Summary
The Buick Century has 42 recalls spanning 1976 through 2005, with the most serious recent issue being a 2005 steering knuckle defect where aftermarket replacement parts can fracture at the hub, causing sudden loss of steering control. The final production years also carry a cluster of 2001 recalls: seatbelt buckle bases can fail under load in a crash and leave occupants unrestrained, the driver-side impact airbag inflator can separate from its module during deployment and fail to protect the driver, and an airbag warning label on the sun visor does not meet the required size standard.
The 2000 model year has two serious issues: a loose fuel filler hose clamp can separate in a crash and allow fuel to spill near an ignition source, and rear spindle rod bolt heads can break off and shift the rear wheel, causing the rear of the vehicle to steer unpredictably. The 1999 model year carries a fire risk where the anti-lock brake motor can short out and heat a flexible brake pipe enough to melt a nearby plastic fuel hose, potentially igniting a fire under the hood. The 1998 model has an oil pressure warning light that can fail to illuminate under low or no oil pressure, removing an important warning signal. The 1997 model has windshield wipers that can stop working due to a separation in the crank arm, cutting visibility in rain.
The 1996 model has rear outboard seatbelt anchorages that can tear away from the body structure in a crash. The 1994 model year carries the heaviest single-year burden in this era: the throttle can fail to return to idle if the primary accelerator spring breaks, the accelerator cable can bind in cold weather and prevent the throttle from closing, the cruise control cable can separate while engaged and leave the driver unable to reduce engine speed, a right-front spindle nut can loosen and cause the wheel to separate, water intrusion in the power door lock assembly can cause a fire, and bumper impact protection does not meet the required standard.
Going further back, the 1993 model has rear brake hoses that were improperly manufactured and can fail, reducing braking effectiveness. The 1992 model has a remote entry module that can randomly trigger the tailgate release while the vehicle is moving, and a transmission defect where the vehicle can roll rearward even with the shift indicator showing neutral. The 1991 model has seat wiring that can chafe against the seat frame, short out, and generate enough heat to start a fire in the seat. The 1988 model carries a front suspension lower control arm bracket that can crack and separate, causing sudden loss of vehicle control, and a fuel feed hose that can leak at its engine-end coupling and ignite in the engine compartment. Earlier production through the 1970s and early 1980s includes rear brake hose failures, a gear selector issue on 1976 models with certain automatic transmissions, and emission compliance issues on 1977 and 1979 models.
