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 2002 Buick Century owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Intake leaking antifreeze - cost too much to repair for me. My only car to get to work. Replacing bearings today for sticking back brakes. All interior accessories are broken; cosmetic mirror, ashtray, center console, passenger windshield wiper stripped motor, 1 window working. Still owe on car but cannot fix everything. Any help ????
I currently have a 2002 Buick Century custom with 107000 miles on it. I had a starter catch fire cause of a large buildup of oil coming from either the head gasket or the manifold gasket. This issue needs to be addressed. Driving at high engine temperature with cause a major safety issue for anyone driving short or long distant.
Bought vehicle in 01.20.07 with 56,943 miles (2002 Buick Century custom). Sometime (around 62,000 miles) notice engine hesitates, after warming up, hesitation disappears. Asked my mechanic and his first question was if white smoke was coming off the tail pipe, I said no. A couple weeks later, at startup (early in the morning) the tail pipe smoked for a good 2 to 3 minutes, again, once warmed, stopped, and engine run well. This went on for another 2 weeks, during this period I asked again my mechanic, but this time I mentioned the white smoke, no oil smell, his response was I was burning antifreeze. Went back to dealer to see what they could do to help me, left the vehicle for diagnosis, then they offer me a 15% discount on parts of and estimated $1500.00 work. …
I noticed that there was sludge in the coolant tank after I got a low coolant light when the coolant was not low and the temperature was normal. I brought the car in to the Buick dealership and was told that oil was leaking through the intake manifold gasket into the coolant channels of the manifold. The oil was interfering with the coolants sensor causing the indicator light to come on. The dealer told me the system would need to be drained, flushed and refilled after the manifold was removed and the gasket replaced. This was going to cost over $800.00 the dealer indicated that this was a fairly common occurrence on the 3.1l engine so I asked why this was not a warranty issue to which he responded that GM would not cover this problem. …
2002 Buick Century intake manifold/gasket fails at 31K miles. Coolant in the engine and mixed with the oil. All of the prior service and maintenance were performed at GM dealerships (where this should have been discovered prior to failure). Oil, lube, rotations done without waiting for indicator lights (2-4 times per year), all recommended procedures completed (including new brakes, throttle body and fuel injector svcs). This was a known issue regarding dexcool eating away the gaskets but GM filed bankruptcy to avoid full settlement and now dealerships claim ignorance to the issue. Now I have to pay $1500 to have the engine & radiator disassembled for cleaning. I was informed that labor is the bulk of the cost. Why won't GM charge the customer for the part and not the labor. …
I have a 2002 Buick Century limited and while driving 60 MPH on the interstate the low trac light came on, the anti-lock brake light came on and the car started shuttering and making a loud noise when braking. It also pulls when the brakes are pressed when the lights are on and the brakes are hard to press. When I turn the car off the lights go off and there are none of the symptoms until the lights come on again. I was told it was a faulty wheel speed sensor and was going to get it repaired when all of the sudden the car overheated. I get the car serviced regularly and it has never overheated before. After having the thermostat and the water pump changed I was told that the problem is either the intake gasket or the head gasket. I was told the dexcool antifreeze breaks the gaskets down and the car could leak antifreeze without being noticed. …
I brought my car to my Buick dealer for service and was informed that the coolant had become sludgy. They told me that the system needed to be drained, cleaned and refilled and would cost me $129.00. I was very concerned about what could possibly cause this, and the representative couldn't tell me why, but that they caught it early and wouldn't be a problem. I then took a look on the internet for information on this problem and found out about the class action lawsuits against GM for their dexcool coolant problems in their cars, especially the v6's. I called the dealer to tell them that I had a problem with having to pay for this repair and that I was also concerned with possible damage to my system, intake manifold gasket problems and the effect that would have in the future. They told me they would call me back. …
When I had an oil change at about 32,000 miles the mechanic indicated the oil was a quart low. I had the cooling system flushed at about 50,000 miles and the mechanic noted oil in the antifreeze. At 55,000 miles the car now needs a new intake manifold gasket at a cost of $800 to $900. GM faces a class action lawsuit in Canada for this same problem and many U.S. Blogs indicate this is a common problem. Service stations are reporting that this failure is common and due to a design defect. The warranty expired at 36,000 miles. Because of this, Buick says it has no responsibility for this problem. In addition to the gasket problem, I had to replace the wipe blade mechanism and leaking wheel bearings. These, too, were premature problems and not due to any abuse or neglect of car maintenance. …
I have a 2002 Buick Century and have been told that the intake manifold gasket has to be replaced since GM did not issue a recall of which they should have. I am afraid I will break down in the car with no help. I am a widow who is currently unemployed and can not afford to fix the car. I have paid the car in full and just want them to fix what they screwed up. I was not even aware there was a problem until my low coolant light started coming on and I noticed there is a leak.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated a piece of fuel injection detached and blew off the valve. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic. The repair cost $1,200. The technician stated that he had never seen anything like this and it should not have happened to her vehicle. The contact has not notified an authorized dealer or the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 59,263. Updated 02/01/08.
Engine complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Buick Century, 21% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Century engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Buick Century. 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 2002 Buick Century engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires 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.