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.
Jan 1995peak 6Jun 2005
Recalls on the 1992 Buick Century
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.
United States — NHTSA
95V173000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
92V066000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
91V214000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Risk: IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995165184,500 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGE. VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. DURING LOADING, STRESS COULD CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH NEW SHOULDER BOLTS AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL ALSO BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Recall 19920599 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the remote entry module will cause random actuation of interior lamps and/or door lock or tailgate release motors. If the tailgate release were to actuate while the vehicle was in motion, the tailgate could raise and an unbelted occupant in the rearmost (third) seat could fall out of the vehicle resulting in injury. Correction: Remote entry module will be replace with the correct module.
Recall 19911611,300 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission may remain in reverse when the shift indicator shows neutral gear position. This could result in unexpected rearward movement and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and tested and transaxle replaced if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 94,000 milesLewisberry, PACrash2 injured
TIRES
DT: ON MARCH 14TH TWO NEW FRONT TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT SEARS. ON APRIL 10TH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO WHEEL WELL, THE PASSENGER DOOR, TIRE AXLE AND THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN NO INSPECTION MADE OF THE TIRE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE OWNER MADE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE SEARS REPLACE THE TIRES AND PAY FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE BLOW OUT RESULTED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES , NEITHER RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10126200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, NJCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
CONSUMER PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK, AND IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO REVERSE. A 90 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT VEHICLE AS IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, AND WAS DRAGGED 36 FEET, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES WITH STITCHES ON EYEBROW AND FINGERS ON LEFT SIDE. VEHICLE THEN MOVED ANOTHER 86 FEET, AND HIT A TREE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #895704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AUTO ACCELLERATED ON ITS OWN -THROTTLE WENT FROM 0 TO WIDE OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #743936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
STARTING AT A DEAD STOP, DROVE A FEW FEET, AND ALL A SUDDEN GAS PEDAL WENT DOWN AND CAR TOOK OFF. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE KEPT GOING. IT HIT 3 PARKED CARS BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #885799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carpetnerville, IL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
HOOD HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BROKE, CAUSING THE HOOD TO FALL ONTO THE OCCUPANT WHILE CHECKING THE FLUIDS IN VEHICLE. CURRENTLY CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #845171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Lake Heights, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
DRIVING AT 55 MPH CONSUMER WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE, RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SEVERE HEAD INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #828445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 94,000 milesLewisberry, PACrash2 injured
TIRES
DT: ON MARCH 14TH TWO NEW FRONT TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT SEARS. ON APRIL 10TH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO WHEEL WELL, THE PASSENGER DOOR, TIRE AXLE AND THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN NO INSPECTION MADE OF THE TIRE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE OWNER MADE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE SEARS REPLACE THE TIRES AND PAY FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE BLOW OUT RESULTED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES , NEITHER RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10126200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
POWER TRAIN
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
STRUCTURE
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesStittsville, UN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, BUT WE HAVE IT SERVICED EVERY 5-6,000 KMS. NOTHING SMALL GOES IN THIS VEHICLE. WE BASICALLY DRIVE WITHIN A 55 KM RADIUS. THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT, THE BODY ROTTED OUT DESPITE RUST PROOFING, NOW THE RAD HAS OIL IN IT, HEAD GASKET, NOT EVEN 160,000 KMS,,,PLEASE WHERE ARE THE OLD FASHION VALUE,
NHTSA complaint #10071282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER REQUESTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL (91V214). CONSUMER FEELS THAT BUICK IS NOT BEING FAIR CONSIDERING THE VEHICLE PROBLEM IS DUE TO A FACTORY OR DESIGN DEFECT, CONSUMER STATES THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #566624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, NJCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
CONSUMER PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK, AND IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO REVERSE. A 90 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT VEHICLE AS IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR, AND WAS DRAGGED 36 FEET, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES WITH STITCHES ON EYEBROW AND FINGERS ON LEFT SIDE. VEHICLE THEN MOVED ANOTHER 86 FEET, AND HIT A TREE TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #895704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AUTO ACCELLERATED ON ITS OWN -THROTTLE WENT FROM 0 TO WIDE OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #743936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
STARTING AT A DEAD STOP, DROVE A FEW FEET, AND ALL A SUDDEN GAS PEDAL WENT DOWN AND CAR TOOK OFF. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE KEPT GOING. IT HIT 3 PARKED CARS BEFORE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #885799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheektowaga, NY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITONER HAS FAILED AND LOSING FREON.BUT CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF 3 OTHERS VEHICLE THAT HAD SAME PROBLEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #885378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granville Summit, PA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE TIME THAT I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR MORE REPAIRS THAT IT HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD, FROM NOT STAYING STARTED DURING THE WARM DAYS TO STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND YET NO RECALL ON SOME OF THESE PARTS HAS BEEN DONE. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #742693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granville Summit, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE TIME THAT I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR MORE REPAIRS THAT IT HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD, FROM NOT STAYING STARTED DURING THE WARM DAYS TO STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND YET NO RECALL ON SOME OF THESE PARTS HAS BEEN DONE. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #742693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granville Summit, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE TIME THAT I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR MORE REPAIRS THAT IT HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD, FROM NOT STAYING STARTED DURING THE WARM DAYS TO STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND YET NO RECALL ON SOME OF THESE PARTS HAS BEEN DONE. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #742693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermitage, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TWICE DUE TO DOME LIGHT IN VEHICLE COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AFTER ALL DOORS WERE SHUT SECURELY, THUS DRAINING BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #879306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermitage, TN
INTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TWICE DUE TO DOME LIGHT IN VEHICLE COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AFTER ALL DOORS WERE SHUT SECURELY, THUS DRAINING BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #879306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermitage, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TWICE DUE TO DOME LIGHT IN VEHICLE COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY AFTER ALL DOORS WERE SHUT SECURELY, THUS DRAINING BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #879306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHEN PULLING ON STEERING WHEEL MAKES POPS AND JERKS TOWARDS , AS IF IT IS GOING TO COME OFF IN YOUR HANDS.
NHTSA complaint #739349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redon City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, CAUSING POOR BRAKING WHEN TRAVELING ON WET PAVEMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #855830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Heights, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE ENTERING THE CAR AND LOOKING DOWN DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE SEAT CAUSED BY WIRING THAT WAS POORLY INSTALLED.DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #845529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carpetnerville, IL1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
HOOD HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BROKE, CAUSING THE HOOD TO FALL ONTO THE OCCUPANT WHILE CHECKING THE FLUIDS IN VEHICLE. CURRENTLY CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #845171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Windsor, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, RECALL ON COMPONENT HOWEVER VEHICLE DENIED DUE TO VIN #.
NHTSA complaint #544055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forboro, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND STOPPED ON ITS OWN. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #826926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moonachie, NJ
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
DUE TO DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION STEERING VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER NEEDS TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION STEERING. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #834693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.