MYRModel Year Report

1990 Buick Century

▲ Better than typical
1990 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-09-16T19:42:21.830Z

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

Complaints per year, Buick Century Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1996: 80 complaints 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1990: 33 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, HEARD NOISE, WITHIN MINUTES, ALL POWER STOPPED, BLACK SMOKE POURED OUT FROM UNDERHOOD, FIRE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE, NO WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960715

SEAT BELTS 24%

24% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

SEAT BELT; FAILURE ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS, CONSUMER WAS IN A ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960328

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE BLEW AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20021011

STRUCTURE 18%

18% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and support device/strut.

SEATS 15%

15% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19920626 — EA (closed 19940131)

STICKING THROTTLE

R 19920924 — seats

THE POWER SEAT OR RECLINER WIRING HARNESS CAN BE PINCHED OR CAN CHAFE ON THE SEAT FRAME OR SPRING SUPPORT ROD, WEARING THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION AND CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Remedy: REPAIR ANY ABRADED WIRING AND REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS USING A WIRING HARNESS CLIP.

Campaign 92V124000 — check if this car was fixed

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

1990 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V124000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V173000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1989

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 1998 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Buick Century reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Buick Century is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Buick Century?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Buick Century have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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