1991 Buick Century

▲ Better than typical

1991 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:34:48.704Z

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

1991: 39 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.

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and ignition.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE STALLED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THIS IS THE FOURTH INCIDENT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950505

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 15%

15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

PARKED IN DRIVE WAY WITH ENGINE RUNNING PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND ENGINE WENT WIDE OPEN. APPLIED BRAKES, BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951201

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TW

NHTSA ODI report, 19940925

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

SEATS 10%

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

FIRE

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

1991 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 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

▲ 1990 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1989

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 1998 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1991 Buick Century reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Buick Century is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Buick Century?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 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.