 complaints
FOR ALMOST THE ENTIRE TIME OF 16 YEARS OF OWNING THIS CAR, THE SET CRUISE CONTROL OFTEN TIMES SPEEDS UNCONTROLLABLY. HAVE REPLACED THE MODULE TWICE BUT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. LOCAL BUICK DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THEY ARE UNTRUTHFUL.
May 22, 2017
TURNED ON SPEED CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, PRESSED SET BUTTON TO SET THE SPEED. THE CRUISE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. MY SPEED WENT FROM 65 MPH TO 80 MPH IN A FEW SECONDS. I DEPRESSED THE SET BUTTON AGAIN TO DECELERATE, BUT WHEN I RELEASED THE SET BUTTON, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AGAIN. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION & TURNED THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
Sep 18, 2015
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SPEED CONTROL TURNED ON BUT NOT ENGAGED THE SPEED CONTROL WILL ENGAGE AND THE ENGINE WILL RACE UNTIL BRAKE IS TAPPED OR SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TURNED OFF. THIS CAN HAPPENED RANDOMLY , WHEN RESUME IS ENGAGED , OR WHEN LANE CHANGE SIGNALING. *TR
Mar 09, 2015
AFTER SETTING CRUISE CONTROL IT WILL TAKE OFF AND ACCELERATE UNTIL YOU MANUALLY SHUT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH OFF. I EVEN TAPPED ON BRAKE AND IT WOULD CONTINUE. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY RANDOM. *TR
Sep 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING 35 MPH OR MORE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE AND WOULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SEIZE IN THE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. HE WOULD THEN DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DEACTIVATE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COMMON IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Aug 19, 2010
+ 11 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
16 complaints
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR (AS IS) FOR OUR GRANDSON. ON OUR WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER, AS SOON AS THE TRANSMISSION WARMED UP (4-5 MILES), THE SHIFTING WAS HARD AND JERKING WITH A WHINE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE WHICH FOUND THE COMPUTER CODE OF P1811 AND WERE TOLD A COMPLETE REBUILD WOULD BE NECESSARY. WENT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHERS HAD COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE. WOULD HOPE GM WOULD COME FORWARD WITH REIMBURSEMENT SINCE ITS TRANSMISSION IN THIS MODEL WAS INCORRECTLY DESIGNED. THE REBUILDING GARAGE OWNER EVEN HAD TO GO TO A SPECIAL SCHOOL TO LEARN HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM IN THE BUICK CENTURY. AFTER PAYING $1,757.25 TO QUEENS TRANSMISSION, INC., IN BRADENTON, FL (941-746-7480), THE SHIFTING IS NOW NORMAL.
May 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTING JERKING AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. *TR
Mar 10, 2014
LOST ABILITY TO READ POSITION OF GEAR SELECTION (PRNDL) ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ODOMETER READINGS ON 2001 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. THIS WAS AN ELECTRONIC PRNDL AND ODOMETER DISPLAY. IT WAS LIKE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION BLIND FOLDED. SAFETY. *AK
May 17, 2007
2001 BUICK CENTURY WITH 25,000 MILES, NEEDED TO HAVE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. SOME SLIPPAGE A WEEK BEFORE, THEN TWO STOP SIGNS, SLIPPAGE, THEN HORRIBLE GRINDING. WHEN MECHANIC TORE DOWN TRANSMISSION, SHARDS OF METAL WERE FOUND. WORD FROM THE SHOP WAS THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS MODEL AT 25,000 MILES, USUALLY SEE THIS MODEL AROUND 40,000 MILES. *JB
Dec 01, 2006
2001 CENTURY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TS WHILE COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. *JB
Jun 27, 2006
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
15 complaints
2009 WHILE MY SISTER WAS PULLING INTO THE HOSPITAL PARKING GARAGE WITH MY MOTHER, DRIVING MOM'S 2001 BUICK CENTURY, THE BRAKES FAILED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO PEDAL, NO BRAKES. HAD TOWED BACK HOME. MECHANIC SAID HAD RUSTED BRAKE LINE. THANK GOD MY MOTHER WAS NOT DRIVING, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED. WELL FRIDAY JULY 9TH 2010 MY SISTER TAKING MY MOTHER TO DR APPT WITH CAR FULL OF KIDS,AGAIN THE BRAKES FAILED AND HAD NO BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. I GUESS THE MAN UPSTAIRS SURE TAKES CARE OF MOM, IT SURE AS HECK IS NOT GM. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THIS LONG KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE RUSTY BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES SHOULD LAST ALOT LONGER THAN 45,000 MILES. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR BRAKE LIGHTS, HOW ABOUT ONE FOR THESE BRAKE LINES. *TR
Jul 11, 2010
WHEN STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT MOST OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR ENDS UP IN THE INTERSECTION DUE TO LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. UPON INSPECTION, THE METAL BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS UNIT, RUNNING ACROSS THE FIREWALL TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. ALL THE BRAKE FLUID BLEW OUT OF THE BRAKE CIRCUIT WHEN THE LINE RUPTURED DURING THE STOP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, TWO OTHER STEEL BRAKE LINES AND THE STEEL FUEL FEED LINE ARE ABOUT TO RUST THROUGH AND FAIL AS WELL. I HAVE NEVER SEEN BRAKE AND FUEL LINES RUST THROUGH LIKE THIS! NINE YEARS OLD. THE FIRST BRAKE LINE MENTIONED RUNS ALONG THE FIRE WALL, RIGHT BEHIND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AS SUCH, IT HAS A FIBER HEAT SHIELD WRAPPING AROUND IT FOR ABOUT TWO FEET AND THIS IS WHERE THE WORST RUST OCCURRED, CONVENIENTLY HIDDEN FROM SIGHT. I SUSPECT THE HEAT SHIELD MATERIAL HELD MOISTURE, LEADING TO THE RUST. WHEN DISCUSSING THIS PROBLEM WITH A MECHANIC AT THE GM DEALER, HE SAID, "I SEE THIS ALL THE TIME." I KNOW CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO PREVENT THIS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN ON ALL THE FOREIGN CARS I HAVE OWNED. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE I AM TOLD THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINE IS TO DROP THE SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS THE DRIVETRAIN, AT A COST OF ABOUT $1200, SINCE THE LINE IS ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS TO GO ON THE BODY AT THE FACTORY! *TR
May 23, 2010
OUR ANTI BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THE ABS SYSTEM WAS FAULTY. REPLACED THE EBCM AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND ALSO REPLACED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. .THE BRAKES WERE FINE. THEY CHARGED US $2,223.14. THE SERVICE DONE WAS: THE EBCM AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAULTY . 07 BRAKES/ TRACTION CTRL . 1- VALVE KIT,1- MODULE,2- FLUID 1-,CYLINDER. PARTS WAS $1,948.40, LABOR $401.93 ... THIS IS RIDICULOUS!. WE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH OUR BRAKES AT ALL ! I CAME IN TO GET THE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND CAME OUT WITH MY SAVINGS GONE! *TR
Sep 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS CAME OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1997 BUICK CENTURY WITH THE SAME FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 28,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Jun 14, 2007
2001 BUICK CENTURY DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE EQUIPMENT.*MR THE BRAKE, TRAC AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED SOME FUSES, THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A SHORT IN THE ABS, HOWEVER 3 WEEKS LATER THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. *JB
Sep 22, 2005
+ 10 more complaints for this component
TIRES
9 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD MUSTANG GT. THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE AND THREE OF THE FOUR TIRES BLEW OUT. AFTER A DIAGNOSIS, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE FAULTY. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO BE REPAIRED AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E089000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Aug 26, 2008
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BEGAN TO PRODUCE A THUMPING NOISE. LATER, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED. *AK THE PROBLEM LEAD TO A UNNECESSARY REPAIR OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. *SC *JB
Sep 29, 2004
TIRES PURCHASED 7/25/03 WAL-MART, KERNERSVILLE, NC MTS P205/70R15 DOUGLAS XTRA-TRAC. SIDEWALL OF TIRE DISCENGRATED FROM TREAD. WAS TOLD BY HIGHWAY PATROLMAN, HAD THE TIRE BEEN ON THE FRONT, I WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Dec 15, 2003
THE TIRE EXPERIENCED A FLAT, CONSUMER NOTICED THE TIRE HAD SPLIT FROM THE INSIDE OUT WHICH WAS NOT NORMAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED SINCE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR TSB BULLETINS. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES.*JB
Mar 12, 2003
I NOTICED THE SIDWALL SEPERATING FROM THE TREAD ON THE INSIDE OF MY TIRE WHILE I WAS WASHING MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO A TIRE DEALER WHO REPLACED MY TIRE. THE TIRE(S) ONLY HAVE 8858 MILES ON THEM AND NOT SURE HOW LONG IT WAS LIKE THAT. THE SEPERATION WAS ABOUT 4 INCHES LONG . MY OTHER 3 TIRES HAVE CRACKES AROUNDS THE TREAD AND SIDE WALL AS DID THE TIRE THAT HAD THE SEPERATION, BUT BECAUSE THE SIDE WALL HAD YET TO SEPERATE THE TIRE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE OTHER THREE. NLM
Sep 25, 2002
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
9 complaints
DEFECTIVE MOTOR & REGULATOR FOR THE WINDOW MOTORS - ALL FOUR. DRIVERS WINDOW FELL DOWN, REAR PASSENGER FELL DOWN, NOW THE REAR DRIVERS WINDOW FELL DOWN. MANUFACTURER SAYS THIS IS ONLY A PROBLEM IN THE WEST - AZ & TX, NOT A RECALL ITEM. THE PRICE TO REPAIR IS $600.00 EACH. I AM RETIRED AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS. ALL OF THE BUICK CENTURY'S IN THIS AREA ARE FALLING DOWN. ALMOST EVERY ONE IS TAPED UP AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. MY GRANDDAUGHTER JUST HAD ALL 4 OF HER WINDOW MOTORS REPLACED. CAN SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS? *TR
Apr 23, 2008
THE REGULATORS ON THE WINDOWS MOTORS BROKE, ALLOWING THE WINDOWS TO DROP FREELY. THERE WAS NO SIGN ON ALL BUT ONE WINDOWS (WHICH MADE A GRINDING NOISE BEFORE FAILING). ONE WINDOW FELL WHILE WE WHERE AT A MALL, MAKING IT EASIER FOR A POTENTIAL THIEF TO TAKE THE CAR. THE WINDOWS ARE CURRENTLY C CLAMPED IN THE CLOSED POSITION. THEY'VE NOT BEEN FIXED BECAUSE OF A $250 PURCHASE PRICE FOR NEW COMPONENTS PER WINDOW. *TR
Nov 09, 2007
REAR WINDOW ON MY BUICK LASABRE IS BROKEN AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM THAT BREAK AND BUICK WON'T STAND BEHIND IT AND WANTS OVER $400 TO FIX IT. *JB
Sep 09, 2007
SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT IS THE POWER WINDOWS ON OUR 2001 BUICK CENTURY. I'M A MECHANIC AND DO MY BEST TO KEEP THIS CAR IN TOP SHAPE. BUT GM USED SOME VERY CRAPPY MATERIALS WHEN BUILDING THE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS. THE SYSTEM WORKS FINE UNTIL A SMALL PLASTIC PART THAT HOLDS THE OPERATING CABLES TOGETHER BREAKS. THIS PIECE PROBABLY COST THE GENERAL ABOUT $.05 TO MAKE AND IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH GM DEALERS. INSTEAD YOU HAVE TO BUY A COMPLETE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ASSY. WITH MOTOR FOR BETWEEN $ 325.00- $400.00 DEPENDING ON WHICH DEALER YOU TALK TO. I'M NOW REPLACING THE THIRD REGULATOR ASSY. ON THIS CAR WITH ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT AND ALL WERE BROKEN IN THE SAME WAY. ALL ON DIFFERENT DOORS. *NM
Apr 09, 2006
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STAY STRAIGHT UP/DOWN. THEY DON'T REST IN THE PROPER PLACE. *JB
Mar 17, 2006
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
ODOMETER DOES NOT ILLUMINATE,CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN OR MILEAGE ON CAR. HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER,THAT THIS IS A NORMAL PROBLEM WITH THE CENTURY MODEL,AND WOULD COST BETWEEN 250-1000. DOLLAR TO REPAIR ,PLUS DEALER COULD NOT GIVE A TIME FRAME OF HOW LONG VEHICLE WOULD BE IN SHOP. *TR
Jan 12, 2008
THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TRUNK POPPING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE. TODAY MY VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE THE BACK UP LIGHTS ARE NOT OPERATING. THE LIGHTS AND FUSES WERE CHECKED AND ALL OPERATING CORRECTLY. BELIEVE IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *NM
Jul 24, 2006
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2001 BUICK REGAL (ABOUD PACKAGE). TODAY, MY HUSBAND PLACED HIS KEY IN THE IGNITION, WE DROVE SOMEWHERE AND THE KEY WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY BUICK DEALER, WHO IS CHARGING ME 240.00 TO FIX THE IGNITION CYLINDER DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TUMBLERS. I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS PART AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL BUICK CUSTOMER, BUT WILL RECONSIDER WHEN I PURCHASE MY NEXT CAR.*AK THANKS! NANCY MANASKA (DISAPPOINTED BUICK OWNER)
Feb 18, 2005
GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN FIRST STARTING THE CAR AND IN A DARK SURROUNDING SUCH AS A CAR PORT OR GARAGE, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHAT GEAR HAS BEEN SELECTED. I FEAR THAT EVEN THOUGH CAUTION IS USED, THERE IS HIGH POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE WRONG GEAR WAS SELECTED. AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE LIGHT DOES COME ON AND ALL IS NORMAL. IS THIS A DESIGN PROBLEM OR IS THERE A DEFECT IN THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? *JB
Apr 29, 2003
COMPUTER WOULD NOT ACT PROPERLY. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IT WOULD START MAKING SOME SQUEALING NOISES THEN, IT WOULD STOP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND EALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Aug 13, 2002
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
6 complaints
SECOND OWNER OF MY BUICK 2001 PURCHASED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 5,000 MILES IN 2008. THE SECOND YEAR I NOTICED WHEN EVER IT RAINED THERE WAS WATER ON THE FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I STILL OWN THE CAR AND OVER THE YEARS HAVE JUST HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE. THE WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HAVE TO TAKE TOWELS AND DRY UP ABOUT 1 INCH OF WATER FROM THE CARPET. I AM RETIRED NOW AND HESITATE TO TAKE THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AS I HAVE FOUND MOST WILL TAKE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE OF A FEMALE. JUST WONDERED IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY RECALLS. EVENTUALLY , I WILL HAVE A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND GET AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR AS SOON AS I CAN BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF MOPPING UP WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS. I ALSO WONDER WHAT IT IS DOING TO THE METAL UNDER THE CARPET. THE ORIGINAL OWNER WAS AN OLDER WOMAN WHO RARELY DROVE THE CAR. I PURCHASED FROM HER SON AT HER DEATH IT STILL HAD THE NEW CAR SMELL SO I AM PRETTY SURE SHE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND THIS PROBLEM WAS INHERENT IN THE DESIGN. *TR
May 01, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT IS CHIPPING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUST. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 36,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
May 24, 2007
2001 BUICK CENTURY PANEL OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS WARPED.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM COULD BE CORRECTED USING A CLIP. *JB
Aug 02, 2005
WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER SUN ROOF DOES NOT CLOSE. CONSUMER STATES IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN THE RAIN IS COMING INTO THE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 07, 2003
DESIGN OF THE DASHBOARD CASTS A REFLECTION ONTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING THE DAY WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER CHECKED OTHER BUICK CENTURY'S AND LASABRE'S AND NOTICED THAT THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK *CB *NLM
Jul 03, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING
6 complaints
DT:THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. AT 60,000 MILES THE POWER STEERING OR THE RACK AND PINION WENT OUT. AT TIME OF INCIDENT THEY WERE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT, LUCKILY. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE. *AK
Jul 15, 2005
THE OUTER TIE RODS OF THE CONSUMER'S 2001 BUICK CENTURY WERE VERY LOOSE. *NM THERE WERE NO GREASE COUPLINGS FOR THE TIE RODS. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. *NM
Mar 02, 2005
GRINDING NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT.
Jan 15, 2004
IF VEHICLE HITS THE SMALLEST PUMP IN THE ROAD FRONT OF VEHICLE MAKES A NOISE LIKE IT HAS HIT THE ROAD. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE TIE ROD ENDS. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS..*AK
Jan 15, 2003
ANY SMALL CHANGE IN SLOPE OF ROAD CAUSES THE CAR TO ABUPTLY AND UNPREDICTABLY SWERVE IN THAT DIRECTION. TOOK TO DEALER, SUPERIOR MOTORS OF ORANGEBURG, SC MANY TIMES AND THEY SAY "ALL IS IN SPECIFICATION". I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS CAR TO DRIVE-REQUIRING CONSTANT ATTENTION TO CATCH THE SWERVES BEFORE THEY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS WITH OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING THIS MODEL, THEN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN. I KNOW OF NO OTHER COURSE THAN TO REPORT THIS CONDITION IN THIS $25,000 CAR. PLEASE HELP ME AND MAYBE MANY OTHERS.
Jan 06, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN A TORRENTIAL RAIN AT 11:30 PM, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON STANDING WATER, WENT OFF THE TWO LANE ROAD AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON. THE CONTACT HAD NO INFORMATION AS TO THE SPEED OF TRAVEL AND WOULD NOT OFFER A GUESS. THE SEAT BELT WAS WORN BUT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, BROKEN RIGHT EYE SOCKET AND MULTIPLE LESIONS FROM THE SEAT BELT STRAP. THE CONTACT WALKED 1/4 MILE FROM THE ACCIDENT TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THEN WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD. THERE WERE PHOTOS AVAILABLE. UPDATED 1/17/2007 - INSURANCE COMPANY HAS COMPUTER LOG OF ACCIDENT WHICH WAS TAKEN AROUND AUGUST 20, 2006. *NM
Dec 05, 2006
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. FRONT END PUSHD THE ENGINE BACK 2 - 3 INCHES. MOST OF THE DAMAGE OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPON IMPACT,NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES.*AK *LA
Apr 20, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 TO 60 MPH HIS VEHICLE STRUCK TWO CATTLES CROSSING THE ROAD. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING THIS INCIDENT. AN INSPECTOR FROM BUICK CONCLUDED THAT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY BECAUSE VEHICLE MAINTAINED FORWARD MOMENTUM AND DID NOT STOP COMPLETELY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
Dec 27, 2001
FRONT CRASH AT 35-40 MPH , HIT A TREE, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.*AK
Feb 06, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
APPLIED BRAKE IN PREPARATION TO REVERSE, FROM DRIVEWAY HEARD A POP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. BRAKE DID SEEM A BIT SOFT THE PREVIOUS DAY WHEN PARKING CAR AFTER SHORT TRIP. LUCKILY DID NOT LOSE BRAKES IN TRAFFIC!! UPON VISUAL INSPECTION BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM FRAME RAILS LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE DUE TO RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINES. *TR
Jul 05, 2014
BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY MY BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE BRAKE LINES HAVE COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT CAUSING A REAR BRAKE LINE TO BURST. ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES HAVE NOW BEEN REPLACED. *TR
Dec 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUCK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000....UPDATED 10/19/12 *BF UPDATED 10/25/2012 *JS
Sep 17, 2012
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPAIRED. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM, SWAY BAR SHAFT AND ALL OF THE BUSHINGS ATTACHED TO THE PARTS WERE COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE SINCE HE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,787. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10*JB
Aug 09, 2010
FRONT STABILIZER BAR BROKE OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE AND CRACKED THROUGH ON THE RIGHT SIDE. APPEARS TO BE METAL FATIGUE FROM THE FORMING OPERATION. *JB
Mar 14, 2007
DT: CONTACT WENT TO PURCHASE NEW TIRES AND TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT NEW OUTER TIE RODS WERE NEEDED. VEHICLE IS REGULARLY SERVICED. SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE.
May 06, 2005
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 95000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING DID NOT PULL FROM THE RETRACTOR. WHEN SHE TRIED TO USE HER SEAT BELT THE WEBBING WOULD NOT PULL OUT FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND FOUND THAT THE RETRACTOR FAILED, AND THE DEALER REPAIRED IT. *AK UPDATED 03/07/07. *JB
Feb 13, 2007
DT: THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON OCTOBER 5, 2005, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE. AT FIRST, THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE ALRIGHT. THEN, HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE CONTACT, AND THE SEAT BELTS WORKED ON/OFF. AFTERWARDS, HE THOUGHT THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SUPPOSE TO LOCK WHEN BEING HIT FROM THE REAR. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD TURN VEHICLE OVER TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK UPDATED 11/29/05.*JB
Oct 11, 2005
2001 BUICK CENTURY DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELT CONSTRICTING THE CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE SEAT BELT CONTINUED TO TIGHTEN AND THE CONSUEMR'S DAUGHTTER TRIED TO PULL IT. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT TO FREE THE CHILD FROM THE SEAT BELT. *NM
Jul 22, 2005
ENGINE
2 complaints
5/15/2017, $1,197.66 REPAIR FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ON OCTOBER 23, 2008, THE CALIFORNIA SUPERIOR COURT GRANTED FINAL APPROVAL TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, BUT NOTHING IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE OF USE THAT DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THAT SUIT. HTTPS://WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/DEXCOOL/
Jun 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE OIL LEVEL AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ANTI FREEZE WAS LEAKING INTO THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER GASKET INTAKE SET FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,950.
May 30, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED A YEAR AGO, AND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED JUST BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, I DISCOVER IT'S A VERY COMMON, ALMOST UNIVERSAL PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES THAT COSTS ALMOST $800 TO REPAIR. GM HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT.... YES, I SAID DEFECT. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
HEADLIGHTS DON'T SUFFICIENTLY ILLUMINATE. THIS CAUSES AN EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILTY AT NIGHT, AND IN RAINY CONDITIONS. DEALER HAS ADJUSTED HEADLIGHTS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
Dec 20, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
TAPPETS SOUND ON A 2001 BUICK CENTURY TAPPETS WERE REPLACED TWICE UNTIL I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL GM 2001 CARS HAD THIS DEFECT. IT SEEMS THAT OIL IS NOT GETTING TO THE CENTER CYLINDERS, BECAUSE THE CONNECTING FEEDS ARE TOO SMALL. PROBLEM THAT CAN DEVELOP IS THE ENGINE CAN SEIZE. *TR
Apr 18, 2008
THE 2001 BUICK CENTURY WAS NOT SHIFTING WELL AND RAN OUT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. WHEN THE RESERVOIR FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS REFILLED THE FLUID RAN OUT QUICKLY AND I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THEY TOLD ME ALL THE FLUIDS WERE MIXING AND THAT IF IT WAS NOT FIXED THE ANTIFREZE AND WATER WOULD HAVE LEAKED INTO THE OIL AND BLEW THE MOTOR BECAUSE THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFORLD GASKET WAS BAD. THE BILL FROM THE DEALER ACCOUNTS FOR LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES AND THE LI MANIFOLD GASKET. THESE WERE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AND THE REASON I DECIDED TO REPORT THEM WAS THAT MY SON AND DAUGHTER-INLAW BOTH HAVE NEW GM VEHICLES AND HAVE REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS ON ONE OF THEM 2 TIMES AND THE OTHER 1 TIME FOR A TOTAL OF 4 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS FOR OUT FAMILY. THEY HAVE A 2001 AND A 2002 ALERO. NOW MY DAUGHTER IS ALSO DESCRIBING WHAT MAY BE THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 09, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
HEADLIGHTS ARE OFFLINE, COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON WHEN COOLANT IS FULL, AND 3X THE DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP OR STAY UP. *TR
Nov 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE VEHICLE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON A BRAND NEW ENGINE. THE CONTACT SMELLED ANTI-FREEZE AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO CONDUCTED PRESSURE TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE MANIFOLD GASKET. IT IS A REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND IT IS DEMONSTRATING THE SAME FAILURE AS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE THAT WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES BY ARBITRATION ORDER. BUICK HAS REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY FAILED COMPONENTS CONCERNING THIS MOTOR, INCLUDING REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONVERTER WAS PLUGGED FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTOR FAILURE ALONG WITH THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON THE NEW MOTOR. THE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED IN JANUARY OF 2007 FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 145,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Apr 19, 2007
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed. I do not use the cruise control anymore on my vehicle because of being unsafe. I have been lucky a couple of times I have not rammed into the vehicle in front of me through no fault of mine except for having cruise control on. No it has not been examined or inspected. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealership or and independent service center. It has been confirmed by various drivers of my car. None of them will use cruise control anymore.
Dec 09, 2024
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
STEERING LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD SPEED UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDDLE. THIS OCCURRED AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK.
Sep 22, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT AUTHORIZED GMC DEALERSHIP MAY 2006 .THIS CAME WITH A WARRANTY. SEVERAL TIMES OVER SEVERAL SUMMERS SINCE THEN HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP WITH CONCERNS THAT HAPPENED AFTER VEHICLE WOULD BE DRIVEN IN HIGH HUMIDITY HIGH TEMPERATURE DAYS AFTER TRAVELING A MINIMUM OF 60 MILES MOSTLY ON STATE HIGHWAYS THAT ARE QUITE ROUGH AND CURVY, I.E. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 90 MINUTES OR MORE TOGO THIS DISTANCE. THEN WHEN IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC AND TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD OR STOPPING THE CAR'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE LIKE JUMPING INTO THE WRONG GEAR AND IN MORE THAN ONE TIME THE CAR'S ENGINE WOULD DIE. IT ALWAYS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS SO LUCKILY WE DIDN'T LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. BUT, THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS FROM CONTINUING WAS TO STOP AND PARK TO LET THE ENGINE AND OR COOL DOWN. WE EVEN PUT ON THE HEATER WHILE DRIVING TO HELP REDUCE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO GO BELOW THE HALFWAY MARK. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED IN SHELTON, WA NOT IN KY, SO WE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM, NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING. WE HAVE DASHBOARD WARNINGS CONTINUALLY STATING LOW OIL, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (WHEN JUST COMPLETED), ETC. *TR
Oct 24, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Aug 20, 2014
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS TRAVELING IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED, I APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND I TRIED TO SWAY INTO THE SHOULDER BUT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS PLENTY OF SPACE TO STOP BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. NOTE: THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
Sep 25, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT ARE CENTURY LIKE 3 MONTHS AGO WITH 109K ON IT WE NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARD WHEN CAR IS WARMED UP OR RESTARTED GM CURRENT KNOWS ABOUT JUST FEELING IT NOT THERE PROBLEM WELL IT IS A COSTLY ONE TO CAR OWNS AS I READ ON THE INTERNET OVER 50 THOUSAND COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE I FEEL GM HAS TO RECALL THIS ISSUE ITS THERE MISTAKE NOT MINE ARE CENTURY OTHER WISE IS A FINE CAR BUT DASH IS OUT FOR ODO AND THAT GM CUTTING CORNERS AS WELL ITS POOR PENMENSHIP ON THEIR BEHALF AS CAR MAKERS AND WE LOVE THEM BUT WE NEED THEM TO DO MORE AND BE LIKE THE OLD GM GOOD AND HONEST THANKS HOPE TO GET RESOLVED SOON AS I MIGHT ADD IT DOES WHEN IT NORMAL TEMP AND WHEN A RESTART HAPPENS SHIFT REALLY HARD 2ND AND 3 RD GEAR NOT NORMAL I GOT A COST OF $890.00 TO FIX 6,3 HOURS OF LABORS TO FIX TC AND OTHER SENSOR IN TRANSMISSION ON CAR. *TR
Jun 20, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
May 10, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL GO DOWN WHEN YOU PUT KEY IN IGNITION RIGHT BEFORE YOU START VEHICLE. AFTER IT GOES DOWN YOU MUST WAIT 10 SECONDS OR SO AND YOU CAN PUT WINDOW UP. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE MY 2007 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS BEING RECALLED FOR. BUT THE BUICK CENTURY IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
Oct 22, 2012
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
RACK AND PINIONS NEED REPLACED AFTER I HAD NEW TIE RODS REPLACED. *TR
Jun 19, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE ODOR EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,897. UPDATED 4/11/2011 *CN UPDATED 04/25/11
Mar 08, 2011
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2001 BUICK CENTURY SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON BUT NOT ENGAGED. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR POT HOLE OR PUTTING ON THE TURN SIGNAL. ALSO, THE CAR HAS SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN DRIVING ON A SMOOTH ROAD WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. I HAVE BE ABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION BY EITHER TAPPING THE BRAKE OR TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE SWITCH AT THE END OF THE STALK. I NO LONGER DRIVE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNED; AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM AS LONG AS THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT TURNED ON. THIS EVENT HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RAIN WOULD LEAK BEHIND THE DASHBOARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE WOULD NOT OCCUR IF PARKED AT AN ANGLE OR ON A HILL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,200, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,800. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A POOL OF WATER WAS ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO RAINWATER LEAKING FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR
Jan 02, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
BRAKE SYSTEM / ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED/ ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACED ABS HUB SYSTEM. *TR
Aug 17, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CAR HEATER WOULD NOT WARM UP. TEMPERATURE WOULD THEN FLUXUATE BETWEEN HOT AND COLD. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE. COOLANT MIXED IN WITH OIL IN THE ENGINE. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT REQUIRED TO KEEP CAR OVERNIGHT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. NEEDED A RENTAL CAR AND NO LOANER WAS AVAILABLE. GM AGREED TO SPLIT THE COST OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPAIR 50/50, BUT WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF A RENTAL CAR. EFFECT OF THIS GASKET FAILURE AT THIS TIME IS UNKNOWN AND EFFECT TO ENGINE AND COMPONENTS. CAR HAS 68,500 MILES. ORIGINAL OWNER OFF CAR HAS KEPT UP WITH ALL SCHEDULEED MAINTENANCE. *NM
Nov 01, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER TURNED ON HIGH BEAM IN 2001 BUICK CENTURY AND ALL LIGHTING FAILED INSIDE VEHICLE AND OUTSIDE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS A SWITCH THAT WAS SHORTENING OUT THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME SHE HAD A SWITCH REPLACED, IT WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. *JB
Jan 25, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER 2001 BUICK CENTURY ELECTRICAL AND COOLING ARE DEFECTIVE. MASTER WINDOW SWITCH LOCK STUCK, ANTI FREEZE LEAK, COOLANT LIGHT REMAINS ON, FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. *TS THE DOME LIGHTS AND BACK UP LIGHTS, AND TAG LIGHT WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED ALL THE BULBS WERE CHANGED, HOWEVER IT DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE INTAKE GASKET LEAKED. *JB
Dec 14, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER OWNED A 2001 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT SEVERAL PROBLEMS. ONE OF THE PROBLEMS CONCERNED THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE YEARS. THE ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN GO BACK OFF. HAD NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO SEE WHAT PROBLEM WAS. THE LAST TIME THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WAS ON AUGUST 1, 2005, THIS TIME THE LIGHT STAYED ON. ALSO, ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ABS LIGHT. IN ADDITION, TRACK LIGHT CAME ON. ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WAS THAT WHEN TIRES WERE SERVICED THE LOW TIRE LIGHT CAME ON . THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM CONCERNED THE POWER WINDOW. CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE PASSENGER'S REAR WINDOW WAS FALLING DOWN BY ITSELF, THE DEALER SAID THAT THE REGULATOR BROKE. CONSUMER DID NOT WANT POWER WINDOWS. HE WANTED ROLL UP WINDOWS WHICH WERE TROUBLE FREE.*AK
Sep 23, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL MASTER LOCK UNIT: LEFT FRONT DOOR. ANTI FREEZE LEAKS, COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON, LIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE ETC. *TS THE FRONT AND REAR TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, DOME LIGHTS, BACK UP LIGHTS AND TAG PLATE LIGHT WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. *JB
Sep 23, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT SEVERAL PROBLEMS. ONE OF THE PROBLEMS CONCERNED THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. THE ABS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN GO BACK OFF. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO SEE WHAT PROBLEM WAS ON AUGUST 1, 2005 WHEN THE LIGHT STAYED ON. ALSO, SERVICE VEHICLE LIGHT/TRAC LIGHT CAME ON IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ABS LIGHT. ANOTHER PROBLEM CONCERNED THE LOW TIRE LIGHT COMING ON . THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM CONCERNED THE POWER WINDOW. CONSUMER WENT TO DEALER, AND TOLD HIM THAT THE PASSENGER'S REAR WINDOW WAS FALLING DOWN BY ITSELF, THE DEALER SAID THAT THE REGISTER BROKE. CONSUMER DID NOT WANT POWER WINDOWS. HE WANTED ROLL UP WINDOWS WHICH WERE TROUBLE FREE. THE ABS BRAKE SENSOR WIRING HARNESS TO THE RIGHT FRONT HUB WAS DISCOVERED BY CONSUMER VISUALLY HANGING DOWN ON AUGUST 11, 2005. UPON INSPECTION AT GOODYEAR. TECHNICIAN STATED WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN PULLED OFF POSSIBLY BY ROAD DEBRIS ALTHOUGH CONSUMER DIDN'T SEE ANY CUT, ABRASION, OR IMPACT. HUB ASSEMBLY REQUIRED TO REPLACEMENT BECAUSE ABS SENSOR WIRING DAMAGED IN HUB. *AK
Aug 12, 2005
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. ALSO, DASHBOARD LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY . CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BEARING SHEARED OFF THE TRANSMISSION. BATTERY AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Nov 10, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TRUNK DOOR ASSIST ARMS FAILED. TRUNK CAME CRASHING ON MY BACK AND HIT ME, CAUSING BLACK AND BLUE MARKS/TRIP TO EMERGENCY DOCTOR. UNKNOWN (AT THE MOMENT) IF THEY WILL PAY FEE. BUICK AGREED TO PROVIDE PART AT NO CHARGE, CUSTOMER I TO PAY FOR INSTALLATION . *AK
Sep 29, 2004
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE THE JACK COLLAPSED WHICH RESULTING IN BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER GAVE THE CONSUMER A NEW REPLACEMENT JACK FREE BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR THE BODY DAMAGE. THIS FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTED FOR RESOLUTION. *AK *SCC *NLM
Sep 04, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD HER AUTOMOBILE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, AND A LOT OF THINGS HAD GONE WRONG. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED/ VISOR LIGHT STAYED ON ALL THE TIME/ BACK WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO/ BRAKE CALIPER WAS NOT SEALING/ FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE PITTED, THAT WAS WHAT THE MECHANIC TOLD HER, AND THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. SHE STATED ALL OF THE ABOVE HAVE HAPPENED TO VEHICLE WHICH HAD A LOW MILEAGE. BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS WERE REPAIRED. BUT SHE WAS NOT WORRIED, WHAT ELSE WAS GOING WRONG.*AK
Aug 04, 2003
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE IN MOTION THERE WAS A THUMPING NOISE EMMITING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RETURN IT TO IT'S NORMAL POSTION. ALSO THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, ALSO THE GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK.*JG *JB
Jan 08, 2003
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY BACKFIRED AND STALLS UPON STARTING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER BULLETIN TEFLON COATING FAILURE. THE STARTING AND STALLING PROBLEM REOCCURED AFTER 3000 MILES, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THE WATER PUMP FAILED. ALSO, THE STEERING COLUMN FLEXES WHEN THE VEHICLES MOVEMENT WAS REDUCED. *YH
Sep 24, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE MADE LOUD NOISES, VIBRATED WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. THIS WAS A RESULT OF PISTON MALFUNCTIONING THAT CAUSED MOTOR TO GO BAD, AND ENGINE TO NOT RUN PROPERLY.*AK FUEL TANK MISSING INSULATORS. BRAKES SQUEAK AND ARE PULSATING. *TT
May 29, 2002
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN CHANGING GEARS VEHICLE REALLY FEELS ROUGH. CONSUMER CAN FEEL TRANSMISSION MOVING LIKE SOMETHING IS BROKEN. *AK.WHEN IN FIRST AND REVERSE GEAR THE VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD ON GRADE AT IDLE. THE ENGINE RACES AND DISENGAGES ITSELF FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THUNKS INTO GEAR. THE ENGINE FEELS FUNNY WHEN RESUMING ACCELERATION FROM COAST SPEED AS THOUGH IT IS MOVING ON MOUNTS. THE ENGINE FEELS AS IF IT WILL CUT OFF. THERE IS A WHINE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE ENGINE CABIN CONTAINERS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN. STEERING COLUMN AND CASING GIVES SLIGHT MOVEMENT DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THIS WAS PARTIALLY CORRECTED BY REPLACEMENT OF THE BALL JOINT TIE ROD END (RIGHT SIDE). THERE ARE EXHAUST FUMES BEING EMMITTED INTO THE CABIN. POSSIBLE DEFECT WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. THE OIL DRAIN PLUG SHOWS SIGNS OF LEAKING. ALSO, THE BRAKES SEEM UNDER POWERED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE INFORMATION OF POSSIBLE RECALLS ON PARTS MENTIONED ABOVE, ALSO THE WINDSHILED WASHER FLUID DISAPPEARS AFTER FILLING. JG
May 28, 2002
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD GLARE FROM DASHBOARD, HORN DIFFICULT TO LOCATE AND HARD TO OPERATE, TRUNK LID HEIGHT BLOCKS VIEW WHEN BACKING UP, DEFROSTER CLEARS CENTER OF WINDSHIELD AND FINALLY DRIVER'S SIDE DUE TO SMALL VENT AND FALSE CODE GIVES SERVICE ENGINE READING REQUIRING DEALER REPROGRAMMING. *AK
Feb 04, 2002
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Dec 21, 2001
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2001 BUICK Century have?
The 2001 BUICK Century currently has 153 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 2001 BUICK Century?
The most common problems reported for the 2001 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 2001 BUICK Century problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2001 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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