Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. The contact stated while driving at any speed the rear passenger automatic window would release downward approximately five inches without assistance. The automatic window mechanism failed to operate when engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Recently, the front passenger window exhibited the identical failure as the rear passenger window. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Updated 03/08/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. The contact stated that when using the windshield wipers in inclement weather they would not operate properly and would remain on one side. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed him that he would need to have them tightened. The windshield wipers were repaired but the failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. Updated 2/22/11 updated 04/22/11
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
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. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century custom and complained about the following problems: the lower intake manifold gasket, the thermostat, and water pump. These components had to be replaced because the vehicle was overheating. The rear brake shoes and a leaking cylinder also had to be replaced. The rear drums, and the switch on the driver's side for the power windows where replaced due to possible fire concerns. In addition, the right outer tie rod end on the passenger's side wheel was loose and had to be repaired. Since the vehicle was inherited in 2003 all the aforementioned failures had to be replaced or repaired starting in 2005. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, and they stated they would not reimburse the contact because there was no relationship established with the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Buick Century. None of the rear seat belt buckles function. The rear driver and passenger side seat belt buckle assembly would not release. The middle seat belt buckle assembly has failed. Normally, the contact gets some silicone and fiddles with the vehicle for thirty minutes before she can get the seat belt to loosen up and come out. The contact was not informed if NHTSA campaign id numbers 01V109000 and 00V228003 (seat belts) apply to her VIN. In addition, all four window motors have been replaced, and the front window motors were replaced twice. Currently, the rear passenger window is rolled down and will not roll back up. The current mileage was 81,786 and failure mileage was 4,000.
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers May stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Incidents of wiper failure (owner reports and warranty) are very high, and many of the reports indicate that the failures are still occurring in 1999.
Windshield wiper
By letter dated December 12, 1999, GM notified NHTSA of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 Buick regal/century and Pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through May 1, 1997.GM determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually…
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Century years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (28), 1998 (23), 2000 (22), 2002 (21) and 1997 (15) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Buick Century window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-348 (linkages, Dec 16, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Century window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (51 mentions), followed by the windshield (35).
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.