Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After noticing a few drops of dexcool coolant on the garage floor, I checked the reservoir. It was empty. I checked for leaky hoses or clamps, then noticed that around some gasket I could see where coolant was obviously oozing and some had pooled in a recess in the engine mold. Anyway, I refilled the reservoir with dexcool and took the car to a local repair shop before doing any damage. The repair bill came to over $900. The car is only 5 years old and it needs a new intake manifold gasket, how absurd. After surfing the web, I find that others have had fires and blown engines from the same problem. We were lucky, but my wife and daughter travel the local highways alot, what if they ran out of coolant while driving and the engine siezed, possibly causing an accident or at least stranding them. (3.1l v6)
I own a 1998 Buick Century custom. I am the original owner and am very good about proper maintenance. Last week my husband noticed a few drops of coolant on the garage floor. He cleaned it up and agin the next day, a few more drops. He checked the hose clamps and hose conditions, they were fine. He checked the reservoir where you put in dexcool, it was dry. He filled the reservior and drove the car immediately to our local mechanic so we would not do any engine damage. After 2 days and $800, the car has been fixed. Now I notice when searching the web, there are thousands of reports very similar to mine. Unfortunately, I also noticed many where there were fires or accidents. GM has to fix this and at least partially reimburse those like me who have had to pay major repair bills.
Engine dies while driving, losing both steering and braking ability. This has happened three times within the past four weeks. Taken to three different mechanics, none being able to determine the problem. This is an extreme hazard, not only to my daughter who is the principle driver, but also to all drivers/cars driving nearby, as it could lead to a serious accident.
Upon starting engine warning light illuminated. The consumer started to drive 5 MPH and vehicle stalled. The vehicle did restart with no problem. Dealership was notified, but the problem was not solved. Engine stalled while going around a corner. Vehicle was repaired at a different dealership and parts are available.
While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was hit by another vehicle on the front passenger side. The consumer stated that both frontal air bags did not deploy upon impact. The driver sustained minor injuries as a result. The consumer tried to avoid the accident but the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle shut off.
Brought vehicle to dealership for brake inspection. Was informed the lower intake gasket was leaking coolant. Had it replaced by dealership on 03/07/2006. On 06/28/2010, the same issue seems to be re-occurring. Should an intake gasket need replacing 2x's under normal driving conditions?
The intake gasket leaked antifreeze. Dealership replaced the gasket, but problem recurred within 23,000 miles. GMC consumer representative informed the consumer of a recall on this issue, but consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. Recall not found in artemis.
Overheating engine & ticking sound. Took to dealer twice before the warranty expired. Always a little bit of repair. After warranty expired same problem but then needed over 600.00 in repairs. Later same problem 300.00 in repairs. Always thermostat or water pump. The temp gauge goes up and low coolant light came on, same as before, a mechanic was at the cafe I work at & looked at the car. He stated that there was oil in the radiator & that he had seen this problem from these GM products many many times and that I would have to have a new engine. Added coolant & it lasted a little while. Took to another mechanic for second opinion & was told the same. The temp light does not come on but the low coolant light comes on. The ticking got louder and took to dealer for their opinion, ask them to check the coolant to see if oil was in it. …
I own a 1998 Buick Century custom that I purchased new. My husband and I take good care of our cars; always do all the recommended maintenance. In February, our intake manifold gasket was replaced due to a leak and the car only had 76,000 miles on it. This cost us over $900. My husband has searched the web and found hundreds, if not thousands of similar complaints from other Buick and GM product owners. Many are forming groups and filing petitions and class action law suits. My grandfather and uncle were car repairmen in the '70's. Even back then, it was unheard of to have intake manifold gaskets replaced. This is clearly a defect that GM needs to own up to. Please pursue GM through whatever channels you have to make them pay for this problem and fix it. I have heard of a few lucky folks who are getting reimbursed, it should be for all of us.
Vehicle stalls in reverse for no reason. Vehicle also shifts erratically when put in any gear. Consumer states that when the vehicle is in any forward gear and upon stopping and putting the shift lever into reverse, the vehicle is not engaged in reverse and does not respond when depressing the gas pedal, consumer states that he has to move the shift lever around and back into reverse for it to engage, this has been an ongoing problem and the dealer has worked on this problem 3 times, just recently the dealer replaced the shift control cable and everything seems okay for right now.
Engine complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Buick Century, 10% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is engine (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Century engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 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.
At what mileage do 1998 Buick Century engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.