2005 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Buick › Century › 2005
These records cover every 2005 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 2005 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
19 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on
- Service brakes
Total brake failure, due to brake line corrosion. Fortunately happened first thing in the morning while only about 1000 feet from home and while driving at low speed was able to safely stop.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. While driving approximately 60 mph, the low beams stopped working and hindered the contact's visibility while the vehicle was in motion. The contact had to hold the switch to get the high beams to remain illuminated due to the failure. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. While driving approximately 60 mph, the low beams stopped working and hindered the contact's visibility while the vehicle was in motion. The contact had to hold the switch to get the high beams to remain illuminated due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the multi-function switch on the column for the lights needed to be replaced, including prematurely deteriorated ground wires. The dealer stated that the parts were to be ordered, but were not yet available for them to provide a specific date of when the part would be available to complete the repair. The contact left the vehicle at the dealer until the part was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
- Exterior lighting
A few times in the last 2 years the headlights have turned off while driving for no reason. Once while I was in the car with a friend who also owns a buick the issue occurred and he told me his car had been recalled for the same issue. I contacted buick, who denied any knowledge of the issue, they…
A few times in the last 2 years the headlights have turned off while driving for no reason. Once while I was in the car with a friend who also owns a buick the issue occurred and he told me his car had been recalled for the same issue. I contacted buick, who denied any knowledge of the issue, they referred me to my local buick dealer who was aware of the problem but indicated my model was not one that had been recalled. As gm said they had no liability, I paid my local buick dealer to diagnose the issue, which they determined was a faulty headlight sensor. The part was replaced at my expense on july 1, 2015. 3 weeks ago the issue occurred again, driving on a dark country road the headlights went out. I contacted gm again, they assigned a file # 8-1631489873 but assumed no responsibility, again telling me to deal with my local buick dealer.
- Exterior lighting
Headlights turned off while driving. No headlights or brights only available.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
We have had our 2005 buick lacrosse for about six months now and want to report this lighting safety concern. This headlight incident with our buick has actually happened to us, three times since mid april. the first time it happened, we were driving one evening, suddenly our low beam headlights…
We have had our 2005 buick lacrosse for about six months now and want to report this lighting safety concern. This headlight incident with our buick has actually happened to us, three times since mid april. the first time it happened, we were driving one evening, suddenly our low beam headlights went off. this was very frightening as it was a dark stretch of road, with traffic. I slowed and found a reasonable safe spot to pull over. I tried turning the headlight switch in several positions with no success. we normally keep the headlamp switch in the auto position. our low beam headlights still were not coming on. I then found I cound turn my high beams on, so I did to illuminate the road and be able to drive home. driving with only high beams IS both dangerous and illegal. it can be blinding to on coming traffic and I could have been cited if I had been pulled over by the police. from where my low beams went out, to home was about 4.5 miles. right before pulling in at home my low beams came back on. I turned off the high beams and still had the low beams. quite unusual. then within a 2 to 3 week stretch, my low beam headlights went out twice again. right away, I turned on my high beams and within 15 - 20 minutes, low beams came back on. While I'm able to light up the road using the high beams if this happens again - it still IS not a safe alternative. there IS an issue. I don't know if it's a module problem, bad wiring, I just don't know. I did find out on the internet, other same year, make and model drivers have experienced this same issue. lights going out for no reason while driving at night needs to be addressed. thank you for researching and getting gm to do the right thing and have them fix this safety issue.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility
2005 buick century custom. Purchased used in excellent condition from ford dealership in 2011. Electric windows worked fine, then in 2012, 1 of the windows just fell down the track. A cpl months later another did the same thing and then a cpl more months a third one fell. I removed the door panels…
2005 buick century custom. Purchased used in excellent condition from ford dealership in 2011. Electric windows worked fine, then in 2012, 1 of the windows just fell down the track. A cpl months later another did the same thing and then a cpl more months a third one fell. I removed the door panels as these incidents happened and could feel a cable laying loose down in the bottom of the doorwell. I'm not sure if a "possible pulley" or the cables theirselves broke, but this IS an obvious issue with this make, model & year from what I read on carparts.com. I now have pieces of 1"X2"'S wedged in to hold them up because of lack of funds. if this IS actually a common issue, as I read, then this should be considered to make it as a recall. thank you **note - I only drive this car between 50-65 mi. A week on paved roads and no rough driving and the car has never been in any accidents ever. A very well taken care of vehicle. *tr
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact stated while traveling 30 mph, the vehicle decreased in acceleration. the vehicle veered to the right and was driven onto the emergency lane and placed in neutral gear. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact stated while traveling 30 mph, the vehicle decreased in acceleration. the vehicle veered to the right and was driven onto the emergency lane and placed in neutral gear. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure recurred six times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer stated that failure occurred because the vehicle needed a psi fuel regulator, ses lamp light and egr valve . The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The current and failure mileage were 140,193. updated 8/19/14*cn the consumer stated the vehicle was traded in. Updated 08/27/2014 *js
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving at night, the headlights turned off by themselves. This has happened 3 times. When high/low beam selector was used, lights returned on. Suspect faulty switch?? *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact stated that when activating the right turn signal, the vehicle would stall. When activating the left turn signal, the instrument panel would flash abnormally. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted and denied any assistance with repairs…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact stated that when activating the right turn signal, the vehicle would stall. When activating the left turn signal, the instrument panel would flash abnormally. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted and denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. the contact believed that the ignition starter switch would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact was driving 45 mph when the smell of gasoline began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the overpowering odor was often unbearable to where he was unable to operate the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the contact was driving 45 mph when the smell of gasoline began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the overpowering odor was often unbearable to where he was unable to operate the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic was unable to diagnose the problem. the dealer was contacted to secure an appointment for diagnostic testing. the contact believed the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the overpowering and offensive odor. the failure mileage was 76,860.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were positioned too close to the plastic cover lens causing the plastic cover to fog. The failure would cause reduced visibility of the roadway and the contact believed the failure could potentially cause a fire.…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 buick century. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were positioned too close to the plastic cover lens causing the plastic cover to fog. The failure would cause reduced visibility of the roadway and the contact believed the failure could potentially cause a fire. The dealer advised they were not able to assist with the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 72,617. updated 12/21/10 *bf the consumer stated the transmission was slipping, the rotors, tires and seat belts needed to be replaced. Updated 12/3/10
- Unknown or other
My 20005 buick century, accelerated in a parking lot without my stepping on the gas. The car went air borne, jumping the curb going through a ditch and up an embankment before I was able to get the car under control.. this was the first occurrence. *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
2005 buick century headlights turn themselves off while driving.this has happened on three separate occasions . I believe a faulty high low beam switch IS the problem. *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the headlights have been shutting off during the night. the failure has occurred four times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that a new dimmer switch was needed. the manufacturer stated that the dealer would cover half of the repair…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 buick century. the headlights have been shutting off during the night. the failure has occurred four times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that a new dimmer switch was needed. the manufacturer stated that the dealer would cover half of the repair costs. the contact feels that he should not be charged at all because this IS a safety hazard. the current mileage was 69,000 and failure mileage was 68,977. updated 4/23/08 *cn
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 buick century. while driving 35 mph, the front of the contact's vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was destroyed and towed. the driver was wearing a seat belt, but sustained bruises to his chest caused by striking the steering wheel. the cause of the failure was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 42,355.
- Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic
Emergency brake will not engage. vehicle rolls forward after the brake has been engaged when parking on a hill. vehicle was taken in to get repaired, the drums were tightened and car stopped rolling forward. 6 months later the car IS rolling again when parked on a hill.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Interior lighting · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Dt*: the contact stated the window switch that operated the front passenger side was inoperable. the window switch was located on the front driver side. when opening the window, the glass would not come down smoothly and dropped forcefully. also, the rear right door panel was loose, and slid…
Dt*: the contact stated the window switch that operated the front passenger side was inoperable. the window switch was located on the front driver side. when opening the window, the glass would not come down smoothly and dropped forcefully. also, the rear right door panel was loose, and slid when the door was shut. third, the light in the glove compartment did not illuminate. fourth, when the vehicle was in the park position, the driver side door would not unlock automatically. finally, the contact noticed a ticking noise coming from the engine. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer on several occasions where the problems were acknowledged, however no repairs were made. updated 10/17/2006 - *nm
- Equipment › Electrical · Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
2005 buick century driver's seat sinks in the middle, and the head rest equipment IS too high.***no answer required*** *mr the head rest would obstruct the consumers view and rear view mirror. The remote for the door did not work as designed, the consumer would have to be very close to the vehicle before it would work. *sc *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.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 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.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 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.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 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.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 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.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.