Owners have filed 132 complaints
about the 1997 Buick Century with NHTSA between 1997 and 2017.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Buick Century. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Horn
1227.3%
Retractor
818.2%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
613.6%
Rack AND Pinion
511.4%
Headlights
49.1%
Rack
36.8%
AIR Conditioner
36.8%
Linkages
36.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
521.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
28.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
28.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1147.8%
150,000+ miles
14.3%
When owners complained
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.
Mar 1997peak 12Feb 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Buick Century
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.
EA03019Opened 15 Sep 2003Closed 18 Dec 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX; AND 96-98 BUICK REGAL.THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECALLED IS 750,283.GM DETERMINED THAT FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION IS RELATED TO DAMAGE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING AND THE LEVEL OF THE PINION BEARING PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE.GM STATES, HIGHER RACK PRE-LOAD SPRING FORCE (133 LB.) IS THE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...
EA99024Opened 20 Aug 1999Closed 13 Jan 2000VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997.GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY DURING HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, DUE TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND THE CRESCENT IN THE WIPER CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1997,GM CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM IN PRODUCTION...
PE99028Opened 16 Apr 1999Closed 20 Aug 1999VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
Recalls on the 1997 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
09E005000
STEERING
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.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
99V348000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
98V102000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200000212,032 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, because of separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. If this were to occur during driving in adverse weather conditions, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm, install a park tab reinforcement and install a water deflector. Dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection from the crank arm assembly and will install a reinforcement to improve the performance of the wiper park mechanism.
Recall 199810911,662 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE ENGLISH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE BUICK REGAL AND CENTURY VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL PLACE AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wilmington, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
NHTSA complaint #10956057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, NCFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
NHTSA complaint #10956057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Gardiner, MECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A BROADSIDE COLLISION AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. JLG
NHTSA complaint #8016971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Patchogue, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #854402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hills, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO HONK THE HORN BECAUSE THE BOTTOM HORN IS SO SMALL AND SO HARD THAT HE COULDN'T OPERATE IT. CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *AKTHE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CAR AND THAT THE HORN AREA COULD NOT BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #831329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN1 injured
SEAT BELTS
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING BRUISES.
NHTSA complaint #527882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wilmington, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
NHTSA complaint #10956057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, NCFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
NHTSA complaint #10956057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103 milesAdrian, MI
TIRES
WITHIN 43 DAYS OF PURCHASING COOPER GRAND TOURING CS5 TIRES FOR MY 1997 BUICK CENTURY, ONE DEVELOPED A LARGE SIDEWALL BULGE. THE RETAILER FORCED ME TO BUY ANOTHER NEW TIRE FOR $72. AND COOPER REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS FOR 40 YEARS AN NEVER HAD A NEW TIRE OR ANY TIRE DEVELOP A SIDEWALL BULGE. I HAD A SPIRITED CONVERSATION WITH A COOPER REP AND SHE GOT VERY RUDE WITH ME. THEY HAD ONE RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10730292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesST Louis, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS DETERIORATING AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEX COOL ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/09/15
NHTSA complaint #10658881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,300 milesSterling, VA
STEERING
WHEN I BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, I TURNED STEERING WHEEL WITH A "HARD LEFT." CAR MADE CLICKING NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10629567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
TIRES
DRIVING ON I-95 SOUTHBOUND WHEN I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION TO MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SIGNAL HELP. FORTUNATELY, I ESCAPED THIS FAILURE UNINJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10501846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,887 milesSanta ANA, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIRING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,887. ... UPDATED 08-07-12 *BF THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 08/09/12
NHTSA complaint #10464291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,314 milesSolon, ME
STEERING
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING LOCKED AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. I WASN'T ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN CAUSING ME TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO A LAWN. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T GO BACK TO THE CORRECT POSITION AND IT SEEMED TO BE IN MANUAL STEERING MODE. I COULD BARELY MOVE THE WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10401262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMurrieta, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH THE RPM'S INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RESPIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLIANT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10325088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,376 milesBlackcreek, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE. UPON HAVING HER WHEEL BEARINGS REPAIRED, SHE FOUND THE STABILIZER BAR HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE TIRE. SHE THEN ATTEMPTED TO ORDER THE PART FROM AN AUTOMOTIVE STORE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE REPLACEMENT PART. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 188,376.
NHTSA complaint #10294254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,100 milesFort Wayne, IN
STEERING
1) CAR NEEDED TOWED TO GARAGE FOR STARTER FAILURE. AS IT LEFT THE GARAGE THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND SENT CAR ALMOST INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER WARNINGS OF A PROBLEM. 2) IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE STEERING IS TURNED ONE DIRECTION THEN BACK TO THE OTHER. IT DOES NOT JUST COME BACK. ESPECIALLY TO THE LEFT. I ALMOST CRASHED 4 TIMES JUST TRYING TO GET IT HOME. 3) I FILED AN INSURANCE CLAIM ON THE TOW COMPANY THINKING THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, THAT NOTHING WAS BENT. AFTER GETTING ON LINE AND INVESTIGATING, I LEARNED OF THIS STEERING PROBLEM. IT MATCHES IT PERFECTLY. I HAD SOMEONE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF MECHANICS LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEY SAID THE STEERING GEAR RACK NEEDS REPLACED AND NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT IS. IT IS TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I ALSO JUST HAD NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FROM THE DECOOL PROBLEM GM HAS. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX. NOBODY ASSUMES LIABILITY AND I THINK GM SHOULD HAVE HAD THIS RECALLED AND CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10260319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSyracuse, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE BEEN STANDING STRAIGHT UP WHEN IN AN OFF POSITION FOR 6 OR 7 YEARS. FOUND THE CAMPAIGN AND THEN THE RECALL AND TRIED TO GET A REMEDY FROM THE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AS WELL AS GM ,TO NO AVAIL..I WAS MADE TO BUY A MOTOR FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THAT WORKED FOR A LITTLE WHILE. THEN LAST SUMMER OR FALL I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE NOW THE ISSUE LOOKED TO BE A RECALL, AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS, BUT NOT FOR MY VIN#, AND I WAS MADE TO PAY $70 FOR THE ADJUSTMENT..IT IS NOW NOT WORKING AGAIN ,AND I AM VERY FRUSTRATED. IT IS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. I HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON IN THE DELAY MODE ALL THE TIME, RAIN OR SHINE IN ORDER TO NOT HAVE THEM STAND STRAIGHT UP AND BLOCK MY VISION..I FEEL THIS IS DANGEROUS, BUT THAT THE DEALER AND GM WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE I FOUND THE INFORMATION ON MY PROGRESSIVE CAR INSURANCE SITE. THEY ALWAYS BRING UP RECALLS FOR YOUR CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10186993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,636 milesFairfield, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
I WAS ON 275W. WHEN MY RIGHT WINDOW WIPER ARM STARTED TO STOP THEN IT DIED, MY HUSBAND TOLD TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND OUT ON REPAIRING IT AND COST ON THE COMPUTER, I RAN ACROSS THIS LITTLE THING ON THE COMPUTER ABOUT 1997 BUICK CENTURY'S AND THE RIGHT WINDSHIELD {COMPONENT: VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER LINKAGES} WELL WHEN I READ ALL OF IT THAT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPEN TO MY WIPER. WHEN I CALLED EVERYBODY SAID NO NOT YOUR CAR, AND I SAID I DON'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THE SAME THING IS WRONG WITH MIND.
NHTSA complaint #10152401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,636 milesFairfield, OH
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
I WAS ON 275W. WHEN MY RIGHT WINDOW WIPER ARM STARTED TO STOP THEN IT DIED, MY HUSBAND TOLD TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND OUT ON REPAIRING IT AND COST ON THE COMPUTER, I RAN ACROSS THIS LITTLE THING ON THE COMPUTER ABOUT 1997 BUICK CENTURY'S AND THE RIGHT WINDSHIELD {COMPONENT: VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER LINKAGES} WELL WHEN I READ ALL OF IT THAT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPEN TO MY WIPER. WHEN I CALLED EVERYBODY SAID NO NOT YOUR CAR, AND I SAID I DON'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THE SAME THING IS WRONG WITH MIND.
NHTSA complaint #10152401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,900 milesRomulus, MI
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V348000 CONCERNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGES. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10145599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Branchville, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DT: 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONSUMER HAS BEING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS JAMMING. THIS OCCURRED FOR 7 YEARS. T 2 OUT OF 4 SEAT BELTS WORK. THE 2 SEAT BELTS BACK SEAT WILL NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10137616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesCabot, AR
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
1997 BUICK CENTURY-STEERING LOCKS UP RANDOMLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10133285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesCabot, AR
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
1997 BUICK CENTURY-STEERING LOCKS UP RANDOMLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10133290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tipton, IN
CHILD SEAT
THE CHILD SEAT BUCKLE FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER'S GRANDSON WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR SEAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10113705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Londonderry, NH
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
BOTH REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO PULL OUT THE SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT BOTH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10111736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canada, 00
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
THE WIPER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD STOPPED OPERATING DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10108787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEastampton, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY . DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AKI
NHTSA complaint #10103799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westerville, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLANT WAS REPLACED AT @ 115,000 MILES. COOLANT WAS IN GLOBES IN OVER FLOW TANK. APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES AFTER REPLACEMENT, COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON (FIRST TIME EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED CAR). COOLANT WAS @ 1 GALLON LOW. COOLANT HAS ALSO BECOME GLOBBY AGAIN. TOOK INTO REPLACE WITH DIFFERENT COOLANT (NOT DEX-COOL). UPON INSPECTION GARAGE FOUND THE ENGINE GASKET HAS BEEN LEAKING COOLANT. THEY CLAIM IT WAS CAUSED BY THE DEX-COOL COOLANT, THEY DID NOT DO THE FLUSH BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO CHANCE MAKING THE LEAK WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #10098831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burke, SD
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10099431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTS AFTER CLICKING THE SEAT BELT IN TO STAY CONNECTION. THE PASSENGER WOULD HOLD THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO TIGHTEN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THIS VEHICLE, AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ADJUSTED IT TWICE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10091607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.