MYRModel Year Report

2002 Buick Century

◆ Worse than typical
2002 Buick Century
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:05.188Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
154
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

19% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2002: 154 complaints 2002 154 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 33 complaints 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2001: 145 complaints 2002: 154 complaints 2002 154 2003: 127 complaints 2004: 39 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 22 complaints 1986 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 33 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 45 complaints 1992 1993: 54 complaints 1993 1994: 117 complaints 1994 1995: 99 complaints 1995 1996: 80 complaints 1996 1997: 106 complaints 1997 1998: 218 complaints 1998 1999: 235 complaints 1999 2000: 193 complaints 2000 2001: 145 complaints 2001 2002: 154 complaints 2002 154 2003: 127 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005

2002: 154 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19848
19857
198622
198728
198816
198941
199033
199139
199245
199354
1994117
199599
199680
1997106
1998218
1999235
2000193
2001145
2002154
2003127
200439
200519

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system and engine.

FIRE

Service brakes

18% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Show complaint excerpts

UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03

Also filed under Steering

Exterior lighting

17% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.

Electrical system

16% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.

FIRE
Show 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, 2018-06-17

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-16

There's a problem with ignition, consumer has to jiggle key to get it to turn. Please provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-16

Visibility

14% · 22 reports

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, 2012-07-09

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2002Complaint volume 154 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2009-02-23Steering09E005000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Buick Century — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 29 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
  • Recall 09E005000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.