1998 BUICK CENTURY — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

278

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

6

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

The 1998 BUICK CENTURY has received a total of 278 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (20 complaints), Unknown Or Other (16 complaints), and Exterior Lightingheadlights (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY, potentially affecting up to 562,943 vehicles.

Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Recall 99V356000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 411,880 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING DEVICE MAY NOT BE CALIBRATED PROPERLY.

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS.

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Recall 98V102000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 149,342 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY AIM THE HEADLIGHTS.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

278 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 20
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 16
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 14
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 14
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 8
Steering
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 7
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 7
Electrical System
Complaints: 6
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 5
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5
Structurebody
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4
Visibility
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 2
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblyfillingcharging
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblybanjo Housing
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionshift Pattern Indicator
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11385397 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 78,000 miles
MY VEHICLE'S WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCK CONTROLS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, WHEN LOCKING THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT WILL NOT COME UP. THE REST OF THE WINDOWS CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE CAR WILL NOT WORK AS WELL. THE LIGHTING IN THE CAR FLICKERS IF YOU WOULD PUSH THE LOT OR THE WINDOW CONTROL. ANTERIOR LIGHT IS NO LONGER WORKING. NONE OF THIS WORKS EVEN WHEN PARKED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
#11385397 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 78,000 miles
MY VEHICLE'S WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCK CONTROLS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, WHEN LOCKING THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT WILL NOT COME UP. THE REST OF THE WINDOWS CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE CAR WILL NOT WORK AS WELL. THE LIGHTING IN THE CAR FLICKERS IF YOU WOULD PUSH THE LOT OR THE WINDOW CONTROL. ANTERIOR LIGHT IS NO LONGER WORKING. NONE OF THIS WORKS EVEN WHEN PARKED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
#10913581 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKES AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, A CONCUSSION, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
#10913581 | STEERING | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKES AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, A CONCUSSION, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 03V527000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
#10788884 | TIRES | | 60,000 miles
MULTIPLE CRACKING ON SIDEWALLS OF 4 MICHELIN HARMONY TIRES BEING USED 3000 MILES A YEAR. TIRES BOUGHT IN 2007 AND HAVE 99% OF TREAD STILL PRESENT ON TIRE. FEEL MICHELIN USED INSUFFICIENT UV/OZONE INHIBITOR CHEMICALS IN RUBBER COMPOUND MANUFACTURING THESE TIRES. TIRES MAY BE UNSAFE AND NOT DUE TO CAR OWNER'S FAULT. FEEL MICHELIN SHOULD REPLACE THESE AT THEIR EXPENSE, NOT MY MOTHER'S EXPENSE. TIRES SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 7-8 YEARS AT 3000 MILES A YEAR WHEN 80,000 IS ADVERTISED FOR THESE TIRES.

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 BUICK CENTURY in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

General Motors, LLC has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

01024 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE OIL WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNDER LOW / NO OIL PRESSURE CONDITIONS. *TT

990850012 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CUPHOLDER MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ARMREST. *TT

831704 — STRUCTURE:BODY

CONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC

98576124A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

COMMENTS ON A TICKING TYPE NOISE THAT BEGINS SHORTLY AFTER COLD ENGINE START-UP AND GRADUALLY DIMINISHES AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP. *YC

9810009 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

INFORMATION ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL INOPERATIVE. *YC

97121797022 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

SUBJECT ON HVAC MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL MODE SELECTOR FIRST PHASE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 BUICK CENTURY

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK CENTURY

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Other BUICK Models

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