1999 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.
25% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 58 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRE12% of complaints: visibility — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.
12% of complaints: service brakes — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.
Show complaint excerpts
DEC 17,1999 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN990093 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER99V356 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180204
6% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON ICE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150202
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE YET THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040219
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND RAN OFF THE ROAD. FRONT END WAS SMASHED IN ABOUT 2 FEET. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED SOME BRUISES.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020827
SAFETY TIMELINE
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MOTOR SHORTS TO ITS CASE AND GROUNDS THROUGH A FLEXIBLE BRAKE FLUID PIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND CABLE FROM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE (EBCM) TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BODY RAIL.
Campaign 99V170000 — check if this car was fixed
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
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT ME
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULBS IN BOTH OF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080. NOTE: IF THE BULB NEEDS
Campaign 04V375000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1999 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (58 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V170000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V356000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V375000 (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 1999 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Buick Century is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Buick Century have?
5 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.