1992 Buick Century: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% 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 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: on march 14th two new front tires were purchased at sears. On april 10th the right front tire blew out while driving at 45 mph. This resulted in damage to other parts of the vehicle. There was damage to wheel well, the passenger door, tire axle and the underbody of the vehicle. There has been no inspection made of the tire at this time. The vehicle owner made attempts to have sears replace the tires and pay for vehicle damage. The blow out resulted in a single vehicle accident. The police were notified, but no report was filed. The passenger and driver sustained injuries , neither received medical treatment.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2005
“We bought this car used, but we have it serviced every 5-6,000 kms. Nothing small goes in this vehicle. We basically drive within a 55 km radius. The tranny would not shift, the body rotted out despite rust proofing, now the rad has oil in it, head gasket, not even 160,000 kms,,,please where are the old fashion value,”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2003
“Consumer placed vehicle in park, and it jumped out of gear and into reverse. A 90 year old passenger was attempting to exit vehicle as it jumped out of gear, and was dragged 36 feet, causing severe injuries with stitches on eyebrow and fingers on left side. Vehicle then moved another 86 feet, and hit a tree to stop.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have had several problems with this car from the time that I bought it, it has been in the garage for more repairs that it has been on the road, from not staying started during the warm days to stalling in the middle of the road when weather is hot. Multiple problems with this car and yet no recall on some of these parts has been done. No safety defect mentioned. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2001
“Starting at a dead stop, drove a few feet, and all a sudden gas pedal went down and car took off. Consumer applied brakes, and vehicle kept going. It hit 3 parked cars before consumer was able to stop. *ak the vehicle was accelerating on its own, but the mechanic could not find the cause. *yh”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2001
“Consumer has had to replace alternator and battery twice due to dome light in vehicle coming on intermittently after all doors were shut securely, thus draining battery. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2000
“Hood hydraulic cylinder broke, causing the hood to fall onto the occupant while checking the fluids in vehicle. Currently contacted dealer. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Aug 1999
“While entering the car and looking down driver noticed smoke under the seat caused by wiring that was poorly installed.dealer was contacted and stated that there was no problem. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1999
“Poor design and lack of clamping of the shift cable assembly has caused the shift cable to rub against the suction line, also creating a hole which has released the r12 to leak into the atmosphere. There are also environmental implications caused by this problem. This has also caused the a/c system to become inoperative and has also made the shift cable to weaken. Although this automobile is out of warranty, I believe it should be (gm) buick's responsibility to make the necessary repairs at the company's / manufacturer's cost.”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 1998
“When brakes were applied the vehicle suddenly accelerated, and stopped on its own. The dealer will inspect the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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 OPTIONAL REMOTE ENTRY MODULE MAY HAVE A FAULT WHICH CAUSES RANDOM ACTUATION OF INTERIOR LAMPS, DOOR LOCKS, AND/OR TAILGATE RELEASE. THIS ACTUATION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REMOTE ENTRY MODULE WITH A NEWLY REVISED MODULE TO PREVENT RANDOM ACTUATION.
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
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 1992 Buick Century reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Buick Century. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Buick Century problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 94,500 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Buick Century have open recalls?
3 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.