Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My vehicle was receiving a PA state required annual mechanical safety inspection by an ASE certified mechanic. I was informed that the "sway bar" which stabilizes the steering system had failed, and as a critical part of the steering operation, the vehicle could not pass a PA state mechanical safety inspection. I had the "sway bar" replaced with the GM re-designed part at considerable expense to pass the PA state safety inspection. The ASE certified mechanic advised me that he had replaced many mechanical failures like mine (broken lug ends) before GM changed the design to one that could withstand the application (a solid forging as opposed to a sheet metal fabrication). …
I had driven my 2003 Buick Century at least halfway into a parking space in a parking lot when it suddenly lurched forward like a bat out of hell, leaping up over a curb on an upward slope, swiping a cement lightpost on the left, crashing into another car across its left front, bumping down over a curb, then crashing up and over two more curbs. With divine help I was able to avoid other cars and steer it to a stop, then drive gingerly into the original parking space. Since I was originally in the process of slowing to a stop, my right foot was on the brake at all times. I had never heard of many automakers' infamous "sudden unintended acceleration" manufacturing defect and had no idea what was happening as the car went from 1 or 2 MPH to full throttle instantly. …
1. Sunvisors are not wide (long) enough to block direct sun glare entering at top-outer corners of windshield. Gaps at outer ends between visors and corner posts are approx. 2 1/2 inchs. Dealer's service manager and Buick's customer service have told me that this is the only visor design made by GM that will fit. The mounting location for the pivot cannot be moved. At the other (inside) end of each visor there is a pull out extension, that is no help to cover the open area. On driver's side the extension prevents tilting the visor forward against the windshield, which would possibly help if it were not stopped by contact with the rearview mirror. Danger from morning and evening sun glare is not to be taken lightly. I am not the only driver that can be momentarily blinded by it. Century appears to be the only model with a very serious problem in this regard. …
I purchased a new 2002 Buick Century from auto mall, putney, vt on 0/06/01- only have 57,000 miles on the vehicle now. Air conditioner fixed 3 times; still not working; brakes fixed; still squeak before my car could be inspected the line for the back brake lights which were rusted needed to be repaired in feb 2008 [$300]. On March 1, 2008 my brakes went; brought to nearest garage; brake line rusted out and was replaced [$200] I was informed by the mechanic that the rocker panels were rusted and should not have passed inspection. Informed dealership; brought vehicle for diagnosis and estimate [$5,000]. Was told by gmac that vehicle's warranty ended on 11/06/07. I am awaiting word weather they will cover some of the repair work.
Second owner of my Buick 2001 purchased from the original owner with 5,000 miles in 2008. The second year I noticed when ever it rained there was water on the floor on the passenger side. I still own the car and over the years have just had regular maintenance done. The water on the passenger side has gotten worse and every time it rains I have to take towels and dry up about 1 inch of water from the carpet. I am retired now and hesitate to take the car to a mechanic as I have found most will take financial advantage of a female. Just wondered if any other owners have had this problem or if there have been any recalls. Eventually , I will have a mechanic look at it and get an estimate for repair as soon as I can because I am tired of mopping up water every time it rains. I also wonder what it is doing to the metal under the carpet. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Buick Century. The contact stated that rain would leak behind the dashboard when the vehicle was parked or being driven. The failure would not occur if parked at an angle or on a hill. The current mileage was 55,200, and failure mileage was 54,800. The purchase date was unavailable. Updated 01/29/08 the consumer stated a pool of water was on the floor of the vehicle due to rainwater leaking from behind the dashboard. Updated 01/29/08
Major problems are caused by poor design and can not be fixed 1)with one rear window open in rear vehicle shakes with great force 2) parking on unlevel gound cause frame to distort so doors ars stick 3) extreme glare from dash board 4)windshield wipers can not be alined.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when the check engine and track off warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the ABS sensor and other wires were bound by electrical tape and the fuel and brake lines were corroded. In addition, there were missing plugs which prevented water from entering the vehicle on both the driver and passenger sides. Both the brake line and the transmission were leaking fluids. There was a hole in the front sub frame and the fuel filler neck was corroded. The contact also stated that part of the exhaust hanger was missing and the remaining parts were corroded. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle would be far too costly to perform any repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Century years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (11), 2003 (11), 1999 (9), 1996 (8) and 2001 (8) model years. Body complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Century body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Buick Century model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Century body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (21 mentions), followed by the body › door (15).
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.