MYRModel Year Report

1990 Buick Century

▲ Better than typical
1990 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:54:45.489Z

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
33
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

27% 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 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1990: 33 complaints 1990 33 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 1990: 33 complaints 1990 33 1991: 39 complaints 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 1990: 33 complaints 1990 33 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

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% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIREINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-15

Seat belts

24% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-28

Engine and engine cooling

21% · 7 reports

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-11

Structure

18% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and support device/strut.

Seats

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

INJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 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
    1992-09-24Seats92V124000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. 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

1990 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 92V124000 · Seats
  • 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 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.