2002 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.
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
FIRE18% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
Also filed under STEERING
17% of complaints: exterior lighting — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
NHTSA ODI report, 20180617
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HORN IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF STEERING WHEEL AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET TI TO SOUND. CONSUMER FEELS IT'S SO DIFFICULT BECAUSE AIRBAG IS LOCATED THERE. CONSUMER CANNOT BLOW HORN, AND FEELS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020416
THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION, CONSUMER HAS TO JIGGLE KEY TO GET IT TO TURN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020416
14% of complaints: visibility — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and motor.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120709
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2002 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 (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- 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 2002 Buick Century reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Buick Century is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Century?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.