1997 Buick Century
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 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.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and ignition.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
NHTSA ODI report, 20170221
Also filed under ENGINE
IT'S VERY DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO HONK THE HORN BECAUSE THE BOTTOM HORN IS SO SMALL AND SO HARD THAT HE COULDN'T OPERATE IT. CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981124
15% of complaints: visibility — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and linkages.
14% of complaints: seat belts — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING BRUISES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980323
CONSUMER STATED BOTH SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT WOULD NOT LATCH.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030113
BOTH LEFT/RIGHT REAR SHOULDER BELTS FAILED TO EXTEND, ENABLING OWNER FROM USING DUE TO ROLLERS GETTING OFF CENTER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020826
14% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and rack.
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WILL WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20021023
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMV
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.
Campaign 98V102000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER
WINDSHIELD WIPER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PLASTIC WATER DEFLECTOR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM AND INSTALL A WATER DEFLECTOR. ON VEHICLES RECEIVING A REPLACEME
Campaign 99V348000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEM
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT D
Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V102000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V348000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Buick Century is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Century have?
4 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.