Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
We purchased this car (as is) for our grandson. On our way home from the dealer, as soon as the transmission warmed up (4-5 miles), the shifting was hard and jerking with a whine coming from the transmission. Took the car to a garage which found the computer code of p1811 and were told a complete rebuild would be necessary. Went online and discovered many others had complaints of the same nature. Would hope GM would come forward with reimbursement since its transmission in this model was incorrectly designed. The rebuilding garage owner even had to go to a special school to learn how to correct this problem in the Buick Century. After paying $1,757.25 to queens transmission, inc., in bradenton, fl [phone]), the shifting is now normal.
Had transmission replaced at authorized GMC dealership May 2006 .this came with a warranty. Several times over several summers since then have taken vehicle into dealership with concerns that happened after vehicle would be driven in high humidity high temperature days after traveling a minimum of 60 miles mostly on state highways that are quite rough and curvy, I.e. It would take about 90 minutes or more togo this distance. Then when in bumper to bumper traffic and trying to move forward or stopping the car's automatic transmission would cause the vehicle to shake like jumping into the wrong gear and in more than one time the car's engine would die. It always happened at low speeds so luckily we didn't loose control of the vehicle. But, the only way to stop this from continuing was to stop and park to let the engine and or cool down. …
We bought are Century like 3 months ago with 109K on it we noticed the transmission was shifting hard when car is warmed up or restarted GM current knows about just feeling it not there problem well it is a costly one to car owns as I read on the internet over 50 thousand complaints for this issue I feel GM has to recall this issue its there mistake not mine are Century other wise is a fine car but dash is out for odo and that GM cutting corners as well its poor penmenship on their behalf as car makers and we love them but we need them to do more and be like the old GM good and honest thanks hope to get resolved soon as I might add it does when it normal temp and when a restart happens shift really hard 2nd and 3 rd gear not normal I got a cost of $890.00 to fix 6,3 hours of labors to fix tc and other sensor in transmission on car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Buick Century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle starting jerking and would not accelerate. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
2001 Buick Century with 25,000 miles, needed to have entire transmission replaced. Some slippage a week before, then two stop signs, slippage, then horrible grinding. When mechanic tore down transmission, shards of metal were found. Word from the shop was that they had never seen this model at 25,000 miles, usually see this model around 40,000 miles.
While driving vehicle stopped accelerating. Then, started shaking. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. The bearing between the sun gear failed, and caused sun gears to strip, creating metal contamination through out the transmission. The sun gear assembly and transmission were replaced.
While in motion there was a thumping noise emmiting from the right front tire. The steering wheel locked and the key would not return it to it's normal postion. Also there is a problem with the brakes, also the gear would not shift out of park.
Lost ability to read position of gear selection (PRNDL) on instrument cluster and odometer readings on 2001 Buick Century custom. This was an electronic PRNDL and odometer display. It was like shifting the transmission blind folded. Safety.
The transmission had to be totally rebuilt due to a failure of the tarrington bearing which in turn caused the whole inside of the transmission to get chewed up and all the internal parts had to be replaced.
When changing gears vehicle really feels rough. Consumer can feel transmission moving like something is broken.when in first and reverse gear the vehicle will not hold on grade at idle. The engine races and disengages itself from the transmission and thunks into gear. The engine feels funny when resuming acceleration from coast speed as though it is moving on mounts. The engine feels as if it will cut off. There is a whine from the engine compartment. The engine cabin containers are impossible to open. Steering column and casing gives slight movement during acceleration and braking. This was partially corrected by replacement of the ball joint tie rod end (right side). There are exhaust fumes being emmitted into the cabin. Possible defect with the catalytic convertor. The oil drain plug shows signs of leaking. Also, the brakes seem under powered. …
Transmission complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Buick Century, 14% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Buick Century transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 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.