31 of the
278 complaints about the 1998 Buick Century are about the
braking system — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
57,972 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKES AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, A CONCUSSION, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #10913581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesGreeley, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED INDICATING A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ABS MOTOR PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #10408557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesLake Clarke Shores, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS FAILURE. NOW 54,931 MILES ON ODOMETER.. 1998 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. I SENT A LETTER TO RAY LAHOOD SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ANSWER FROM ANY ONE! THIS IS S SAFETY ISSUE! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT GM ENGINEERS COULD NOT DESIGN AN ABS THAT WOULD LAST AT LEAST 100,000 MILES! HOW MANY FAILURES HAS GM EXPERIENCED? THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ABS PUMP HAD FAILED AND IT WOULD COST $800 TO REPLACE IT. UPDATED IVOQ 10/29/10.*JB
NHTSA complaint #10342373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesMadison, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY BRAKES STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE ALL THE FLUID SUDDENLY DRAINED OUT OF THE SYSTEM AND IT IS REPORTED TO ME BY A DEALER THAT THIS IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I AM TOLD THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT MAKES SENSE TO ME, HOWEVER, IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS MAY BE A SAFETY PROBLEM BEYOND MY CAR. WHY WOULD BUICK USE MATERIALS IN A BRAKE LINE THAT WOULD CORRODE SO BADLY THAT IT WOULD FAIL IN ONLY 11 YEARS WHEN THE CAR COULD EASILY LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THAT? I NOW HAVE MY CAR IN MY GARAGE WITH NO BRAKES. I WILL BE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO REPAIR MY BRAKE LINES BUT THOUGHT THAT IF THIS IS NOT UNIQUE TO MY CAR SOMEONE WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THEIR CONDITION BEFORE I HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10313335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesST. Louis, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10313388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE PAINT ON MY CAR KEEPS CHIPPING OFF AND THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10230039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesTorinto, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY REPLACING ALL OF THE PARTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #10203164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCleveland, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE WHAT TYPE OF MODULE THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE. THE DEALER DID NOT MAKE THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 104,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10192495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,400 milesTustin, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH. FAILURE CAUSED HANDLING ISSUES. BUICK DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THE ABS MOTOR POWER PACK AND THE MODULATOR HAVE GONE BAD. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10164945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesByron, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ILLIMINATE AT VEHICLE STARED UP, DEALER STATED THAT MANY OF THESE BUICKS HAVE ABS FAILURE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THIS SYSTEM FAILED AT 37000 MILES. MY SON'S SAME MODEL VEHICLE FAILED AT 49000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10108209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,951 milesMishawaka, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD SHE COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE MOTOR PACK WHICH HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ABS. THE CONSUMER HEARD A CHAIN CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10102069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,972 milesStaten Island, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GET HARD, AND CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HEAR AIR NOISE IN THE BRAKE LINE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE POWER BOOSTER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10090374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
FAILURE OF BRAKES AND ABS SYSTEM ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED IT AND I HAD IT WORKED ON. BUT YET IT HAPPENED AGAIN, DUE TO THE BRAKES FAILING AND NOW I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10033023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
FAILURE OF BRAKES AND ABS SYSTEM ON MY 1998 BUICK CENTURY. I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED IT AND I HAD IT WORKED ON. BUT YET IT HAPPENED AGAIN, DUE TO THE BRAKES FAILING AND NOW I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10033023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,331 milesStuart, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER FELT THAT GM PARTS WERE OF POOR QUALITY, AS HE OWNED A BUICK BEFORE, THAT HAD A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS AT LOW MILEAGE. THE SERVICE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE HOT CLIMATE CAUSED THE RUBBER INSIDE OF THE WHEEL CYLINDERS TO CRACK. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10027079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING THE ABS SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON AND OFF. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS
NHTSA complaint #8021814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EAU Claire, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CABLE TO BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.AK
NHTSA complaint #8019194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT STAY ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED NEEDED ABS MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #8003494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS MOTOR PACK FAILED, CAUSING ABS FAILURE TO THE . VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER SHOP FOR REPAIRS. OWNER HAVE PART AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #894397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Burnie, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT IS COMING ON AND STAYING ON. OPERATION OF BRAKES IS NOT AFFECTED. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC STATES THAT THE EBCM COMPUTER CHIP HAD STOPPED OPERATING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #887264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
POWER STEERING MECHANISM MOANS, GRAONS, AND SHUDDERS, STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN AND FLUID LEVELS DROP. ACCORDING TO THEIR SERVICE MANAGER, THE POWER STEERING PUMP SYSTEM HAS A FACTORY DEFECT. ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN TRYING FIVE YEARS TO RESOLVE, THEY CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. BRAKE SYSTEM HAS ABNORMAL WEAR FOR AGE OF CAR, ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED AND GROUND TWICE IN 18 MONTHS. FRONT-END COMPONENTS HAVE BROKEN NAMELY ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY IN FIRST 100 MILES AND REMAINED BROKE FOR 28,000 MILES. NUTS AND BOLTS HAVE FALLEN OUT OF THE FRONT END SUSPENSE SYSTEM. (TIRESIZE: P205/70R15) (TIRESIZE: P205/70R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
NHTSA complaint #734680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castle Rock, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #554930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evergreen PK, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
BRAKE SHOES SQUEAK IN AM SOMETIMES IN THE EVENING, TOOK IT TWO TIMES TO THE INSPECTOR THEY SAID IT WAS ACCOUNT OF ASBESTOS IN BRAKE SHOES.
NHTSA complaint #553120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Barbara, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
SEAT BELTS DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE, BRAKE PEDAL MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
NHTSA complaint #609597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Adover, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT APPROX 20 MPH EVEN WHEN NOT APPLYING THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #846846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
O'mar, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH APPLIED BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #844163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES OVERHEAT ON OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #539421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKES MAKE NOISE CONTINUALLY.
NHTSA complaint #539421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Painesville, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE ON AN INCLINE POSITION AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND BRAKES APPLIED, WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACK, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #827975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tillman, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DASH. WHEN FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #826322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.