2004 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Century › 2004
These records cover every 2004 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 2004 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.
Owner complaints
39 complaints4 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seats
Power seat wiring harness sorted to seat frame/spring
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 mph, the air bags deployed independently without warning. The air bag hit the contact's arm and face leaving minor marks and bruises. The driver did not seek medical attention for his…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 mph, the air bags deployed independently without warning. The air bag hit the contact's arm and face leaving minor marks and bruises. The driver did not seek medical attention for his injuries. The contact's son was able to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road and then called the contact. The contact arrived at the scene and drove the vehicle home without further incident. The contact stated that the windshield and dashboard were damaged. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, while driving approximately 10 mph. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
- Service brakes
Front and rear brake lines failed leaving me with no brakes. I was driving at low speed. The rear brake line was the first to go. The front burst and about 4 weeks later the cause was rust and corrosion. Both times the pedal went to the floor.
- Service brakes
Brake line failed on rear brakes. Lost all fluid in motion on highway rust on brake lines
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
When driving my car over 5 miles it will choke and not let me accelerate and the speedometer goes to 0. Can you tell me what the problem could be?
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control
The multi function switch does not work properly. When going around curves and corners you can't dim the headlights. Because the steering wheel doesn't allow the lever to go far enough to catch. Now my headlights will not turn on when the they are suppose to. My cruise control doesn't work. My a/c…
The multi function switch does not work properly. When going around curves and corners you can't dim the headlights. Because the steering wheel doesn't allow the lever to go far enough to catch. Now my headlights will not turn on when the they are suppose to. My cruise control doesn't work. My a/c stops cooling when the speed reaches 60 mph but if I move the m.f.s. (Aka turn signal) it gets cool again for a few minutes. The other night my lights went off when I was meeting a car with its headlights on bright. It was a dark stretch of road. I almost ran in the ditch.
- Exterior lighting
Headlights went off while driving on interstate at night. ( I may have flashed my high beams to signal a truck that it was safe to change lanes before this happened. interior lights still working when this happened. nothing I did would bring headlights back on. very dangerous problem!! car mileage approximately 62,000. 12/21/2017 date.
- Exterior lighting
While in motion the high beam will go out and low beam with it - no lights at all. you must push or pull the turn signal lever to turn the lights on again.
- Unknown or other
Car stopped for no apparent reason while driving down the highway but started up immediately and continued driving home. next week stopped again while driving as I pulled into the gas station but started up again and continued home. next time driving no problems then stopped again while turning…
Car stopped for no apparent reason while driving down the highway but started up immediately and continued driving home. next week stopped again while driving as I pulled into the gas station but started up again and continued home. next time driving no problems then stopped again while turning into the grocery store and again on way home while slowing down for a curve. can't be trusted. stops at 55 mph on the highway. very dangerous! one mechanic thinks it needs new engine computer because he pulled all sensors for testing and car continued to run.however, he IS only guessing and won't guarantee a fix if I have new computer installed.
- Steering · Suspension
The "swaybar" for steering broke. I brought it to my mechanic and he says he has seen this issue with buick centurys before. It cost approximately $825.00 to fix.
- Fuel/propulsion system
You could smell gas inside and outside the car. I took it to my garage and they went all over it and could not find any reason for the smell. It didn't matter if the gas tank was full or half full. when the weather was warm it was much worse. I am wondering if there have been any other complaints about this problem. I am afraid the car will catch on file. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was test driving the vehicle at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The technician was able to restart the vehicle. However, the failure recurred. The technician was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while an independent mechanic was test driving the vehicle at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The technician was able to restart the vehicle. However, the failure recurred. The technician was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,900. The vin was unavailable. updated 04/21/2016*lj updated 9/18/2017*cn
- Exterior lighting
We were driving at night and headlights went out randomly, this IS happened several times. It did not seem to matter if the light switch was on or in the automatic position.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the vehicle became involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. the contact sustained laceration to the to face…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the vehicle became involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. the contact sustained laceration to the to face and mouth which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a lot where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. updated 12/09/14*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 05/19/2015*js
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
When I turn on the high beams the headlights will occasionally turn off completely, instead. To turn back on the vehicle's headlights I have to pull the high beam lever back and forth multiple times. When attempting to turn back on the headlights I engage the hazards so that other vehicles can still see me on the road. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
When driving the car increase speed without touching the pedal will keep increasing speed slightly making you hit brakes or pull over. I restart the car and sometimes this will stop it sometimes not. it IS getting worse and I have had it to a dealer with no finding. I have contacted buick…
When driving the car increase speed without touching the pedal will keep increasing speed slightly making you hit brakes or pull over. I restart the car and sometimes this will stop it sometimes not. it IS getting worse and I have had it to a dealer with no finding. I have contacted buick through email and have not heard anything yet. the car will do this even in the city at speeds of 30 mph we have to brake or it will go faster and faster. I have contacted all I know to and cannot find what IS going on. I need some assistance before there IS an accident. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the engine and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic but the defect could not be duplicated and no repairs was performed.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the engine and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic but the defect could not be duplicated and no repairs was performed. The failure recurred approximately two years later. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. updated 05/28/14*lj the consumer stated the keys were too heavy in the ignition. Since removing the added weight, there hasn't been any other failure occurrence. updated 05/29/2014 *js
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The engine restarted and the driver was able to continue traveling. The failure recurred numerous times and became…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the engine stalled with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The engine restarted and the driver was able to continue traveling. The failure recurred numerous times and became progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, who was unable to locate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The gas gauge IS not accurate even through it says no fuel it still has plenty in the tank. The car reverse up and goes on its own without using the gas pedal and when you put the brakes on it shutters. The windows don't work very well anymore. *tr
- Tires
2004 buick century. Problem with season tires.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that when switching from high beams to low beams, all of the headlights would fail. The failure would occur on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that he needed to have the high and low beam…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 buick century. The contact stated that when switching from high beams to low beams, all of the headlights would fail. The failure would occur on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that he needed to have the high and low beam switch replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,700. the consumer stated the vehicle has serious electrical issues. The consumer stated every time he started the vehicle, another component failed. Updated 01/10/12
- Latches/locks/linkages · Seat belts
There IS a part missing on the driver's seat belt that makes it difficult to use. I find that drivers are unwilling to fish the buckle off of the floor, and the buckle oftentimes wedges itself between a seat lever and the door. a driver sometimes has to open the door, exit the car, and retrieve…
There IS a part missing on the driver's seat belt that makes it difficult to use. I find that drivers are unwilling to fish the buckle off of the floor, and the buckle oftentimes wedges itself between a seat lever and the door. a driver sometimes has to open the door, exit the car, and retrieve the buckle from its hiding place. drivers (i.e., my kids) are very discouraged from using the belt. all cars I've ever owned had lifetime warranties on seat belts, and were fixed promptly by dealerships when problems occurred. my local gm dealer says not so with gm cars. buick ignores my email queries, and calls to buick are met by call center employees who are programmed to ask endless questions about personally identifiable information (pii) on me. no help. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
Recently, in dec. 2008 my car had a suspension component part replaced. My 2004 buick century just 4 yrs. Old and 60,000 miles needed to have the front stabilizer bar replaced. It appears that a design defect may be the problem resulting in premature failure. The stabilizer bar actually cracked…
Recently, in dec. 2008 my car had a suspension component part replaced. My 2004 buick century just 4 yrs. Old and 60,000 miles needed to have the front stabilizer bar replaced. It appears that a design defect may be the problem resulting in premature failure. The stabilizer bar actually cracked at both ends of the mounting plate. I did ask for the original part for future references. Most of us would agree that this suspension component should not have needed to be replaced at this point. My mechanic said "he has seen this before on these models" and IS checking them during the safety inspection which IS how mine was discovered. I do believe that general motors should issue a recall and that I should be reimbursed. This should not have to be replaced, at least not at such an early stage. Moreover, let me say this - with over 35 years of driving and owning many cars, I have never had to replace a stabilizer bar either at the front or rear of the car. And my last car had 180,000 miles before we traded it in. This buick tubular stabilizer bar IS insufficient and apparently will not hold up during regular driving by a 55 yr. Old driver. It IS my hope that you will investigate this matter (you may call me) and determine why IS this part prone to failure. I hope to hear from you soon. *Tr
- Air bags
No crash/incident. received increase in insurance premium for 2004 buick century. called insurance company which stated the increase was a result of company having increased personal injury claims for failure of airbags to deploy during accidents. although I am not reporting any accident, I…
No crash/incident. received increase in insurance premium for 2004 buick century. called insurance company which stated the increase was a result of company having increased personal injury claims for failure of airbags to deploy during accidents. although I am not reporting any accident, I indicate today's date of t his report as 12/15/2008 below. number of deaths & persons injured are unknown; however, I placed the number 1 in each category to "proceed" to the next window. further, I do not know any details of those accidents as reported by my insurance company; therefore, the "no" categories are left in the default indication. *Tr
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.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.