1998 Buick Century
This year had more than double the complaints 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.
14% of complaints: service brakes — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKES AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161004
Also filed under STEERING
12% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE'S WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCK CONTROLS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, WHEN LOCKING THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT WILL NOT COME UP. THE REST OF THE WINDOWS CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE CAR WILL NOT WORK AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201229
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
11% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS IS THE 2D TIME THIS COMPONENT HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED--
NHTSA ODI report, 19990730
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 15 MPH DOWN DRIVEWAY AT WORK-CAR OVERSTEERED CRASHING INTO SIDE OF BUILDING-IMPACT SO INTENSE MY HEAD HIT REARVIEW MIRROR, BREAKING IT AND WINDSHIELD. ENTIRE UNDERSIDE OF CAR (FRAME, TIE ROD, SUSPENSION,ETC.) IS DAMAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981103
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121009
11% of complaints: visibility — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.
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. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS.
Campaign 99V356000 — 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
1998 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V102000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V356000 (exterior lighting) 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 1998 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Buick Century is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Century have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.