2001 Buick Century
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 | 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.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
19% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS TRAVELING IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED, I APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND I TRIED TO SWAY INTO THE SHOULDER BUT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130925
Also filed under AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUCK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120917
14% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and gear position indication (prndl).
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241209
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STEERING LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD SPEED UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDDLE. THIS OCCURRED AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TAKEN OUT OF PARK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180922
Also filed under STEERING
12% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 00V228003 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATES FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE DURING DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE.
Campaign 00V371000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH SUNVISOR LOCATED AIR BAG LABELS, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE
Remedy: GM WILL MAIL A NEW BILINGUAL AIR BAG LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. HOWEVER, THE CUSTOMER MAY BRING THE LABEL TO THEIR DEALER FOR INSTALLATION FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 4,
Campaign 01V109000 — 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
2001 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V228003 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V371000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V109000 (seat belts) 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 2001 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Buick Century is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Buick Century have?
5 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.