Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
1) need headlight adjustment instructions for a known recall. 2) every door window motor in the Buick failed on each window preventing the windows from lowering if in the up position or prevented the windows from raising if in a lowered position. The windows had to be duct taped shut in order to prevent rain from entering the vehicle cab and the failures happened over 2015 to 2016 and each had to be replaced with new motors. There are large numbers of Buick owners across the internet complaining about this issue but I don't believe Buick ever issued a recall but I believe they should have. If this isn't a recall, it should be because of the large number of vehicles experiencing this known failure. The closest Buick dealer to us is sam leman Chevrolet Buick, 1040 west center st., eureka, il. [phone].
Dt*: the contact stated the head light aiming device on the vehicle does not work properly. There is a NHTSA recall, # 99V356000, regarding the headlights. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however the vehicle was repaired under the recall, it is still having the type of problems as before the repair was performed. The vehicle has been to the dealership 3 times concerning the headlight aiming devices. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH at night, the head light failed. The contact stated that he attempted to turn them back on but they would not activate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,248. The VIN was not available.
Dec 17,1999 manufacturer recall numbern990093 NHTSA recall number99v356 recall statusrecall incomplete summary these vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device May not be calibrated properly. Safety risk driver visibility May be impaired increasing the risk of a crash.
Bulbs keep blowing, sockets keep melting, turn signals that don't work, sloppy steering. Dewey griffith in bellingham wa. Has never told us of a recall or widespread problems. ! Want some sort of compensation. The worst incident was in July 6, 2006 when 6 lights had to be fixed. As of 11-18-2010 we have more and another socket that is melted.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. He received a safety recall notification in February of 2007. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the lights on the vehicle are now dim. The contact felt that the dealer should be responsible for the repair. The current and failure mileages were 125,000.
Problem with exterior lighting on passenger side of car. Turn signal blinks rapidly sometimes even after changing out bulb. Headlight is starting to do the same trick. If you get out and play with either you can usually get it working again, but this is not always safe, and certainly is not convenient.
While driving during night hours, it was hard difficult for the consumer to see because the head light lens covers were not clear. Determined. The headlights had moisture inside them. Once the moisture evaporated the headlamps did not illuminate properly.
After having the low beam recall done the low beams are even worse then when I started. The recall bulbs are less affective then the origionals witch are nothing to brag about. Hi beams are not affected. I will be replacing with after market type bulbs on my own.
Consumer stated that vehicle has headlight sensors which automatically turn on lights when it becomes dusk. While driving at night the lights intermittenly cut themselves on and off without warning. The manual headlight switch would not correct problem. Consumer contact manufacturer who advised that manual switch will not override light sensor. Ts
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on September 8, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device May not be calibrated properly.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps.
Headlight complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Buick Century, 10% of the model year's 235 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Buick Century headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-375 (headlights, Aug 10, 2004); NHTSA recall 99V-356 (headlights, Dec 17, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Buick Century headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
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.