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2002 Buick Century Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2002 Buick Century with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (34) and the electrical system (26). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 4 fires and 12 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 2009 for the steering. For comparison, the 2001 has 152 and the 2003 has 130.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Century year, for its age

#73 most complained-about 2002 vehicle

Complaints
166
Recalls
2
Crashes
9
Fires
4
Injuries
12
Deaths
0

Most common 2002 Buick Century problems

Share of all 166 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2002 Buick Century recalls 2

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

Steering

09E005000979 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix
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.

Fuel system: pressure relief devices

07E021000742 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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166 complaints about the 2002 Buick Century

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.

SteeringBrakes

UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago. Just casually driving like usual, and my steering wheel would lock up and be ridiculously hard to turn, which is scary because its happened while turning through lights and intersections and trying to even just park my car. And on some of those occations the trac and abs sensors would come on, but not all the time.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakesNHTSA 11548055
Wheels & tires

Right front Cooper GS5 Grand Touring 205/70 R15 96T with only 862 miles on it had a complete air loss/went completely flat when car was turning into a parking lot. This is one of a set of brand new tires on the car. The car was never driven on a highway after these were purchased. Only local driving at 45 to 50 MPH max. Tire was taken to a tire shop in hopes of getting it plugged/repaired. They found nothing had penetrated the tire. They could not pressurize the tire. Air was blowing out all around the...

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outside bead and could not be seated. They put lubricant around the bead inside and out and gave it some rapid shots of air on the machine. It started to hold pressure but immediately had a roughly 4 inch section of the sidewall start to balloon out. Technician said he was afraid it was going to blow up in his face. He chalk marked the defective area on the tire and said the bead and sidewall had failed in that ballooning area and the tire was defective and not repairable.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11522194
Fuel system

While letting off the gas in order to break, the accelerator pedal went to the floor on its own for about 3 seconds. Pushing on the break stopped the accelerator.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11461418
LightsBrakes

I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ! I have found 33 complaints (so far) about this same problem. This definitely should qualify and be recalled . PLEASE take IMMEDIATE action . Thank you.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11448914
Brakes

Both front sides has been repaired, but the abs, service soon, also the traction off lights . Comes on and stay while the vehicle is in motion. Once I turn vehicle off it goes off.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11374043
AirbagsCrash4 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2002 buick century. While the contact's vehicle was stationary, it was rear ended by another vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the back, neck, both legs, and arms. There were three minors in the back seat who sustained injuries to their heads, both legs, arms, and backs. Medical attention was needed for all occupants. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11154545
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel systemFire

I was at the gas station tried to start my vehicle and it caught on fire at the gas station many could of been killed and or injured

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11102249
Fuel system

Fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure regulator

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11058135
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Intake leaking antifreeze - cost too much to repair for me. My only car to get to work. Replacing bearings today for sticking back brakes. All interior accessories are broken; cosmetic mirror, ashtray, center console, passenger windshield wiper stripped motor, 1 window working. Still owe on car but cannot fix everything. Any help ????

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10970588
Lights

Traveling at night, once in heavy traffic with lights on low beam and other times in light or no traffic with lights on high beam, all outside lights go out creating a very dangerous situation. Does not matter if the manual switch is used or if the lights are on automatic. The only thing that makes them come back on is switching the high/ low beam switch. Miles traveled or length of time traveling makes no difference ...Random occurrence. Replaced the headlight switches at a auto repair shop made no difference.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10959934
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10837605
Lights

While driving, when high-beams were turned on the entire headlight system would shut down leaving driver with absolutely no visibility. Fortunately the headlights did come back on as the dimmer switch was activated and the low-beams did come back on. I can only use my low-beam headlights as this issue happens most times the switch is activated.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10822187
SteeringWheels & tires

My lights are on the dashboard and it's saying anit-lock brakes and trac-off. There's a noise in the steering column.

Filed Incident Steering · Wheels · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10786419
Lights

Headlights go out completely for a few seconds until the bright/dim is switched and then come on. This has happened infrequently since fall of 2014. Doesn't happen when at dealer service or when we test lights after returning home. Dealer says can't be repaired until they can get the incident to repeat. Lights are fine for a while & without warning the situation occurs again. Very alarming! A friend with a buick regal 2002 has the same problem.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10732028
Transmission & drivetrain

Automatic transmission has very harsh shift between 1st and 2nd gears and also between 2nd and 3rd. Seems to happen after warmed up and on highway for awhile.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10725142
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. The contact stated that the interior and exterior lighting intermittently failed without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Interior lightingNHTSA 10703095
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the engine seized. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10678493
SteeringSuspensionCrash

Driving thur ohio from mich ,hit large pot hole, did over one thousand dollars damage to the steering, could have been a lot worse, car must not be made properly to withstand hitting pot holes, this should be a safety issue there are hundreds of pot holes in all states . The state of ohio does not responsibility for there pot holes they are a drive at your risk state.... *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10662163
SteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I purchased the car from family auto easley sc, ive had several repairs on this car that didnt help, radiators, thermastat, water pump, hoses replace, alternator, coolant recovery tank has brown sludge inside, the windows didnt work, its moist inside from the floor being wet had a heating core put in didnt help, the carpet on the inside is damaged, the paint is coming off, had a alternator put in , run hot all the time, dosnt matter, buy coolant, oil put water in it, manifold gasket is bad in it ive lost power...

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several times, the last time I did it was on nov 6 this year on the way to work lost power while driving ran into a gurad gate right beside a dumpster, I had to get it towed, its in the shop getting the bumper fixed, I had to get a rental car, I had to get my car refinance with dilco of greenville sc he couldnt believe how much I was charge for this car over 13,000.00 Dollars, so I was over charged and sold a lemon and its not fair to me and this car is not safe for me or anyone to drive, I want to be able to drive a car without being afriad if im going to make it or not or get stranded

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10659795
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the electrical wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10651591
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. While driving 20 mph, the engine stalled. The dealer stated that the electrical system was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. ..Updated 05/20/15 *bf updated 7/6/2015 *js

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10650769
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The odometer cluster lights go out and sometimes come back on for a few minutes and back off while driving. Therefore you can not see mileage and the shifting of gears. The dealer recommends sending it back to the factory for 2 weeks while they repair it at a cost of $ 2000.00 Or drive the car without repairing. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 10640858
Brakes

Applied brakes for the stop sign and the pedal went all the way to the floor. As it turned out the brake line had rusted out and fluid was lost. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10632332
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. When reversing or making a u-turn, the abs warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to the braking system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage and vin were unavailable.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10627042
Lights

When I bought my 2002 buick century in 2003, I asked the dealer to turn off the drl on the car. They insisted they could not because of manufacturer & highway safety laws, but said I could contact the mfg. But that it required much paperwork & an extensively satisfactory reason for this to be done, so I quit asking. Once again I have decided to try to get the drl on my car turned off, since it seems to cause so much confusion to on coming traffic when I am signaling to change lane or turn. I contacted buick & got...

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customer support rep, that had no idea what drl even is, & declined to escalate my case up. At best she told me to go to a dealer. So the dealer tells me to go the the mfg. Then the mfg tells me to go to the dealer. Can you do anything to help me? All I want is to drive my car without the parking lights on! I thought it was illegal to drive with parking lights on. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10621883

Buick Century: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200519210LightsB
200439240LightsD
2003130242LightsF
2002166294Engine & coolingF
2001152592Engine & coolingF
20002057111Transmission & drivetrainF
19992415184Engine & coolingF
1998228490BrakesF
All Century years

2002 Buick Century vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2002 Buick Century

Does the 2002 Buick Century have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Buick Century: steering (February 2009); pressure relief devices (March 2007). 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 2002 Buick Century?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (34), electrical system (26), brakes (25).

How many complaints has the 2002 Buick Century had?

166 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 11, 2001 and the latest on October 3, 2023. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2002 Buick Century a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 8 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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?
What should I do if my 2002 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

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