1990 Buick Century
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.
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 | 40 |
| 1990 | 33 |
| 1991 | 38 |
| 1992 | 45 |
| 1993 | 54 |
| 1994 | 106 |
| 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
12% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURY9% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURY9% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
6% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STICKING THROTTLE
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
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 seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V124000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V173000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 seat belts:front:anchorage, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Buick Century have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.