Owners have filed 204 complaints
about the 2002 Buick Century with NHTSA between 2002 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 65
Against the median year of the Buick Century. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 47
27% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
53.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
107.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4131.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2418.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1813.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2317.6%
150,000+ miles
96.9%
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.
Apr 2002peak 6Oct 2023
Recalls on the 2002 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesKansas City, MOCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, NECK, BOTH LEGS, AND ARMS. THERE WERE THREE MINORS IN THE BACK SEAT WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR HEADS, BOTH LEGS, ARMS, AND BACKS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED FOR ALL OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
ENGINE
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesGrand Junction, MICrash
STEERING
DRIVING THUR OHIO FROM MICH ,HIT LARGE POT HOLE, DID OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE STEERING, COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, CAR MUST NOT BE MADE PROPERLY TO WITHSTAND HITTING POT HOLES, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POT HOLES IN ALL STATES . THE STATE OF OHIO DOES NOT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE POT HOLES THEY ARE A DRIVE AT YOUR RISK STATE....
NHTSA complaint #10662163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesGrand Junction, MICrash
SUSPENSION
DRIVING THUR OHIO FROM MICH ,HIT LARGE POT HOLE, DID OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE STEERING, COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, CAR MUST NOT BE MADE PROPERLY TO WITHSTAND HITTING POT HOLES, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POT HOLES IN ALL STATES . THE STATE OF OHIO DOES NOT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE POT HOLES THEY ARE A DRIVE AT YOUR RISK STATE....
NHTSA complaint #10662163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Point Pleasant, NJ
STEERING
UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago. Just casually driving like usual, and my steering wheel would lock up and be ridiculously hard to turn, which is scary because its happened while turning through lights and intersections and trying to even just park my car. And on some of those occations the trac and abs sensors would come on, but not all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11548055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Point Pleasant, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago. Just casually driving like usual, and my steering wheel would lock up and be ridiculously hard to turn, which is scary because its happened while turning through lights and intersections and trying to even just park my car. And on some of those occations the trac and abs sensors would come on, but not all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11548055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Right front Cooper GS5 Grand Touring 205/70 R15 96T with only 862 miles on it had a complete air loss/went completely flat when car was turning into a parking lot. This is one of a set of brand new tires on the car. The car was never driven on a highway after these were purchased. Only local driving at 45 to 50 MPH max. Tire was taken to a tire shop in hopes of getting it plugged/repaired. They found nothing had penetrated the tire. They could not pressurize the tire. Air was blowing out all around the outside bead and could not be seated. They put lubricant around the bead inside and out and gave it some rapid shots of air on the machine. It started to hold pressure but immediately had a roughly 4 inch section of the sidewall start to balloon out. Technician said he was afraid it was going to blow up in his face. He chalk marked the defective area on the tire and said the bead and sidewall had failed in that ballooning area and the tire was defective and not repairable.
NHTSA complaint #11522194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
TIRES:BEAD
Right front Cooper GS5 Grand Touring 205/70 R15 96T with only 862 miles on it had a complete air loss/went completely flat when car was turning into a parking lot. This is one of a set of brand new tires on the car. The car was never driven on a highway after these were purchased. Only local driving at 45 to 50 MPH max. Tire was taken to a tire shop in hopes of getting it plugged/repaired. They found nothing had penetrated the tire. They could not pressurize the tire. Air was blowing out all around the outside bead and could not be seated. They put lubricant around the bead inside and out and gave it some rapid shots of air on the machine. It started to hold pressure but immediately had a roughly 4 inch section of the sidewall start to balloon out. Technician said he was afraid it was going to blow up in his face. He chalk marked the defective area on the tire and said the bead and sidewall had failed in that ballooning area and the tire was defective and not repairable.
NHTSA complaint #11522194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Strawberry Plains, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While letting off the gas in order to break, the accelerator pedal went to the floor on its own for about 3 seconds. Pushing on the break stopped the accelerator.
NHTSA complaint #11461418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and be recalled . PLEASE take IMMEDIATE action . Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11448914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and be recalled . PLEASE take IMMEDIATE action . Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11448914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and be recalled . PLEASE take IMMEDIATE action . Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11448914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesRialto, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
BOTH FRONT SIDES HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT THE ABS, SERVICE SOON, ALSO THE TRACTION OFF LIGHTS . COMES ON AND STAY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ONCE I TURN VEHICLE OFF IT GOES OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11374043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKansas City, MOCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, NECK, BOTH LEGS, AND ARMS. THERE WERE THREE MINORS IN THE BACK SEAT WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THEIR HEADS, BOTH LEGS, ARMS, AND BACKS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED FOR ALL OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
ENGINE
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesSterling, ILFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA complaint #11102249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesOlathe, KS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
NHTSA complaint #11058135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesButte, MT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
INTAKE LEAKING ANTIFREEZE - COST TOO MUCH TO REPAIR FOR ME. MY ONLY CAR TO GET TO WORK. REPLACING BEARINGS TODAY FOR STICKING BACK BRAKES. ALL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES ARE BROKEN; COSMETIC MIRROR, ASHTRAY, CENTER CONSOLE, PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER STRIPPED MOTOR, 1 WINDOW WORKING. STILL OWE ON CAR BUT CANNOT FIX EVERYTHING. ANY HELP ????
NHTSA complaint #10970588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesButte, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTAKE LEAKING ANTIFREEZE - COST TOO MUCH TO REPAIR FOR ME. MY ONLY CAR TO GET TO WORK. REPLACING BEARINGS TODAY FOR STICKING BACK BRAKES. ALL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES ARE BROKEN; COSMETIC MIRROR, ASHTRAY, CENTER CONSOLE, PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER STRIPPED MOTOR, 1 WINDOW WORKING. STILL OWE ON CAR BUT CANNOT FIX EVERYTHING. ANY HELP ????
NHTSA complaint #10970588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesButte, MT
ENGINE
INTAKE LEAKING ANTIFREEZE - COST TOO MUCH TO REPAIR FOR ME. MY ONLY CAR TO GET TO WORK. REPLACING BEARINGS TODAY FOR STICKING BACK BRAKES. ALL INTERIOR ACCESSORIES ARE BROKEN; COSMETIC MIRROR, ASHTRAY, CENTER CONSOLE, PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER STRIPPED MOTOR, 1 WINDOW WORKING. STILL OWE ON CAR BUT CANNOT FIX EVERYTHING. ANY HELP ????
NHTSA complaint #10970588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMedina, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TRAVELING AT NIGHT, ONCE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM AND OTHER TIMES IN LIGHT OR NO TRAFFIC WITH LIGHTS ON HIGH BEAM, ALL OUTSIDE LIGHTS GO OUT CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. DOES NOT MATTER IF THE MANUAL SWITCH IS USED OR IF THE LIGHTS ARE ON AUTOMATIC. THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES THEM COME BACK ON IS SWITCHING THE HIGH/ LOW BEAM SWITCH. MILES TRAVELED OR LENGTH OF TIME TRAVELING MAKES NO DIFFERENCE ...RANDOM OCCURRENCE. REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES AT A AUTO REPAIR SHOP MADE NO DIFFERENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10959934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Coteau, LA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10837605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ambridge, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING, WHEN HIGH-BEAMS WERE TURNED ON THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM WOULD SHUT DOWN LEAVING DRIVER WITH ABSOLUTELY NO VISIBILITY. FORTUNATELY THE HEADLIGHTS DID COME BACK ON AS THE DIMMER SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED AND THE LOW-BEAMS DID COME BACK ON. I CAN ONLY USE MY LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS AS THIS ISSUE HAPPENS MOST TIMES THE SWITCH IS ACTIVATED.
NHTSA complaint #10822187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison TWP, MI
WHEELS
MY LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT'S SAYING ANIT-LOCK BRAKES AND TRAC-OFF. THERE'S A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #10786419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison TWP, MI
STEERING
MY LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT'S SAYING ANIT-LOCK BRAKES AND TRAC-OFF. THERE'S A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #10786419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison TWP, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT'S SAYING ANIT-LOCK BRAKES AND TRAC-OFF. THERE'S A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #10786419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,300 milesANN Arbor, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS UNTIL THE BRIGHT/DIM IS SWITCHED AND THEN COME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED INFREQUENTLY SINCE FALL OF 2014. DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN AT DEALER SERVICE OR WHEN WE TEST LIGHTS AFTER RETURNING HOME. DEALER SAYS CAN'T BE REPAIRED UNTIL THEY CAN GET THE INCIDENT TO REPEAT. LIGHTS ARE FINE FOR A WHILE & WITHOUT WARNING THE SITUATION OCCURS AGAIN. VERY ALARMING! A FRIEND WITH A BUICK REGAL 2002 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10732028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesNEW Berlin, WI
POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS VERY HARSH SHIFT BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS AND ALSO BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER WARMED UP AND ON HIGHWAY FOR AWHILE.
NHTSA complaint #10725142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.