2001 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Buick Century. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2001 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: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with sunvisor located air bag labels, fail to conform to federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have a message area less than 30 cm which does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with the standard.
Remedy
Gm will mail a new bilingual air bag label with installation instructions. however, the customer may bring the label to their dealer for installation free of charge. owner notification began may 4, 2001. owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537 or buick at 1-800-521-7300.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the driver side impact air bag inflator separates from the air bag module during deployment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the inflator separates, the air bag will not deploy properly during a crash and occupant protection would be reduced. if IS also possible that a separated inflator could be propelled downward and could result in injury to a rear seat passenger whose foot IS positioned approximately under the inflator module.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the side impact air bag module.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. the buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
Owner complaints
145 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed. I do not use the cruise control anymore on my…
When I have cruise control on but not in use at that moment the car will engage cruise on its own. It does this at a high rate of acceleration with no Rhyme or Reason as to why. I have to be quick to get it to stop because of the high rate of speed. I do not use the cruise control anymore on my vehicle because of being unsafe. I have been lucky a couple of times I have not rammed into the vehicle in front of me through no fault of mine except for having cruise control on. No it has not been examined or inspected. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealership or and independent service center. It has been confirmed by various drivers of my car. None of them will use cruise control anymore.
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
Steering locked while driving on highway. car would speed up on its own without touching the gas peddle. This occurred as soon as the car was taken out of park.
- Engine
5/15/2017, $1,197.66 repair for intake manifold gasket. On october 23, 2008, the california superior court granted final approval to the class action lawsuit, but nothing IS available to those of use that did not have a problem until after that suit. https://www.girardgibbs.com/dexcool/
- Vehicle speed control
For almost the entire time of 16 years of owning this car, the set cruise control often times speeds uncontrollably. have replaced the module twice but continues to happen. local buick dealer tells me they have not heard of this before. I firmly believe they are untruthful.
- Vehicle speed control
Turned on speed control while driving on interstate, pressed set button to set the speed. The cruise indicator light came on. The car accelerated on its own. My speed went from 65 mph to 80 mph in a few seconds. I depressed the set button again to decelerate, but when I released the set button, the…
Turned on speed control while driving on interstate, pressed set button to set the speed. The cruise indicator light came on. The car accelerated on its own. My speed went from 65 mph to 80 mph in a few seconds. I depressed the set button again to decelerate, but when I released the set button, the car immediately accelerated again. I depressed the brake to stop the acceleration & turned the speed control switch to the off position.
- Power train
We purchased this car (as IS) for our grandson. on our way home from the dealer, as soon as the transmission warmed up (4-5 miles), the shifting was hard and jerking with a whine coming from the transmission. took the car to a garage which found the computer code of p1811 and were told a complete…
We purchased this car (as IS) for our grandson. on our way home from the dealer, as soon as the transmission warmed up (4-5 miles), the shifting was hard and jerking with a whine coming from the transmission. took the car to a garage which found the computer code of p1811 and were told a complete rebuild would be necessary. went online and discovered many others had complaints of the same nature. would hope gm would come forward with reimbursement since its transmission in this model was incorrectly designed. the rebuilding garage owner even had to go to a special school to learn how to correct this problem in the buick century. after paying $1,757.25 to queens transmission, inc., in bradenton, fl (941-746-7480), the shifting IS now normal.
- Vehicle speed control
While driving with the speed control turned on but not engaged the speed control will engage and the engine will race until brake IS tapped or speed control switch turned off. This can happened randomly , when resume IS engaged , or when lane change signaling. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
Had transmission replaced at authorized GMC dealership may 2006 .this came with a warranty. several times over several summers since then have taken vehicle into dealership with concerns that happened after vehicle would be driven in high humidity high temperature days after traveling a minimum of…
Had transmission replaced at authorized GMC dealership may 2006 .this came with a warranty. several times over several summers since then have taken vehicle into dealership with concerns that happened after vehicle would be driven in high humidity high temperature days after traveling a minimum of 60 miles mostly on state highways that are quite rough and curvy, i.e. It would take about 90 minutes or more togo this distance. Then when in bumper to bumper traffic and trying to move forward or stopping the car's automatic transmission would cause the vehicle to shake like jumping into the wrong gear and in more than one time the car's engine would die. It always happened at low speeds so luckily we didn't loose control of the vehicle. But, the only way to stop this from continuing was to stop and park to let the engine and or cool down. We even put on the heater while driving to help reduce the temperature gauge to go below the halfway mark. This car was purchased in shelton, wa not in ky, so we never experienced this prior to transmission replacement. the service department has never been able to duplicate problem, now the cruise control has stopped working. We have dashboard warnings continually stating low oil, service engine soon (when just completed), etc. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Exterior lighting
Low beam headlights suddenly stopped working while driving at night. I bought the car used a year ago, and the multifunction switch was replaced just before I bought it. After doing some investigation, I discover it's a very common, almost universal problem with these vehicles that costs almost $800 to repair. Gm hasn't issued a recall for this defect.... Yes, I said defect. *tr
- Service brakes
Applied brake in preparation to reverse, from driveway heard a pop and brake pedal went to floor. Brake did seem a bit soft the previous day when parking car after short trip. Luckily did not lose brakes in traffic!! Upon visual inspection brake fluid leaking from frame rails left and right side of vehicle due to rusted out brake lines. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and the temperature warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the oil level and discovered that the anti freeze was leaking into the oil. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and the temperature warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the oil level and discovered that the anti freeze was leaking into the oil. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower gasket intake set failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,900 and the current mileage was 144,950.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Second owner of my buick 2001 purchased from the original owner with 5,000 miles in 2008. The second year I noticed when ever it rained there was water on the floor on the passenger side. I still own the car and over the years have just had regular maintenance done. The water on the passenger side…
Second owner of my buick 2001 purchased from the original owner with 5,000 miles in 2008. The second year I noticed when ever it rained there was water on the floor on the passenger side. I still own the car and over the years have just had regular maintenance done. The water on the passenger side has gotten worse and every time it rains I have to take towels and dry up about 1 inch of water from the carpet. I am retired now and hesitate to take the car to a mechanic as I have found most will take financial advantage of a female. Just wondered if any other owners have had this problem or if there have been any recalls. Eventually , I will have a mechanic look at it and get an estimate for repair as soon as I can because I am tired of mopping up water every time it rains. I also wonder what it IS doing to the metal under the carpet. The original owner was an older woman who rarely drove the car. I purchased from her son at her death it still had the new car smell so I am pretty sure she bought the car new and this problem was inherent in the design. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle starting jerking and would not accelerate. The failure was recurring. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000. *tr
- Air bags · Service brakes
I was traveling in heavy stop and go traffic traveling at about 40mph when the vehicle in front of me stopped, I applied the brakes hard but the vehicle did not stop and I tried to sway into the shoulder but hit the vehicle in front of me. there was plenty of space to stop but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. note: the air bags did not deploy. *js
- Engine · Power train
We bought are century like 3 months ago with 109K on it we noticed the transmission was shifting hard when car IS warmed up or restarted gm current knows about just feeling it not there problem well it IS a costly one to car owns as I read on the internet over 50 thousand complaints for this issue…
We bought are century like 3 months ago with 109K on it we noticed the transmission was shifting hard when car IS warmed up or restarted gm current knows about just feeling it not there problem well it IS a costly one to car owns as I read on the internet over 50 thousand complaints for this issue I feel gm has to recall this issue its there mistake not mine are century other wise IS a fine car but dash IS out for odo and that gm cutting corners as well its poor penmenship on their behalf as car makers and we love them but we need them to do more and be like the old gm good and honest thanks hope to get resolved soon as I might add it does when it normal temp and when a restart happens shift really hard 2ND and 3 rd gear not normal I got a cost of $890.00 to fix 6,3 hours of labors to fix tc and other sensor in transmission on car. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the panel lighting failed to illuminate without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The vin was not available. *tr
- Service brakes
Backing out of the driveway my brakes went straight to the floor. luckily I was able to apply the parking brakes to stop the vehicle. after inspection, the brake lines have completely rotted out causing a rear brake line to burst. all four brake lines have now been replaced. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The drivers window will go down when you put key in ignition right before you start vehicle. After it goes down you must wait 10 seconds or so and you can put window up. This IS the exact same issue my 2007 chevy trailblazer IS being recalled for. But the buick century IS not on the recall list. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buck century. The contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the driver depressed the brakes and smoke started to emit from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the brake lines failed and…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buck century. The contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the driver depressed the brakes and smoke started to emit from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the brake lines failed and needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 53,000....updated 10/19/12 *bf updated 10/25/2012 *js
- Vehicle speed control
After setting cruise control it will take off and accelerate until you manually shut the cruise control switch off. I even tapped on brake and it would continue. This problem seems to be very random. *tr
- Equipment · Steering
Rack and pinions need replaced after I had new tie rods replaced. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that there was an overpowering gasoline odor emitting from the engine. In addition, the vehicle was burning excessive amounts of gasoline fuel. the contact replaced the fuel pressure regulator to repair the failure. The failure and current mileage was 160,897. updated 4/11/2011 *cn updated 04/25/11
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated when driving 35 mph or more, the cruise control would independently activate and would cause the accelerator pedal to seize in the open throttle position. He would then depress the brakes and the cruise control would deactivate. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated when driving 35 mph or more, the cruise control would independently activate and would cause the accelerator pedal to seize in the open throttle position. He would then depress the brakes and the cruise control would deactivate. The failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was advised that the failure was not common in his year, make and model. The dealer did not perform a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to a repair shop to have the brakes repaired. He was informed that the front lower control arm, sway bar shaft and all of the bushings attached to the parts were covered with rust. The vehicle was repaired. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to a repair shop to have the brakes repaired. He was informed that the front lower control arm, sway bar shaft and all of the bushings attached to the parts were covered with rust. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the manufacturer but was offered no assistance since he did not take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs. The current and failure mileages were 32,787. updated 10/21/10. *Lj updated 10/25/10*jb
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.