1993 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Century › 1993
These records cover every 1993 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 1993 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 brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
Remedy
Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.
Owner complaints
54 complaints17 involved a crash3 involved a fire13 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Wiring
TL* the contact owns a 1993 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and the defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke emitting from the defroster area. The contact moved the vehicle away from his residence and turned the engine off but…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and the defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke emitting from the defroster area. The contact moved the vehicle away from his residence and turned the engine off but the smoke continued. The contact then opened the hood and a fire erupted. The fire was extinguished and the contact sustained a knee infection from attempting to move the vehicle away from his residence. A fire report was available. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was approximately 230,000. updated 04/15/11*lj the consumer listed wiring harness as the problem. Updated 10/12/11
- Seat belts › Front
Front seat belts are attached to the doors, and when the doors are opened, the seat belts extend forward. Consumer feels this feature posses a safety risk because if the doors flings open in an accident they will not restrain the occupants in their seat. *ak *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
1993 buick century experienced vehicle fire.*mr while driving down the highway the car jerked a little and the battery light came on. The consumer heard a pop and saw smoke, he then pulled over and the vehicle became engulfed in fire. *Cb *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Brake pads wear out more than the average.*ak
- Electrical system › Horn
Plastic horn buttons(half moon shape)will not fit in spaces provided as they are distored due to the heat in car. these must be pressed to have honk the horn & can't be, because they don't fit.
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Shift cable has worn a hole in air conditoner and lost fluids. Please provide further information.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer was traveling about 35mph on highway and rear left tire tread separated from rim. Vehicle went into a water enbankment of eight feet. vehicle was submerged under water, but consumer was able to escape through driver's side window . vehicle was totaled. firestone tires 205-70-r14 s-s60,dot e2pgf5a44. There were no injuries. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Driver's side door falls open, even when locked; seat belt tightens as if there was impact and pulls driver toward the open door. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at 55 mph there was a boom, warning lights illuminated on the dash panel, and vehicle shut down. Consumer was told by a mechanic that a rod blew. That IS what caused the engine to shut down. Buick has not been contacted.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While traveling at 40 mph this vehicle struck another vehicle head-on, and air bags did not deploy. Buick has been contacted.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system · Structure › Body › Hood
While driving on highway vehicle stalled and had to be towed. Technician opened the hood, and found out that cover under the hood (looked like a blanket for noise or fire) had almost caught on fire. Also, no power steering. pieces that came loose went down into the alternator, causing it to burn up. vehicle lost all power and the alternator had to be replaced. *Ak *ML
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
I have had to replace the brakes three times since I bought the car in 1997. They still don't work well. There must be a factory defect! What can I do about this? *Ak
- Power train
Two standard transmission failed
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, other
My car dies when the gas tank begins to get $3.50 away from being full. when it dies it will not restart for approximately for 15 minutes. the gas gauge dial begins to waver from side to side when the gas gauge IS around $3.50 down from being full. when the gas gauge begins to waver that IS a…
My car dies when the gas tank begins to get $3.50 away from being full. when it dies it will not restart for approximately for 15 minutes. the gas gauge dial begins to waver from side to side when the gas gauge IS around $3.50 down from being full. when the gas gauge begins to waver that IS a sign to me that I must fill the car up again or it will soon stall. I have had it in the shop off and on for 11 months. I have had the fuel pump replaced but it has not solved the problem. we love this car. it has served us well and we have had no problems to speak of until this problem came about. the car dealorship keeps saying they cannot duplicate what happens to me. it can die on me three or four times in a day and then run perfectly for two weeks at a time. I learned that if I keep the gas tank full it will function as close to normal as possible. I will appreciate any help you can give. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission malfunctioned, shifting problems. Yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Daughter was driving on city street and all of sudden vehicle burst into flames. contacted dealer who said that never heard of fires in vehicles. the fire started in the engine and spread all the way to the trunk. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While drivng about 50 mph the engine will shut down without a warning, and sometimes will stall on the road. *ak
- Wheels › Rim
When attempting to remove all four tires consumer was unable to remove the tires due to the steel rims which were too close to the hub, preventing the tires to be removed. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While slowing down to cross train tracks transmission locked up and broke, causing vehicle to be stuck on the tracks, and the train ran into the vehicle. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Airbag housing IS spliting down the center. dealer has inspected the vehicle . also, manufacturer has been notified. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
At 50 mph , driver hit cement pillar which damaged entire front end. Upon impact, driver's side airbag did not deploy, causing injuries. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Driver's side airbag light IS flashing, possible failure. *yc
- Air bags › Frontal
Drivers side air bag failure causing light to illuminate. Mjs
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold cracked within 18,000 miles. *ak
- Electrical system › Horn · Fuel system, other · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure › Body › Trunk lid
Trunk out of adjustment will open on occasions without notice.
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
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 601058Vehicles may exhibit a clattering noise at idle speed originating from the timing chain and front cover area.
- 45881Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline.*sd
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.