Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Brakes failed several times in low speed drivings (<=30miles) during summer and during winter. One winter failure before a red light (speed <=25 miles) caused a head to tail collision, which cost more than $2,000 in repairs. First, I felt the brakes working with some sharp noises and not working properly sometimes. I sent the car to a GM dealer service station t o inspect. No problem was found, then, several days later, when the brakes failed, I almost hit a police car. The same GM service station found some problems with the brakes this time and made a repair. Finally, last winter, the brakes failed again and caused a low speed collision mentioned above. I lost confidece on their brake quality. Please help me to remind others to watch out GM brakes. Never trust it.
Anti-lock brakes: was backing out of driveway, had foot on brakes but the vehicle would not stop. The brakes failed completely, and vehicle hit another vehicle. Took to dealer and they examined the brakes and found nothing wrong with them.
Wheels were replaced by dealer after I took to a tire shop and paid to have tires checked for runout, replaced all four, two of the new ones were bad when installed as I took to tire shop again, told tires were problem by dealer, tire shop gave signed statement, still would not do anything about, still have the two with runout,after purchasing a new set of tires to satify the service manager(?), tires were not the problem still have problem. Charged $12.55 to replace a supposedly bad turn signal after owning vehicle only about 1/2 months, called GM got that taken care of but told that the servicemans word was all they needed that tires were OK. Door had bad rattle, service caked grease on hinges to where would not rattle, after some grease came off same problem. Anti lock brake light came on and would not go off for one day,hasn't come on since had brakes checked could find nothing. …
While driving 30 MPH consumer applied the brake pedal and the brakes became inoperative. This caused consumer's vehicle to collide with another vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.
I feel this is one of many problems I have had with the auto I have had 5 oil leaks and I have replaced all the breaks and cylinders . I am very unhappy with this auto. I have had a lot of buicks and have never had the problems I have had with this one. Thank you for your time.loretta wallace.
Foot on brake, shifted into drive, car suddenly took off at a fast pace. Ended up hitting a van on the right bumper. The vehicle jumped the curb and crossed the sidewalk crossing 6 lanes of traffic ending up on the grounds of a building.
Cruise control switch wouldn't release when pressed the button to return the car back to the regular speed. The brake would not disengage the cruise control. All four brakes and pads were bured when the vehicle was finally stopped.
Owner has ABS brakes, she states that while trying to use her brakes in the snow, she had no control of vehicle; also, notes that brake pedal goes to the floor. She took vehicle to the shop and was told that nothing was wrong.
When applied brake pedal goes to floor, causing increased stopping distances, driver did not pump brakes, no accidents as yet; vehicle available for inspection; has not been checed by dealer; intermittent problem.
Applied brakes, rear ended vehicle, driver's air bag deployed. Driver and passenger suffered injuries.
Brake complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Buick Century, 24% of the model year's 99 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Buick Century brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Buick Century, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.