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 2000 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns 2000 Buick Century. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking violently and became extremely difficult to steer. The failure would occur while the contact was in drive, park or reverse. The contact also stated that there was a constant burning odor near the front end of the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id numbers: 09e005000 (steering), 07e021000 (fuel system, other) and 00V160000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. Whenever the contact would park the vehicle in her garage, she would smell hot water coming from the radiator. She did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the odor. The vehicle was serviced by a local mechanic, and was never diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 97,000. Updated 08/20/08 the consumer was informed the intake manifold gaskets needed to be replaced, which was a common problem with GM vehicles. Updated 08/21/08
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as normal. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.
While the vehicle was parked driver noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to the dealer for inspection, mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Intake manifold gasket failed. The consumer stated that cooling fluid on garage floor.
Very hard transmission shifting returning from a long-distance trip / "service engine soon" warning light came on. Mechanic reports DTC p1811 error code as well as other error codes. Mechanic replaced both tcc solenoid and pressure control solenoid to resolve shifting problem.
My vehicle was overheating. I took it to a local mechanic and they found that my antifreeze was leaking into my oil. He stated that the intake manifold gasket has broken and had to replace the gasket, intake push rods, and exhaust push rods.
Vehicle exhibited hard transmission shifts and jerking while shifting in traffic. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with code p1811, which indicates high transmission fluid pressure and solenoid problems.
Service engine light came on and have been experiencing a clunking hesitation when accelerating anywhere from 10 to 45 MPH. Took car to dealer on 4/5/04 and service manager went for a test drive with me and he definitely felt the problem. When tech ran computer check he said two codes came back and that the fuel sensor had to be replaced and it was not covered by my extended warranty or the emissions warranty. I had the work done and the service manager said that May have been what was causing the problem and to call if it did not resolve. I drove the car the next day and was still having original problem. They set up appt again to have a tech go with me on another test drive. This was on 4/10/04. …
Engine complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Buick Century, 14% of the model year's 193 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Buick Century engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Buick Century, though it has 5 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 2000 Buick Century engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.