- The problem
- "Tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.
- The fix
- The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Buick Century Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Buick Century with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in March 1981 for the hubcap / cover. For comparison, the 1980 has 0 and the 1982 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Century year, for its age
#27 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Buick Century problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Buick Century recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
- The fix
- Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.
- The problem
- The steel used in some compact spare wheels is too thin. While in service the wheel may fracture, resulting in a partial or complete separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle.
- The fix
- Spare wheels will be replaced without charge to owners within 60 days of recall notification.
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 1981 Buick Century
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Rear wheel brake cylinders rotate in backing plate causing the rear brakes to lock up.
Buick Century: every year compared
All Century years1981 Buick Century vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Buick Century | 1 | 3 | A | |
| 1981 Buick Skylark | 1 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1981 Buick Century
Does the 1981 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1981 Buick Century: hubcap / cover (March 1981); rear (February 1981); wheels (January 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Buick Century?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Buick Century had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 21, 1998 and the latest on April 21, 1998. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Buick Century a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 90 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Buick Century year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Century years have the most complaints?
1999 (241), 1998 (228), 2000 (205). See every Buick Century year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Buick Century has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data