FaultScore report
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 1986 Buick Century with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004. The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
43
Complaints
2
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP
STALLING
SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT STALLING IS DUE TO VARIOUS FAULTYCOMPONENTS OF THE FUEL INJECTION AND/OR IGNITION SYSTEM. THE FOLLOWINGMODELS ARE INVOLVED:BUICK ELECTRA, LESABRE, RIVERA, CENTURY; OLDS CUTLASSCIERA, 88, 98, TORONADO; PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.STATUS:THIS INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING.WE ARE CONTINUING TO ANALYZEINFORMATION PROVIDED BY GM AND ARE PREPARING AN ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONREQUEST TO GM TO CLARIFY CERTAIN TECHNICAL ITEMS.===
POWER ST. ASSIST
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER:GM HAS DEVELOPED A SPLITRING FIELD REPAIR KIT AND IS EXTENDING THE WARRANRY ON ALL 1982-84 A,J, AND X, BODY CARS AND 1985 C,BODY CARS.THE WARRANTY APPLIES TO CARSTHAT ARE FOR 50,000 MILES OR 5 YRS.IT INCLUDES REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUSREPAIRS.ANALYSIS:WEARING OF THE RACK AND PINION HOUSING AND LOW AMBIENT TEMPCAN CAUSE TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER ASSIST.TEFLON O RINGS FAIL TO SEALOFF INTERNAL PRESSURE.STATUS:EVALUATING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER BY GM.======
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
STEERING
STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10068960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE BY A CHEVROLET TAHOE. COLLISION WAS PARTIALLY INVESTIGATED BY CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. FORCES PLACED ON BELT DURING ROTATION SEPARATED THE WEBBING. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT, CASE: CL-031-00, PHONE: (559)277-7250
NHTSA complaint #729538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)
NHTSA complaint #603358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MOVED FORWARD IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #500035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #487651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING
STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10068960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED.
NHTSA complaint #8004773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED.
NHTSA complaint #8004773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED.
NHTSA complaint #8004773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE BY A CHEVROLET TAHOE. COLLISION WAS PARTIALLY INVESTIGATED BY CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. FORCES PLACED ON BELT DURING ROTATION SEPARATED THE WEBBING. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT, CASE: CL-031-00, PHONE: (559)277-7250
NHTSA complaint #729538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
MUFFLER FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #605463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #605463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT AND REAR SPRING FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #605463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
FRONT AND REAR SPRING FAILED. MJS
NHTSA complaint #605463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REQUESTING INFORMATION REGARDING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #529505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #537282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)
NHTSA complaint #603358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER STATES THAT PLASTIC COVER THAT HOOKS AROUND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #803642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
INTERMITTENT STALLING.
NHTSA complaint #506339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
'COLD POWER STEERING'.
NHTSA complaint #484014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
THE REAR DISC BRAKES ARE RUSTED AND THEY DO NOT HOLD WHEN APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
THE REAR DISC BRAKES ARE RUSTED AND THEY DO NOT HOLD WHEN APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING LOCKED UP PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #487152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MOVED FORWARD IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #500035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
STEERING RACK AND PINION LOCKS UP.
NHTSA complaint #487320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #487651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #487651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
REPLACED MUFFLER.
NHTSA complaint #487651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #488426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #488426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.