1985 Buick Century
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 33 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 45 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 117 |
| 1995 | 99 |
| 1996 | 80 |
| 1997 | 106 |
| 1998 | 218 |
| 1999 | 235 |
| 2000 | 193 |
| 2001 | 145 |
| 2002 | 154 |
| 2003 | 127 |
| 2004 | 39 |
| 2005 | 19 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was parking and overheated car caught on fire . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-23
Coolant leak.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26
Steering
2 of 7 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
Service brakes
2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Electrical system
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle fire in engine compartment, originating in vicinity of battery, Ohio state police report.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-08
Safety timeline
1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1985-06-19CClosed 1989-05-18 Rear brake lockup
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I
1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
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I
1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
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I
1988-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-11 Headlamp switch failure
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Buick Century reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Buick Century?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Buick Century have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.