1987 Buick Century
Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 28 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IN 1992 THE MAXIGUARD ANTI-THEFT AFTERMAKET DEVICE WAS INSTALLED. THE MAXIGUARD ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A SHORT IN THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. *AK *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 19980622
3 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
3 of 28 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK THE ENGINE REVED AND WENT INTO REVERSE WHILE IN PARK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960401
TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOESN'T LOCK INTO GEAR. ALSO MAKES CLUNKING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATION IS LET OFF THEN RE-APPLIED. THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN GENTLY THROUGHOUT ITS LIFE BY SENIOR CITIZENS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
3 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module.
2 of 28 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN PUT INTO GEAR THE CAR ACCELERATED OVER A BANK INTO A BROOK. FOOT WAS NOT ON PEDAL GAS PEDAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980505
SAFETY TIMELINE
STALLING
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILS
LOSS OF POWER STEERING
STICKING THROTTLE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Buick Century have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.