1991 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Century › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Buick Century. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1991 Buick Century. Newest first.
These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. the safety belt may not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.
The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material.
Remedy
Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.
Owner complaints
38 complaints7 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
I put the key in I turn it and out cranks but won't turn over.stationary
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1990 buick century (n/a). The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
- Power train
Transmission doesnt want to go in gear after making a turn. Have not had the car repaired because the value of it IS approx. $2,725 only. have only had an estimate. The repair-man said he thought it was a sprague. dont know if this IS correct spelling. I realize the car IS old, but the mileage…
Transmission doesnt want to go in gear after making a turn. Have not had the car repaired because the value of it IS approx. $2,725 only. have only had an estimate. The repair-man said he thought it was a sprague. dont know if this IS correct spelling. I realize the car IS old, but the mileage IS low for this many years. Now, the service engine soon light comes on after car warms up- and stays on- transmission man said didnt have anything to do with the trans. have not had a computer diagnosis.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Wheel cylinders
Wheel cylinder detached from mounting point,got caught up in brake shoes, which caused wheel to freeze up, leading to rollover accident
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The power windows work fine in the winter but in the summer they get stuck in the up position, an electrical specialist was unable to fine the problem. nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
When switching gear from drive to reverse engine sudden accelerated, crashing into vehicle behind. Then, switched gear to drive and engine sudden accelerated again, crashing into vehicle in front. vehicle took off on it's own, driving over curve and crashing into a wall then, hitting an utility pole. vehicle was totaled.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When driving at any speed without prior warning vehicle cuts off, causing loss of all power. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of problem. Please provide any further details.*ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling
Engine began overheating, consumer had all 6 frost plugs replaced and the water pump, starter, thermostat, head gasket and resurfaced the engine head. nlm
- Vehicle speed control
While in the off position the cruise control activated, accelerating the engine, this has happened at various speeds and in the park position. *mjs
- Seats
The front seat bracket broke off leaving the seat loose and unstable. yh
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
My clear coat IS chalking and peeling mainly on my hood and two side panels, the paint on my back bumper IS completly flaking off. I spoke with the dealership about this and they told me it was replaced free until 1995. I dont feel I have done anything to cause this problem. I wash and wax my…
My clear coat IS chalking and peeling mainly on my hood and two side panels, the paint on my back bumper IS completly flaking off. I spoke with the dealership about this and they told me it was replaced free until 1995. I dont feel I have done anything to cause this problem. I wash and wax my car regularly. I feel gm should pay since they admitted fault with bad paint until 1995 and I did not cause this problem nor own the car until after 1995
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
When applying the brakes the vehicle does not slow down and the brake pedal has to be reapplied with more pressure. This happens only during panic stops. Dealer has not seen.mjs
- Electrical system › Wiring
Had started vehicle, which did not start right away. Took vehicle to mechanic & had battery replaced however, problem continued. Vehicle would run for a while. Turned vehicle off & left. Returned & vehicle would not start. Mechanic could not locate problem. There IS a tsb #916d-5. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Vehicle experienced recall component failure of the power seat or recliner wiring harness which resulted in fire, however denied service due to vin #. (92V-124). Mjs
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Driver side door falling off. had to replace entire door/hinges etc. not accident related. dealer said this has happened to other century models. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
We are having [problems with all the electrical in the dash ans power windows, now the car wont start either
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
When applying brakes vehicle skidded.
- Unknown or other
New higher intensity vehicle headlights are blinding to oncoming vehicles.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Water pump failed.
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Fire occurred in passeger's side seat. Cause of fire possible electric short in seat. Vehicle has not been to the dealers.
- Seat belts › Front
Front seat belt buckle IS broken, consumer said part IS missing
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Muffler failed.
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The driver's side seat belt buckle cover broke, causing belt not to latch properly. please provide further details. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers fail when set at the high setting.
- Seats
The driver's seat track IS broken, causing the seat to move back and forth. The problem has not been corrected. *ak if consumer wants seat fixed, she has to pay for it even though the vehicle only has 22555 miles on it. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.