Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Due to design and location of horn assembly, which is connected to air bags, and upon attemtping to sound off horn in an emergency situation when making a left or right hand turn, buttons are hard to locate. Consumer has contacted dealer. The whole air bag and horn assembly was replaced . The horn blowing is slightly improved but still impossible to blow when trying to turn.
The electronic display module second time after replacing in my 1997 Buick Century does not display and the part cost $300-500 and its not something like a bulb and nobody want s to address this issue .
Ongoing problem with odometer light in the instrument panel intermittently blinking, and vehicle would not start. Vehicle has been to two different dealers, and problem still occurring.
Horn button requires excessive physical effort to activate, this resulted in a collision due to the driver not being able to depress horn button to warn other driver.
The location of the horn symbols makes it impossible to sound the horn in an emergency situation. Manufacturer and dealer are aware of the problem.
Horn button is difficult to depress, excessive physical effort required, also button is too small to engage without removing eyes from the road.
Since repaired of body control module custmer notice keyless remote does not sound horn when unlock vehicle. Yh
Design of the horn/air bag and steering wheel creates difficulty in engaging horn.
Electrical system failed causing trunck lock, horn relay and engine to fail. Nlm
Electrical complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Buick Century, 19% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is horn (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Century electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Buick Century, though it has 2 recalls 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 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.