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 2001 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In stop & go traffic on highway went to stop for 8th or 9th time that morning and brakes failed and caused me to rearend another vehicle. Upon further investigation, there is about a 6" section of brake line that is completely rusted through. Same place on both sides at a bend. Rest of the lines are pefectly fine. This should not happen on a carr that is only 3 ears old and has 9000 miles on it. The defective part of the line is not in a place where it can be attributed to any cause other than defective material.(ie: no rubbing, no sitting in dirt or salt, can't be hit by flying debris, etc)
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buck Century. The contact stated that while traveling 25 MPH, the driver depressed the brakes and smoke started to emit from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the brake lines failed and needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 53,000....updated 10/19/12 updated 10/25/2012
I was traveling in heavy stop and go traffic traveling at about 40mph when the vehicle in front of me stopped, I applied the brakes hard but the vehicle did not stop and I tried to sway into the shoulder but hit the vehicle in front of me. There was plenty of space to stop but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. Note: the air bags did not deploy.
When stopping for a red light the brake pedal suddenly went most of the way to the floor and the car ends up in the intersection due to longer stopping distance. Upon inspection, the metal brake line from the ABS unit, running across the firewall to the right front wheel, has completely rusted through. All the brake fluid blew out of the brake circuit when the line ruptured during the stop. Upon further inspection, two other steel brake lines and the steel fuel feed line are about to rust through and fail as well. I have never seen brake and fuel lines rust through like this! Nine years old. The first brake line mentioned runs along the fire wall, right behind the exhaust manifold, as such, it has a fiber heat shield wrapping around it for about two feet and this is where the worst rust occurred, conveniently hidden from sight. …
Dt: consumer owns a 2001 Buick Century custom. Consumer complained about several problems. One of the problems concerned the ABS light coming on. This has been going on for a couple of years. The ABS light will come on and then go back off. Had taken vehicle to dealer to see what problem was on August 1, 2005 when the light stayed on. Also, service vehicle light/trac light came on in conjunction with the ABS light. Another problem concerned the low tire light coming on . This happened when the wheel was removed from vehicle. Another problem concerned the power window. Consumer went to dealer, and told him that the passenger's rear window was falling down by itself, the dealer said that the register broke. Consumer did not want power windows. He wanted roll up windows which were trouble free. …
Dt: consumer owned a 2001 Buick Century custom. Consumer complained about several problems. One of the problems concerned the ABS light coming on. This has been going on for a couple years. The ABS light will come on and then go back off. Had not taken vehicle to dealer to see what problem was. The last time the ABS light came on was on August 1, 2005, this time the light stayed on. Also, engine service light came on in conjunction with the ABS light. In addition, track light came on. Another problem with this vehicle was that when tires were serviced the low tire light came on . This happened when the wheel was removed from vehicle. Another problem concerned the power window. Consumer went to the dealer and they told him that the passenger's rear window was falling down by itself, the dealer said that the regulator broke. Consumer did not want power windows. …
2009 while my sister was pulling into the hospital parking garage with my mother, driving mom's 2001 Buick Century, the brakes failed and went to the floor, no pedal, no brakes. Had towed back home. Mechanic said had rusted brake line. Thank god my mother was not driving, she would not have been able to get the car stopped. Well Friday July 9th 2010 my sister taking my mother to dr appt with car full of kids,again the brakes failed and had no brakes to stop the car. I guess the man upstairs sure takes care of mom, it sure as heck is not GM. A recall should be issued for this long known problems with the rusty brake lines. Brake lines should last alot longer than 45,000 miles. There are recalls for brake lights, how about one for these brake lines.
Brakes failed when depressed at 40 MPH. The pedal went to the floor. This resulted in the vehicle skidding on dry pavement. Consumer pumped the brake pedal and vehicle stopped an one foot short of rear ending another vehicle. Engine light came on and stayed on four days prior to brake failure. Vehicle will be towed to the dealership to have the brakes inspected. Wilkins Buick-Mazda provided consumer with one complimentary brake inspection not to exceed $200.00. Dealer was unable to duplicate the brake problem.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Buick Century. While servicing the vehicle, the mechanic noticed that the brake line had rusted and brake fluid was came out. There were no warning indicators. The mechanic replaced the brake line. The contact stated that he previously owned a 1997 Buick Century with the same failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 28,500 and failure mileage was 28,000.
Applied brake in preparation to reverse, from driveway heard a pop and brake pedal went to floor. Brake did seem a bit soft the previous day when parking car after short trip. Luckily did not lose brakes in traffic!! Upon visual inspection brake fluid leaking from frame rails left and right side of vehicle due to rusted out brake lines.
Brake complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Buick Century, 18% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Buick Century brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Buick Century, though it has 3 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 2001 Buick Century brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.