Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the rear-view mirror fractured and detached from the windshield. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was contacted who advised the contact to purchase glue to reinstall the rear-view mirror and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000. Updated 8/8/12 updated 08/14/12
2002 Buick Century with several problems. Consumer states that the electric window controls had to be replaced due to failure. Headlights started working intermittently. Multi-function switch needs replacement. The consumer stated using the turn signal indicator or the high beams, apparently triggered all the lights to go out. The heater controls did not function properly.
At 44,9xx miles the front driver's side window in my 2002 Buick Century failed. The regulator failed and the window dropped of it's own accord. I was on a trip and had to leave my window open for 2 days until I returned and was able to get it to a dealer for repairs. It cost me a $100.00, (extended warranty), but the bs with having it fail for no reason, just pisses me off.
When starting the vehicle in the morning, the windshield washer motor comes on squirting washer fluid. The directional arm control must be held toward the front of the car to stop the washer pump from operating. As the vehicle warms up, the problem ceases until the next morning. The vehicle is a 2002 Buick Century with only 7800 miles. Due to age, it is out of warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact was driving in a remotely dark area when the high beams were engaged but the headlights failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 78,100 and the current mileage was 102,267.
Wipers have failed twice during moderate to heavy rain. Wiper arms get out of Sync and hang up together in middle of windshield. Dealer has charged to tighten nut on blades, but has not resolved the problem. Last incident occurred on a crowded bridge at night in the driving rain creating a very unsafe situation.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated that the windshield sparkles in the sunlight due to frost. The glare impairs his visibility when driving. The dealer recommended that he buy a new windshield. The failure and current mileages were 95,000. Updated 12/08/08.
Most of the complaints on the Buick Century 2002, my car has them: 1. Windows not working, only passengers' up to now 2. Hard upshifts on transmission 3. Mileage on the digital odometer won't show 4. Volume on steering wheel never corrected so, what's being done about it?
Windshield wipers stop in the verticle position. This has happened twice, the first time it was repaired under warranty on 10/17/03. Crank arm broken. It happened during snow storms, the wipers failed after a couple of inches of light snow got on the windshield .
Window & Wiper complaints in other Century years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Buick Century?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Buick Century, 14% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Century window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.