Model year record

2001 Buick Century recalls & problems

The 2001 Buick Century has 5 safety recalls and 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (29 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints145filed by owners

Crashes · fires9 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

2001 Buick Century in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SteeringFeb 17, 2009

Steering

Recall 09E005000979 vehicles

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

Fuel system, otherMar 12, 2007

Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices

Recall 07E021000742 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsApr 6, 2001

Seat belts

Recall 01V109000116,007 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH SUNVISOR LOCATED AIR BAG LABELS, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MESSAGE AREA LESS THAN 30 CM WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
Fix: GM WILL MAIL A NEW BILINGUAL AIR BAG LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, THE CUSTOMER MAY BRING THE LABEL TO THEIR DEALER FOR INSTALLATION FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537 OR BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300.

Air bagsNov 13, 2000

Side/window

Recall 00V37100012 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATES FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE DURING DEPLOYMENT.
Risk: IF THE INFLATOR SEPARATES, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY DURING A CRASH AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION WOULD BE REDUCED. IF IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT A SEPARATED INFLATOR COULD BE PROPELLED DOWNWARD AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO A REAR SEAT PASSENGER WHOSE FOOT IS POSITIONED APPROXIMATELY UNDER THE INFLATOR MODULE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE.

Seat beltsAug 7, 2000

Seat belts

Recall 00V228003156,305 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2001 Buick Century 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2001 Buick Century 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2001 Buick Century NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2001 Buick Century NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Century

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system	29	0	0	0	57,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	24	2	0	0	28,498 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	21	0	0	0	68,221 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	19	0	0	0	51,000 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Instrument cluster/panel	17	0	0	0	103,595 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	16	0	0	0	73,126 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	12	0	0	0	38,100 mi
TiresSidewall; Tread/belt	9	0	2	0	75,000 mi
StructureBody › Trunk lid; Frame and members › Underbody shields	8	0	0	0	34,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal	5	5	0	3	124,430 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	4	0	0	0	130,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Macpherson strut; Front	4	0	0	0	48,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed. I do not use the cruise control anymore on my vehicle because of being unsafe. I have been lucky a couple of times I have not rammed into the vehicle in front of me through no fault of mine except for having cruise control on. No it has not been examined or inspected. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealership or and independent service center. It has been confirmed by various drivers of my car. None of them will use cruise control…
Sep 1, 2024
Vehicle speed control
STEERING LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD SPEED UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDDLE. THIS OCCURRED AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK.
Sep 13, 2018 · 54,000 miles
Engine
5/15/2017, $1,197.66 REPAIR FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ON OCTOBER 23, 2008, THE CALIFORNIA SUPERIOR COURT GRANTED FINAL APPROVAL TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, BUT NOTHING IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE OF USE THAT DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THAT SUIT. HTTPS://WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/DEXCOOL/
May 15, 2017 · 111,601 miles
Vehicle speed control
FOR ALMOST THE ENTIRE TIME OF 16 YEARS OF OWNING THIS CAR, THE SET CRUISE CONTROL OFTEN TIMES SPEEDS UNCONTROLLABLY. HAVE REPLACED THE MODULE TWICE BUT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. LOCAL BUICK DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THEY ARE UNTRUTHFUL.
May 10, 2017 · 110,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
TURNED ON SPEED CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, PRESSED SET BUTTON TO SET THE SPEED. THE CRUISE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. MY SPEED WENT FROM 65 MPH TO 80 MPH IN A FEW SECONDS. I DEPRESSED THE SET BUTTON AGAIN TO DECELERATE, BUT WHEN I RELEASED THE SET BUTTON, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED AGAIN. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION & TURNED THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION.
Sep 18, 2015 · 55,400 miles
Power train
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR (AS IS) FOR OUR GRANDSON. ON OUR WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER, AS SOON AS THE TRANSMISSION WARMED UP (4-5 MILES), THE SHIFTING WAS HARD AND JERKING WITH A WHINE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE WHICH FOUND THE COMPUTER CODE OF P1811 AND WERE TOLD A COMPLETE REBUILD WOULD BE NECESSARY. WENT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED MANY OTHERS HAD COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE. WOULD HOPE GM WOULD COME FORWARD WITH REIMBURSEMENT SINCE ITS TRANSMISSION IN THIS MODEL WAS INCORRECTLY DESIGNED. THE REBUILDING GARAGE OWNER EVEN HAD TO GO TO A SPECIAL SCHOOL TO LEARN HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM IN THE BUICK CENTURY. AFTER PAYING $1,757.25 TO QUEENS TRANSMISSION, INC., IN…
Mar 24, 2015 · 63,334 miles
Vehicle speed control
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SPEED CONTROL TURNED ON BUT NOT ENGAGED THE SPEED CONTROL WILL ENGAGE AND THE ENGINE WILL RACE UNTIL BRAKE IS TAPPED OR SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TURNED OFF. THIS CAN HAPPENED RANDOMLY , WHEN RESUME IS ENGAGED , OR WHEN LANE CHANGE SIGNALING. *TR
Jun 1, 2006 · 26,500 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT AUTHORIZED GMC DEALERSHIP MAY 2006 .THIS CAME WITH A WARRANTY. SEVERAL TIMES OVER SEVERAL SUMMERS SINCE THEN HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP WITH CONCERNS THAT HAPPENED AFTER VEHICLE WOULD BE DRIVEN IN HIGH HUMIDITY HIGH TEMPERATURE DAYS AFTER TRAVELING A MINIMUM OF 60 MILES MOSTLY ON STATE HIGHWAYS THAT ARE QUITE ROUGH AND CURVY, I.E. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 90 MINUTES OR MORE TOGO THIS DISTANCE. THEN WHEN IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC AND TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD OR STOPPING THE CAR'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE LIKE JUMPING INTO THE WRONG GEAR AND IN MORE THAN ONE TIME THE CAR'S ENGINE WOULD DIE. IT ALWAYS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS SO…
Jul 10, 2008 · 100,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.