The Buick Century has 37 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–2005. On average a defect was admitted 4.22 years after the car was built, the slowest took 22 years. The most recalled system is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6 campaigns). Owners also filed 1,348 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Buick Century
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 6 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate
Risk. The rear wheel can shift, causing rear steering of the vehicle. The driver could lose control and a crash could occur
Fix. Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts
What's wrong. Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe
Risk. This short can cause extreme heating of the flexible brake pipe where it can melt a nearby flexible plastic fuel hose, which could result in an underhood fire
Fix. Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail
What's wrong. The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Risk. The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident
Fix. Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models
Fuel System, Gasoline 5 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The clamp that secures the flexible fuel fill hose to the metal fill tube may be loose and could separate
Risk. This could cause fuel leakage exceeding the permissible amount
Fix. Dealers will inspect the fuel hose fill neck clamp and, if necessary, reposition and tighten the clamp
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1)
What's wrong. Fuel feed hose could leak at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly
Risk. Fuel leakage into the engine compartment could result inan engine compartment fire that could spread to the passenger compartment
Fix. Install new fuel feed hose assembly
Seat Belts 4 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with sunvisor located air bag labels, fail to conform to federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have a message area less than 30 cm which does not meet the requirements of the standard
Risk. These vehicles do not comply with the standard
Fix. Gm will mail a new bilingual air bag label with installation instructions. However, the customer may bring the label to their dealer for installation free of charge. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained
Fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with sunvisor located air bag labels, fail to conform to federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have a message area less than 30 cm which does not meet the requirements of the standard
Risk. These vehicles do not comply with the standard
Fix. Gm will mail a new bilingual air bag label with installation instructions. However, the customer may bring the label to their dealer for installation free of charge. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact…
Exterior Lighting 3 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements
Risk. Less illumination may reduce the ability of the driver to read overhead signs when driving at night
Fix. Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on september 8, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080. Note: if the bulb needs replacement in the future, gm bulb number 89024715 is available from a dealer, or the equivalent sylvania bulb is 9006hp,…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device may not be calibrated properly
Risk. Driver visibility may be impaired increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device may not be calibrated properly
Risk. Driver visibility may be impaired increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps
Vehicle Speed Control 3 Read
What's wrong. In the event of a primary accelerator control spring failure, the secondary (back-up) accelerator control return spring will not return the throttle to the fully closed position, as required by fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control system."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: loss of throttle control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning
Fix. Dealers will replace the secondary throttle return spring
What's wrong. During assembly, water may have entered the accelerator control cable conduit causing it to develop a high effort and/or binding condition in very cold weather
Risk. High effort or binding conditions cause loss of normalthrottle control or the throttle may not return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. If this were to occur while the vehicle is in motion, a vehicle crash could occur
Fix. The dealer will purge the throttle cable of any internally trapped water, if it is present
What's wrong. The cruise control cable may separate from the conduit end fitting while engaged and accelerator control could be lost
Risk. Loss of accelerator control may not reduce engine speedto a level anticipated by the driver. Although the vehicle can still be stoppedwith the service brake, loss of accelerator control could result in a vehiclecrash without prior warning
Fix. Replace the cruise control cable
Electrical System 3 Read
What's wrong. The optional remote entry module may have a fault which causes random actuation of interior lamps, door locks, and/or tailgate release. This actuation may occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended
Risk. If the tailgate release actuates, the tailgate will open.unrestrained passengers in the rear seat area could fall out of the vehiclewhile the car is in motion, and receive serious injuries
Fix. Replace the remote entry module with a newly revised module to prevent random actuation
What's wrong. The generator "bat" terminal located on the rectifier end frame may contact the carburetor fuel inlet pipe. Consequence of defect: the "bat" stud may rub through the terminal boot and contact the fuel pipe which could result in an underhood fire and cause burn injuries to the occupant
Fix. Obtain clearance between fuel pipe and generator "bat" terminal by rotating the rectifier end frame
What's wrong. An incorrectly indexed wiring harness may cause the center high mounted stop lamp to remain illuminated when the headlights or parking lamps are on. Fmvss 108 lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment requires that this stop lamp be lighted only when the brakes are applied. Also, the opera lamps may come on when the brakes are applied. Consequence of defect: the center high mounted stop lamp provides additional warning that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. If this lamp malfunctions, it may contribute to a rear end accident
Fix. Correctly index wiring harness terminals
Steering 2 Read
What's wrong. Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area
Risk. A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning
Fix. Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5
What's wrong. Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area
Risk. A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning
Fix. Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5
What's wrong. Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area
Risk. A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning
Fix. Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5
Seats 2 Read
What's wrong. The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short
Risk. The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material
Fix. Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip
What's wrong. The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short
Risk. The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material
Fix. Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip
What's wrong. Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function
Fix. Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced
Suspension 2 Read
What's wrong. Front suspension lower control arm bracket could develop metal cracks
Risk. These cracks may result in disengagement of the lowercontrol arm. If this occurs while vehicle is in motion, it could result inloss of steering control and a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning
Fix. Inspect all vehicles and replace engine cradle assembly on all suspect vehicles
What's wrong. The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free
Fix. Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge
Wheels 2 Read
What's wrong. "tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle
Fix. The defective wheels will be replaced without charge
What's wrong. The steel used in some compact spare wheels is too thin. While in service the wheel may fracture, resulting in a partial or complete separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle
Fix. Spare wheels will be replaced without charge to owners within 60 days of recall notification
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 4.22 years |
| Slowest campaign | 22 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 35.4% |
| Campaigns on record | 37 |
Which Century years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 2004 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 2003 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 2002 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 2001 | Seat Belts | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1998 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 1997 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 1996 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 1995 | Seat Belts | |
| 1994 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1993 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1992 | Power Train | |
| 1991 | Seats | |
| 1990 | Seats | |
| 1989 | Seat Belts | |
| 1988 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1987 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1986 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1985 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1984 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1983 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1982 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1981 | Wheels |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Buick Century have?
37 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–2005. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Century still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 4.22 years, and the slowest campaign came 22 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.