2002 Buick Century problems
Owners have filed 204 complaints about the 2002 Buick Century with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 14.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of exterior lighting at 12.7%.
Complaints204
Crashes10
Fires7
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 14.2% · 29
Exterior lighting 12.7% · 26
Electrical system 12.3% · 25
Visibility 10.8% · 22
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.8% · 18
Steering 5.4% · 11
Engine 3.9% · 8
Air bags 3.9% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 10 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Buick Century in this data, 2002 sits 4th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 61,000 miles.
In owners' own words
- The contact stated that after starting the 2002 Buick Century the coolant light came on, after driving a couple of miles the light went off. The contact took the vehicle to the garage which performed a pressure test and found a hole in the manifold. The failure could result in a fire. The vehicle has been repaired. *Ak the lower intake gasket manifold was leaking coolant. Updated 02/22/07. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 45,000 miles
2002 Buick Century custom, had to replace the intake manifold gasket at 69k at a cost of over $700. Shortly thereafter, front left and right wheel bearings failed and they were repaired at a cost of $350 each. Now at 80k the head gasket is leaking coolant so badly the car cannot be used. The approximate cost of this repair is $1400. Car was purchased new, fully maintained and adult driven. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 69 miles
Had service engine light coming on periodically and was loosing coolant, but could not find any leaks, was told it was probably faulty light, or leak in tank. Took car for oil change and ask to look for any leaks, found coolant in oil. Intake manifold gasket failed and had to be replaced. Was told due to coolant being dexcool and eats the gaskets. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 130,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…