1991 Buick Century: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 buick century (n/a). The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
“Transmission doesnt want to go in gear after making a turn. Have not had the car repaired because the value of it is approx. $2,725 only. Have only had an estimate. The repair-man said he thought it was a sprague. Dont know if this is correct spelling. I realize the car is old, but the mileage is low for this many years. Now, the service engine soon light comes on after car warms up- and stays on- transmission man said didnt have anything to do with the trans. Have not had a computer diagnosis.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2003
“Wheel cylinder detached from mounting point,got caught up in brake shoes, which caused wheel to freeze up, leading to rollover accident”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“When switching gear from drive to reverse engine sudden accelerated, crashing into vehicle behind. Then, switched gear to drive and engine sudden accelerated again, crashing into vehicle in front. Vehicle took off on it's own, driving over curve and crashing into a wall then, hitting an utility pole. Vehicle was totaled.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
“While in the off position the cruise control activated, accelerating the engine, this has happened at various speeds and in the park position. *mjs”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 1999
“Vehicle experienced recall component failure of the power seat or recliner wiring harness which resulted in fire, however denied service due to VIN #. (92v-124). Mjs”Owner report · Seats · Apr 1999
“Had started vehicle, which did not start right away. Took vehicle to mechanic & had battery replaced however, problem continued. Vehicle would run for a while. Turned vehicle off & left. Returned & vehicle would not start. Mechanic could not locate problem. There is a tsb #916d-5. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 1999
“Driver side door falling off. Had to replace entire door/hinges etc. Not accident related. Dealer said this has happened to other century models. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Feb 1999
“My clear coat is chalking and peeling mainly on my hood and two side panels, the paint on my back bumper is completly flaking off. I spoke with the dealership about this and they told me it was replaced free until 1995. I dont feel I have done anything to cause this problem. I wash and wax my car regularly. I feel gm should pay since they admitted fault with bad paint until 1995 and I did not cause this problem nor own the car until after 1995”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 1999
“Vehicle parked, waiting for granddaughter, when she arrived, started vehicle, then suddenly took off, 2nd time it occurred. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
THE POWER SEAT OR RECLINER WIRING HARNESS CAN BE PINCHED OR CAN CHAFE ON THE SEAT FRAME OR SPRING SUPPORT ROD, WEARING THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION AND CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Remedy: REPAIR ANY ABRADED WIRING AND REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS USING A WIRING HARNESS CLIP.
How other years compare
Check your exact Century by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Buick Century reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Buick Century. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Buick Century problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Buick Century have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.