- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Buick Century Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2004 Buick Century with NHTSA, most often about the lights (11) and the fuel system (6). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 5 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 2009 for the steering. For comparison, the 2003 has 130 and the 2005 has 19.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Century year, for its age
#163 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Buick Century problems
Share of all 39 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 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
- 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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39 complaints about the 2004 Buick Century
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Power seat wiring harness sorted to seat frame/spring
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...
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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.
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.
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.
Brake line failed on rear brakes. Lost all fluid in motion on highway rust on brake lines
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
2004 BUICK CENTURY. PROBLEM WITH SEASON TIRES.
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
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...
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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
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...
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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
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
Buick Century: every year compared
All Century years2004 Buick Century vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Buick Century | 39 | 2 | D | |
| 2004 Buick Rendezvous | 200 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Buick Lesabre | 162 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Buick Rainier | 158 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Buick Regal | 66 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Buick Park Avenue | 12 | 0 | B | 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 2004 Buick Century
Does the 2004 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Buick Century?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (11), fuel system (6), airbags (6).
How many complaints has the 2004 Buick Century had?
39 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 5, 2004 and the latest on November 20, 2020. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Buick Century a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: 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?
1999 (241), 1998 (228), 2000 (205). See every Buick Century year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 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