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 2000 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while applying slight brake pressure at 5 MPH on a city street, the brake pedal went all the way down into the floorboard and the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle without warning. The contact was wearing a seat belt, but minor injuries were sustained. Minor damage was sustained to the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the brake lines were corroded. The vehicle was exposed to extreme winter weather and road salts. The manufacturer was not notified. A police report was taken.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. While driving 40 MPH the contact applied the brakes and heard a grinding metal sound coming from the brakes. The brakes failed to engage properly causing the contact to crash into a vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was written for the incident. The vehicle was currently being diagnosed by the repair shop. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 150000. The VIN was not available. Updated 10/05/10 updated 10/07/10
Bought 2000 Buick Century and like many other complaints on the list I have repaired the manifold, water pump, fuel filter at 83,000. I have experienced the whinning and hard shifting the entire time I owned the car. I had intermittent dash light failure which is real dangerous since you can't see the speedometer or anything on the dash. My brakes have failed to brake and I went out into traffic - luckily no accident and there was a median I could steer into! I haven't had a working gas gauge for years. Last night going 70 MPH I felt 3 chugs and lost power. Again luckily I was at a freeway exit and could coast off the freeway. So my 3 most expensive bills (and none of the problems have been solved -$1800. For brake calipers, rotors and pads. $1100 for wire set, manifold set, fuel filter and water pump. $350 for headlamp switch and dash light problems. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century custom and complained about the following problems: the lower intake manifold gasket, the thermostat, and water pump. These components had to be replaced because the vehicle was overheating. The rear brake shoes and a leaking cylinder also had to be replaced. The rear drums, and the switch on the driver's side for the power windows where replaced due to possible fire concerns. In addition, the right outer tie rod end on the passenger's side wheel was loose and had to be repaired. Since the vehicle was inherited in 2003 all the aforementioned failures had to be replaced or repaired starting in 2005. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, and they stated they would not reimburse the contact because there was no relationship established with the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. …
2000 Buick Century. Frequently I apply pressure to brakes and the car will not stop for several feet. I push pedal all the way down, it makes a grinding sound and sort of vibrates but car will not stop. Several times just missed hitting other cars/people. I am also a single parent with small children in my car. I have changed brakes, rotors, etc. Several times in last couple years. Have been to many different mechanics & dealer- none can find problem. Problem most often happens when it is cold outside. I am lucky no one has been hurt- or worse, but unable to afford another vehicle right now.
My sister owned vehicle above until I purchased it in 2004 from her. She nor I have never received any recall letters from GM on the 7 recalls that your records show that needed to be corrected or replaced. Would it be possible for you to check into this as to why we didn't receive notices from GM. I have not have any incidents,but would like to know why I did not receive any recall notices. Nor did my sister the previous owner . Thank you . [redacted]
Tl*-the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. While driving approximately 10 MPH the brakes were applied and the vehicle failed to slow down until repeated force was applied to the brake pedal. In addition, there was brake fluid leakage coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic stated that the brake lines were corroded and the entire brake lines were replaced. The failure mileage was 95,000. The current mileage was unknown.
Dt: the consumer complained about a brake failure. The vehicle was slowed down at 5 MPH when the consumer lost his brakes. The pedal went to the floor. The brake line rusted through by the dripping of the air conditioner. The brakes were fixed by an independent mechanic. The dealer gave the consumer the manufacturer's phone number. The manufacturer stated that this vehicle was out of warranty and offered no help at the consumers expense. (12/08/05)
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. While driving slow, the contact stated when she applied the brakes, her foot extended directly to the floor. The dealer diagnosed that the brake line was covered with rust and there was no brake fluid in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 71,390. Updated 9/27/11 updated 10/07/11
Tl contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. The contact started the ignition and the anti-lock brake system warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred whenever the ignition key was turned to the start position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 49,000. The current mileage was 49600.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts.
Brake complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Buick Century, 16% of the model year's 193 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Buick Century brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-143 (drum, May 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Buick Century brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires 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.