1997 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Buick › Century › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Buick Century. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 Buick Century. Newest first.
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 replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. a potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
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 dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.
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 universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. on vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and new water deflector, dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection away from the crank arm assembly and will install a reinforcement to improve the performance of the wiper park mechanism.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. this does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.
Remedy
Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
Owner complaints
106 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
Engine compartment fire
- Tires
Within 43 days of purchasing cooper grand touring CS5 tires for my 1997 buick century, one developed a large sidewall bulge. The retailer forced me to buy another new tire for $72. And cooper refused to pay for it! I have been driving cars for 40 years an never had a new tire or any tire develop a…
Within 43 days of purchasing cooper grand touring CS5 tires for my 1997 buick century, one developed a large sidewall bulge. The retailer forced me to buy another new tire for $72. And cooper refused to pay for it! I have been driving cars for 40 years an never had a new tire or any tire develop a sidewall bulge. I had a spirited conversation with a cooper rep and she got very rude with me. They had one recall for the same problem and never fixed the problem obviously. Please help!
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact stated that the engine manifold gasket was deteriorating and caused the engine to overheat. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dex cool antifreeze. The vehicle was towed to an…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact stated that the engine manifold gasket was deteriorating and caused the engine to overheat. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dex cool antifreeze. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lower manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The vin was not available. updated 02/09/15*lj
- Steering
When I backed out of parking space, I turned steering wheel with a "hard left." car made clicking noise. *tr
- Tires
Driving on I-95 southbound when I experienced a catastrophic tread separation to my driver's side rear tire. I was able to get my vehicle to the side of the road and signal help. fortunately, I escaped this failure uninjured. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact was driving 65 mph when the turn signal lights failed. The dealer was notified and stated they would not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic who noticed that there was smoke coming from the wiring of the turn…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact was driving 65 mph when the turn signal lights failed. The dealer was notified and stated they would not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic who noticed that there was smoke coming from the wiring of the turn signals. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 89,887. ... Updated 08-07-12 *bf the turn signal switch inside the steering column was replaced. Updated 08/09/12*jb
- Steering
I was making a left turn and the steering locked and there was a loud bang. I wasn't able to complete the turn causing me to drive off the road and onto a lawn. the steering wheel wouldn't go back to the correct position and it seemed to be in manual steering mode. I could barely move the wheel. the car IS not drivable at this time. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. While the contact was driving approximately 75 mph the rpm's increased excessively. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was able to resume normally. The vehicle had not been respired at the time of the compliant. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.
- Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick century. She stated that there was a loud clunking noise in the vehicle. Upon having her wheel bearings repaired, she found the stabilizer bar had broken off of the tire. She then attempted to order the part from an automotive store and was told that there was a…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick century. She stated that there was a loud clunking noise in the vehicle. Upon having her wheel bearings repaired, she found the stabilizer bar had broken off of the tire. She then attempted to order the part from an automotive store and was told that there was a defect in the replacement part. No repairs were made to the vehicle to correct the failure to date. The current and failure mileages were 188,376.
- Steering
1) car needed towed to garage for starter failure. As it left the garage the steering locked up and sent car almost into oncoming traffic with 2 children in the car. There had been no other warnings of a problem. 2) it happens every time the steering IS turned one direction then back to the other.…
1) car needed towed to garage for starter failure. As it left the garage the steering locked up and sent car almost into oncoming traffic with 2 children in the car. There had been no other warnings of a problem. 2) it happens every time the steering IS turned one direction then back to the other. It does not just come back. Especially to the left. I almost crashed 4 times just trying to get it home. 3) I filed an insurance claim on the tow company thinking they were responsible. They looked at it and said they found nothing wrong, that nothing was bent. After getting on line and investigating, I learned of this steering problem. It matches it perfectly. I had someone knowledgeable of mechanics look at the car and they said the steering gear rack needs replaced and not to drive the car as it IS. It IS to dangerous to drive. I also just had new intake manifold gasket from the decool problem gm has. Now I have a car that I can't drive and can't afford to fix. Nobody assumes liability and I think gm should have had this recalled and corrected. *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers have been standing straight up when in an off position for 6 or 7 years. Found the campaign and then the recall and tried to get a remedy from the on several occasions as well as gm ,to no avail..i was made to buy a motor for the windshield wipers and that worked for a little…
Windshield wipers have been standing straight up when in an off position for 6 or 7 years. Found the campaign and then the recall and tried to get a remedy from the on several occasions as well as gm ,to no avail..i was made to buy a motor for the windshield wipers and that worked for a little while. Then last summer or fall I went back to the dealer because now the issue looked to be a recall, and they told me there was, but not for my vin#, and I was made to pay $70 for the adjustment..it IS now not working again ,and I am very frustrated. It IS a 1997 buick century. I have to keep the windshield wipers on in the delay mode all the time, rain or shine in order to not have them stand straight up and block my vision..i feel this IS dangerous, but that the dealer and gm will not take responsibility because I found the information on my progressive car insurance site. They always bring up recalls for your cars. *ak
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I was on 275W. When my right window wiper arm started to stop then it died, my husband told to see what I could find out on repairing it and cost on the computer, I ran across this little thing on the computer about 1997 buick century's and the right windshield {component: visibility: windshield…
I was on 275W. When my right window wiper arm started to stop then it died, my husband told to see what I could find out on repairing it and cost on the computer, I ran across this little thing on the computer about 1997 buick century's and the right windshield {component: visibility: windshield wiper/washer linkages} well when I read all of it that describes what happen to my wiper. When I called everybody said no not your car, and I said I don't understand because the same thing IS wrong with mind. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign 99v348000 concerning the windshield wiper linkages. this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin. the vehicle IS being repaired at the contact's expense. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Dt: 1997 buick century. the consumer has being having problems with seat belts jamming. This occurred for 7 years. T 2 out of 4 seat belts work. the 2 seat belts back seat will not work. *Ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
1997 buick century-steering locks up randomly causing loss of vehicle control. *Jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack
1997 buick century-steering locks up randomly causing loss of vehicle control. *jb
- Child seat
The child seat buckle failed and as a result the consumer's grandson was able to get out of the car seat while the vehicle was in motion. *nm *sc *jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Both rear passenger and driver side seat belts are inoperative. consumer IS unable to pull out the seat belts. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that both seat belt retractors needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The wiper on the right side of the front windshield stopped operating during inclement conditions. The vehicle IS at the dealer for repairs. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Tail lights will not operate correctly . Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *aki
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant was replaced at @ 115,000 miles. Coolant was in globes in over flow tank. approximately 15,000 miles after replacement, coolant light came on (first time ever since I have owned car). Coolant was @ 1 gallon low. Coolant has also become globby again. Took into replace with different coolant…
Coolant was replaced at @ 115,000 miles. Coolant was in globes in over flow tank. approximately 15,000 miles after replacement, coolant light came on (first time ever since I have owned car). Coolant was @ 1 gallon low. Coolant has also become globby again. Took into replace with different coolant (not dex-cool). Upon inspection garage found the engine gasket has been leaking coolant. They claim it was caused by the dex-cool coolant, they did not do the flush because they did not want to chance making the leak worse. *jb
- Suspension
While driving the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The front passenger's side seat belt retracts after clicking the seat belt in to stay connection. the passenger would hold the seat belt retractor. this caused the seat belt to tighten. the consumer took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and the mechanic told the consumer that the seat belt…
The front passenger's side seat belt retracts after clicking the seat belt in to stay connection. the passenger would hold the seat belt retractor. this caused the seat belt to tighten. the consumer took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and the mechanic told the consumer that the seat belt was not recalled for this vehicle, and the warranty expired. the consumer informed the mechanic of this problem and they adjusted it twice but the problem recurred. *ak *nm *sc *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Safety concern relative to head light lens fogging from the sun. (nar) *ph dealer notified. *cb
- Engine and engine cooling
A mixture of water and anti freeze seeped into the oil. When this occurred the fluids mixed with the oil, and went through the intake manifold gasket. This knocked the crankshaft and destroyed the engine. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred 8 months later. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS…
Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled IS 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion IS related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) IS the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Windshield wiper
By letter dated december 12, 1999, gm notified nhtsa of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 buick regal/century and pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through…
By letter dated december 12, 1999, gm notified nhtsa of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 buick regal/century and pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through may 1, 1997.gm determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually during heavy load conditions, due to separation between the drive pin and the crescent in the wiper crank arm assembly.effective may 1, 1997,gm corrected this problem in production by modifying the drive pin and strengthening the crescent.these same improved parts will be installed in the vehicles to be recalled.the scope of the campaign will include all vehicles produced prior to the may 1, 1997 correction (the oldsmobile intrique production did not start until after may 1, 1997, and IS therefore not included).vehicles with the scope of this investigation and produced after may 1, 1997, contain the more robust crescent and improved pin design and are not included in the recall campaign.odi will continue to monitor complaint reports on the vehicles produced after may 1, 1997 and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.based on gm's recall action (odi 99v-348) this investigation IS closed.
- Windshield wiper
Incidents of wiper failure (owner reports and warranty) are very high, and many of the reports indicate that the failures are still occurring in 1999.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 10116612This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 10116564This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10017515Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added.
- 10007236Manual dual zone fan and mode knob replacement. Service vme.
- 10005588Poor radio reception or radio static/ increased interference with rear window defogger on or some rear window defogger grids may be inoperative.
- 10005145Some vehicles built prior to vin breakpoint 1f136536 may exhibit intermittent malfunction indicator lamp / service engine soon indicator illumination; anti-lock brake system warning light illumination; stall / no start condition; various electrical system failures; and / or various driveability concerns.
- 10004777Broken console or storage compartment lid latch. Updated
- 10004765Release of new outer tie rod ends for service.
- 10003684Center console and/or armrest storage lid will not remain closed due to a broken latch. Both latches are service separately and available through gm service parts.
- 10001121Sun visors may not stay in intended position.
- 10001112Poor radio reception or radio static/ increased interference with rear window defogger on or some rear window defogger grids may be inoperative.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 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.
- 6088901Conditions with inaccurate fuel gauge / fluctuates, premature low fuel chime.
- 636650Subject regarding carpet pulling out from under from the rear door sill plate, left or right side.
- 636558A condition may exist where the prindle display IS not legible when moving form a dark area to a lighted area, when thevhecle IS started inside a garage, the headlamps are turned on automatically and then the vehicle IS backed into the sunlight.
- 636475Information on refinishing aluminum wheels.
- 636448Vehicles with the CJ2 automatic air conditioning and without the U20 cluster which IS the driver information center and the CJ2 automatic air conditioner displays the celsius and not fahrenheit.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631274Subject regarding various driveability symptoms, malfunction indicator lamp illuminates intermittently, diagnostic trouble codes seat, engine will not start. *Slc
- 631232Some customers may comment on the time it takes the right side door glass to defog. *Slc
- 629522Subject regarding hvac temperature difference side to side and/or diagnostic trouble codes b0361, b0441 set.
- 628877Some customers may comment that the carpeting IS separating from, or coming out from under the rear door opening sill plate molding.
- 628867Subject regarding head restraint height increases during vehicle operation.
- 628864Subject regarding height restraint height increases during vehicle operation.
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.