1989 Buick Century

▲ Better than typical

1989 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:36:05.728Z

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 PER YEAR

1989: 41 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

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

SEAT BELTS 22%

22% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

AFTER BEING HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE, DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE CAME UNATTACHED, RESULTING IN INJURIES. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950222

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 17%

17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT, TOTALLED. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950609

STRUCTURE 12%

12% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, 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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040203

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, 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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040326

SEATS 10%

10% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19920626 — EA (closed 19940131)

STICKING THROTTLE

R 19951019 — seat belts

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.

Campaign 95V173000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 95V173000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 1998 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.