MYRModel Year Report

1989 Buick Century

▲ Better than typical
1989 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:52.895Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
41
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 33 complaints 1991: 39 complaints 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 33 complaints 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2003: 127 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1986 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1994 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1998 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2000 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 127 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005

1989: 41 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19848
19857
198622
198728
198816
198941
199033
199139
199245
199354
1994117
199599
199680
1997106
1998218
1999235
2000193
2001145
2002154
2003127
200439
200519

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

22% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

After being hit on passenger side, driver seatbelt buckle came unattached, resulting in injuries. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-22

Vehicle speed control

17% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in accident, totalled. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-09

Structure

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.

Show complaint excerpts

A technician serviced vehicle. Technician inspected the engine and determined that engine cradle was rusting.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-03

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Car sold to me is a lemon. The motor went out in less than 30 days.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-26

Seats

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  2. R
    1995-10-19Seat belts95V173000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V173000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Buick Century is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.