Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Corrosion (rust through/failure) of front/right metal brake line in 1999 Buick Century (9 yr old car, 96K miles). The brake pedal became very mushy and went to the floor and there was an obvious leak of brake fluid onto the ground. The repair shop says it was caused by corrosion/rust through. The brake line ruptured at some time during my maneuver to avoid a collision, but I didn't notice it until after the incident, so I don't believe that it contributed to the very minor contact caused by the other vehicle entering my lane without warning, but I will check the "crash" box below because brake line failure happened some time during a very minor crash (touching of two cars). …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when the check engine and track off warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the ABS sensor and other wires were bound by electrical tape and the fuel and brake lines were corroded. In addition, there were missing plugs which prevented water from entering the vehicle on both the driver and passenger sides. Both the brake line and the transmission were leaking fluids. There was a hole in the front sub frame and the fuel filler neck was corroded. The contact also stated that part of the exhaust hanger was missing and the remaining parts were corroded. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle would be far too costly to perform any repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. …
When to court on 11/12/13. Was told if I did not take the car I would get charged storage. Went to the garage were the car was. At the court house was told car needs rotors. They took the car out of the garage and parked it running. I got in it stepped on the pedal and it went down on the floor with the brake light on. Had to get the car out so I got it to my home. Beside structural damage from rocker panel filled with spray foam no brakes. You take corners and the car bangs from the frame moving. This car is suppose to have 39000 miles on it. The steering wheel is worn out and the struts bang and bounce. This car is now sitting in my yard. I would like a dot person check this car for true mileage. I ran my own garage and did state inspections and I really think some one altered the mileage. My inspection number was 1495 back in April 2000.. Updated 11-25-13
My wife maria nena a. Florido was involved in a total wreck accident. It took place before the exit of pioneer boulevard. She was driving around 60 MPH on U.S. Highway 91 heading eastbound in cerritos, ca. She was on the second lane from the outer lane when the vehicle suddenly started to wiggle and begun moving towards the right lane. She tried to control the steering wheel to stay on the lane. When she applied pressure on the brake, the vehicle spun out of control. The driver's door slammed into the guardrail facing in the oppoite direction of traffic. Without the guardrail,the accident could have been fatal.
The brake lines on my 1999 Buick Century corroded, fluid leaked and the brakes failed. Fortunately, I noticed the brakes beginning to fail (pedal went all the way to the floor), so I drove defensively and was not involved in an accident. I was only a short distance from my local garage and went there directly to have the lines replaced. They told me that the lines had rotted through. I assumed that this was something that happens in areas that use winter salt, but hearing of the recall of GM trucks, I now realize that this May not be a "normal" event. The parts in question are no longer available.
Brake failure, front brake line corrosion (rust through) resulting in complete loss of brake fluid. Thankfully no accident resulted. Correction required new brake line replacement and replacement of lost fluid, etc this failure is the same type which occurred to our 2000 Buick Century. In that car first the front brake line failed (like the 1999 did), and about a year later the rear brake line failed with the same corrosion problem. The incident happened out of state and the repair shop manager stated "this has become a common problem and that he has replaced many failed brake lines.
While driving uphill, vehicle began slowing so consumer accelerated, vehicle hesitated for a moment and then took off, consumer took foot off accelerator, however vehicle continued to accelerate at a rapid rate, consumer kept foot on brake slowing vehicle, consumer put vehicle in park and shut it off, brakes were so hot that flames were coming out of the wheels, consumer threw snow on tires to extinguish fire on both tires, brake discs were glowing orange, consumer traded vehicle for a 2000 model, however was $5000 more and feels she is entitled to some compensation.
Intake gasket failed on 3.1 engine in a 1999 Buick Century. This engine has less than 55,000 miles on it at the time of failure. It appears as if there are many other complaints for the same issue and the manufacturer denies that there was faulty workmanship involved. Estimated cost of repair $700.00 also same car with less than 20,000 miles the bolt holding the left front caliper fell off while traveling down the road with my daughter driving (drivers permit) and locked up the left front wheel damaging the rim. Cost of repair $350.00.
As I was pulling into the driveway I pulled up to the closed garage door and as I pulled to within a few feet of the door I put the brakes on but the car would not stop. I was basically at idle speed but the car kept going through the garage door at which time I put the car in neutral to avoid proceeding through the house. Please let me know if this is a problem with other cars, I contacted the dealer when this happened. We have driven the car since then and the problem has not occurred again.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. While driving 15 MPH, the contact experienced brake loss when he depressed the brake pedal. He applied the brakes a second time and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the brake lines were corroded and losing fluid. The current mileage was 53,809 and failure mileage was 53,500.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.
Brake complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Buick Century, 12% of the model year's 235 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Buick Century brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-170 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jul 9, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Buick Century brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.