We found the following complaints for BUICK CENTURY (1997)
Read complaints for BUICK CENTURY (1997)
The cover of the passenger side air bag has popped open about an inch along the front and sides.the dealer forced it closed, but it opened again.mrscc
Passenger air bag cover keeps popping up.
The passenger side air bag cover became loose, the consumer believes it is defective.
When the vehicle was purchased, the passenger side air bag cover was loose.the dealer installed a "clip" to secure the cover and advised consumer that the fix is an approved remedy.the clip broke off and the consumer was very concerned about the safety of the air bag.
Vehicle was involved in a broadside collision and neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer have not been notified at this time. One person was injured in the accident.jlg
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision and airbags did not deploy.manufacturer has been notified.
Body control module failed causing vehicle not to crank or start.yh
Since repaired of body control module custmer notice keyless remote does not sound horn when unlock vehicle.yh
Engine compartment fire
Electrical system failed causing trunck lock, horn relay and engine to fail.nlm
Battery exploded on two occasions.
Faulty generator and defective blower motor.yh
Horn is extremely hard to activate in an emergency situation.
It's very difficult forconsumer to honk the horn because the bottom horn isso small and so hard that he couldn't operate it.causing consumer to havean accident.the service manager told to the consumer that the only way to correct this problem was to replace the entire car and that the horn area could not be done. *et
Excessive pressure needed to depress horn button.
It is extremely hard to activate horn in an emergency.
Design of the horn/air bag and steering wheel creates difficulty in engaging horn.
Horn failed, causing accident.
Due todesign andlocation ofhorn assembly, which is connected toair bags, and upon attemtping to sound offhorn in an emergency situation when making a left or right hand turn,buttonsare hard to locate. Consumer has contacteddealer. The whole air bag and horn assembly was replaced . The horn blowing is slightly improved but still impossible to blow when trying to turn.
Horn button is difficult to depress, excessive physical effort required, also button is too small to engage without removing eyes from the road.
The location of the horn symbols makes it impossible to sound the horn in an emergency situation.manufacturer and dealerare aware of the problem.
Horn takes excessive amount of effort to sound, due to design.
Horn hard to blow, due to location.
Horn button requires excessive physical effort to activate, this resulted in a collision due to the driver not being able to depress horn button to warn other driver.
Ongoing problem with odometer light in the instrument panel intermittently blinking, and vehicle would not start.vehicle has been to two different dealers, and problem still occurring.
Ignition relay failed.
Fuel system malfunctioned. Also defective spark plugs and air bag cover.
Engine compartment fire
A mixture of water and anti freeze seeped into the oil. When this occurred the fluids mixed with the oil, and went through the intake manifold gasket. This knocked the crankshaft and destroyed the engine. The engine was replaced, but the failure recurred 8 months later.
Coolant was replaced at @ 115,000 miles. Coolant was in globes in over flow tank.approximately 15,000 miles after replacement, coolant light came on (first time ever since i have owned car). Coolant was @ 1 gallon low. Coolant has also become globby again. Took into replace with different coolant (not dex-cool). Upon inspection garage found the engine gasket has been leaking coolant. They claim it was caused by the dex-cool coolant, they did not do the flush because they did not want to chance making the leak worse.
Faulty generator and defective blower motor.yh
Engine hard to start, rough idle, loss of power, continuous misfires.
Drive belt failed.
Serpentine belt broke.nlm
The contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact stated that the engine manifold gasket was deteriorating and caused the engine to overheat. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dex cool antifreeze. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lower manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The vin was not available. Updated 02/09/15*lj
Blower control module failed.yh
A/c control switch failed.yh
Air conditioner control knob/switch failed. Mjs
Day time running lights failed.mgm
Design of the head lamps create poor visibility.
Both headlight covers which came as clear plastic have developed a film in side of them which the dealer does not want to try to remove as he would have to break the seal. The problem has been getting slowly worse and is somewhat restricting the headlighs ability to let light passthrough. Replacement cost at $288.oo each would be $604.80 including tax. A little steep for two pieces of plastic.anyway i thought you might be interested. Thanks.
Design of headlights creates shadow or dark area on each side of vehicle, impairs drivers vision, cannot see to left/right when making turns at intersection/around sharp corners, could cause crash.
Safety concern relative to head light lens fogging from the sun.(nar)*phdealer notified.
Headlights have an accumulation of condensation building up inside the lens.*sc
Tail lights will not operate correctly . Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.i
Consumer states while driving and with no warning the left turn signal will work intermittently. Dealer notified. Mr
The contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact was driving 65 mph when the turn signal lights failed. The dealer was notified and stated they would not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a personal mechanic who noticed that there was smoke coming from the wiring of the turn signals. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 89,887. ... Updated 08-07-12the turn signal switch inside the steering column was replaced. Updated 08/09/12
Fuel system malfunctioned. Also defective spark plugs and air bag cover.
Consumer complains that the fuel warning system activates prematurely.
Fuel guage fluctuates at times.yh
On three occasionsvehicle has been inspected by a repair facility becausedashlights will intermittently become inoperable. Various parts have been replaced. Please provide further information.
Ongoing problem with odometer light in the instrument panel intermittently blinking, and vehicle would not start.vehicle has been to two different dealers, and problem still occurring.
Vehicle moves forward when shifted into reverse.
After putting car in reverse, car did notmove backward but started tomove forward and only stopped when put foot on brakes, once put back in park, again moved the shift selector into reverse did the gear engage, replaced solenoid.
Violent deployment of airbag in accident, causing bruises.
Consumer stated both seat belts in the front would not latch.
Dt: 1997 buick century.the consumerhas being having problems with seat belts jamming. This occurred for 7 years. T 2 out of 4 seat belts work.the 2 seat belts back seat will not work.
Belt retractors fail intermittently.
Consumer states that the rear seat belts will not retract.
The front passenger's side seat belt retracts after clicking the seat belt in to stay connection.the passenger would hold the seat belt retractor.this caused the seat belt to tighten.the consumer took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and the mechanic told the consumer that the seat belt was not recalled for this vehicle, and thewarranty expired.the consumer informed the mechanic of this problem and they adjusted it twice but the problem recurred. *sc
Both rear seatbelts are inoperable.they will no longer pull out, stopped working in a 3 day period.
Both left/right rear shoulder belts failed to extend,enabling owner from using due to rollers getting off center.please describe details.
Tow back seatbelts left and right sides are jammed in retractor, consumer has kids, and can't restrain them.
All seat belts do not retract at times.yh
Driver's side seat belt will not fully retract, causing the seat belt to get caught in the driver's side door.consumer has contacted the dealer.dealer has replaced the seat belt.problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.
Both rear passenger and driver side seat belts are inoperative.consumer is unable topull out the seat belts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that both seat belt retractors needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Rear seat belt failure.mgm
Seat belts won't work and can only sit grandson in center seat in order to put restraint on him. Right side rear hasn't worked in over 1 1/2 years. Left side hasn't worked right since we got the car and now don't work at all. Our grandson lives with us, he is four years old and it is the law that he is to be in a car seat and restrained. The car is only used six months out of the year, hasn't been abused. I feel that dealer or manufacturer should replace, since we haven't had the car very long and is a safety item.*ph*nlm**dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**765493
While coming down a steep hill the brakes failed, causing consumer vehicle to run off into someones yard,consumer states she pushed the brake pedal went to the floor, but there waere no brakes.no injuries.
When backing out of driveway on a hill consumerfeels a hesitation and pedal going down more than normal.consumer can hear medal scratching.consumer feels vechicle is not safe because it takes a while to stop.
Brake pedal went to the floor.
When going backwards down a slight hill consumer feels a hesitation and brake pedal goes down more than normal.consumer can still hear medal scratching.consumer feels its unsafe because vechicle will not stop right away when pressing the brakes.
When backing out of driveway on a hill consumerfeels a hesitation and pedal going down more than normal.consumer can hear medal scratching.consumer feels vechicle is not safe because it takes a while to stop.
Consumer noticed leaking wheel cylinder, the left side was worse than the right side, consumer replaced both wheel cylinders himself due to vehicle being 1000 miles over the warranty.
Brake pedal needs adjustment.yh
1) car needed towed to garage for starter failure. As it left the garage the steering locked up and sent car almost into oncoming traffic with 2 children in the car. There had been no other warnings of a problem.2) it happens every time the steering is turned one direction then back to the other. It does not just come back. Especially to the left. I almost crashed 4 times just trying to get it home.3) i filed an insurance claim on the tow company thinking they were responsible. They looked at it and said they found nothing wrong, that nothing was bent. After getting on line and investigating, i learned of this steering problem. It matches it perfectly. I had someone knowledgeable of mechanics look at the car and they said the steering gear rack needs replaced and not to drive the car as it is. It is to dangerous to drive. I also just had new intake manifold gasket from the decool problem gm has. Now i have a car that i can't drive and can't afford to fix. Nobody assumes liability and i think gm should have had this recalled and corrected.
The design of the magnetic variable steering on vehicle results in poor handling, vehicle sways at 35-55 mph, poor struts contribute to the unstable feeling causing bouncing.
When i backed out of parking space, i turned steering wheel with a "hard left."car made clicking noise.
I was making a left turn and the steering locked and there was a loud bang.i wasn't able to complete the turn causing me to drive off the road and onto a lawn.the steering wheel wouldn't go back to the correct position and it seemed to be in manual steering mode.i could barely move the wheel.the car is not drivable at this time.
I was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left intermittently.
After parking the car, got back in to back out of the parking space and discovered vehicle would not turn left.there was no power assist.but it turns right with no problem.repair required a new rack and pinion system.failure occured without warning.
1997 buick century power steering started to lock up when steering to the left.*mr vehicle was towed and a new rack and pinion was installed.consumer requested reimbursement for the repair but was denied because vehicle was not part of recall.*la
Power steering locked up when making left turns. The steering wheel either locked, did not go into the full turns or was very difficult to turn. Dealership indicated that there was a defect in the rack and pinion as described in steering gear bearings recall 03v527000.however,this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin.
Started car and backed out of parking space.steering wheel would hardly turnwheels to theleft; no power assist.started moving forward andturning right, then power assist resumed.also, steering shudder occurs after rounding corners and accelerating.local dealer service rep states car needs new rack & pinion assembly and is a common problem in centuries and regals 4-5 years old.
The vehicle lost power steering when making a left turn in thedriveway. This was caused by a failure in the steering rack and pinion.
While driving a 1997 or 1998 vehiclelost control.dealer replaced rack and pinion, but problemstill occurring intermittently.
1997 buick century, while driving to a soccer game i began to experience an intermittent loss of power steering.after the game i turned left to exit my parking spot and while turning at low speed i heard a clicking noise and the steering wheel became locked.it took all my strength to turn the wheel straight. I took the vehicle to my friend whom is a certified mechanic (but no longer works for gm) and he advised me that the lower pinion was destroyed which caused damage to the entire gear assemble and power steering pump.i had him replace the defective parts at a cost of $800 plus dollars.subsequent to this time i am now again experiencing intermittent loss of steering.my mechanic advised its possible that the rebuilt steering gear placed in my repair contains the same defective pinion bearing because gm may not have communicated the faulty problem to the part suppliers whom rebuild the gear assemblies. In light of the recent news about gm steering gear problems and pending recalls for car models other that the buick century i wish to file a complaint with gm to reimburse me for the initial repair and the subsequent follow-up repairs that i will need.
When turning corners steering wheel sticks. Consumer has to pull hard to straighten the wheel up.repair was performed on steering including replacement of steering rack.*la
1997 buick century-steering locks up randomly causing loss of vehicle control.
1997 buick century-steering locks up randomly causing loss of vehicle control.
Door seals failed.nlm
Two door motors failed.
Left front door weather strip on body is coming apart.yh
Water leak into trunk due to seal failure.
While driving the steering wheel shook uncontrollably.consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechaniccould notduplicate the problem.
The design of the magnetic variable steering on vehicle results in poor handling, vehicle sways at 35-55 mph, poor struts contribute to the unstable feeling causing bouncing.
The contact owns a 1997 buick century. She stated that there was a loud clunking noise in the vehicle. Upon having her wheel bearings repaired, she found the stabilizer bar had broken off of the tire. She then attempted to order the part from an automotive store and was told that there was a defect in the replacement part. No repairs were made to the vehicle to correct the failure to date. The current and failure mileages were 188,376.
Rear sway bar bushings failed causing noise.
Vehicle continues to experience some noise after sway bar links replaced.
Vehicle's sway bar links failed resulting in noise from rear end.
The design of the magnetic variable steering on vehicle results in poor handling, vehicle sways at 35-55 mph, poor struts contribute to the unstable feeling causing bouncing.
Right front firestone tire blew out while driving, firestone dealer replaced the tire free of charge, upon furher inspection the consumer found one of the rims was bent, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that all four rims were bent, the consumer belives this is what may have caused the blowout (firestone, 440 p205/70115).
Right front firestone tire blew out while driving, firestone dealer replaced the tire free of charge, upon furher inspection the consumer found one of the rims was bent, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that all four rims were bent, the consumer belives this is what may have caused the blowout (firestone, 440 p205/70115).
Dash trim fits poorly.mgm
When trying to accelerate passed another vehicle.it would suddenly decelerate. Later, acceleration would kick in. This happens when weather is wet or dry. An intermittent problem that occurred twice. Had mechaniccheck it out & nothing was found.
The contact owns a 1997 buick century. While the contact was driving approximately 75 mph the rpm's increased excessively. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was able to resume normally. The vehicle had not been respired at the time of the compliant. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.
Engine hard to start, rough idle, loss of power, continuous misfires.
Upon turning on defroster system button broke in driver's hand due to poor design.
Power windows intermittently don't go up or down. Consumer has had to coverwindow depending on the weather. The deler has foundelectrical problem.
Driver's power window becomes inoperative (in up position).the dealers have stated "no problem found" every time the vehicle is taken in for this problem.this has been going on for 2 years.the inoperative window will last for days on trips or weekends when it can not be taken in to the dealer.the dealer claims the problem can not be addressed unless they experience the problem and can diagnose what part is defective.this has been a safety concern if an emergency arises and the window can not be lowered, it also provides huge issues a us custom's border crossings and toll booths.
Consumer has a constant reflection of curved dashboard in windshield with or without sunlight.
Driver gets a constant reflection in the windshield from the seam in the dashboard in all weather conditions.
I have a 1997 buick century with windshield wiper problems.by way of history, i have had to take this vehicle to the shop twice (and i believe possibly a third time) because the windshield wipers would not function.each time, the problem related to some fitting that had to be retightened (i was never shown the precise part by the repair personnel).now, although the windshield wipers will work properly in the rain, when they are turned off, they go to the upright position, obscuring the windshield.i have learned today, from the nhtsa website and similar sources, that these problems are well known to buick.upon reflection, and with 20-20 hindsight, i believe it is highly likely that this problem is caused by the excessive torque generated by thewiper motor at its highest setting (when set at the top setting, the wipers generate so much force, they cause the entire vehicle to shake).*nlm
While driving in a rainstorm the passenger side windshield wiper stopped working.consumer got out of the vehicle, and noticed the nuts were loose in the wipers.consumer then tightened the nuts, but they will not stay tightened.
The wiper on the right side of the front windshield stopped operating during inclement conditions. The vehicle is at the dealer for repairs.
Windshield wipers have been standing straight up when in an off position for 6 or 7 years. Found the campaign and then the recall and tried to get a remedy from the on several occasions as well as gm ,to no avail..i was made to buy a motor for thewindshield wipers and that worked for a little while. Then last summer or fall i went back to the dealer because now the issue looked to be a recall, and they told me there was, but not for my vin#, and i was made to pay $70 for the adjustment..it is now not working again ,and i am very frustrated. It is a 1997 buick century. I have to keep the windshield wipers on in the delay mode all the time, rain or shine in order to not have them stand straight up and block my vision..i feel this isdangerous, but that the dealer and gm will not take responsibility because i found the informationon my progressive carinsurance site. They always bring up recalls for your cars.
While driving in a veryheavy rain fallwindshield wipers on the driver's side stopped working. Had to pull over and ask assistance from a passing motorist.they got it restarted,but consumeris afraid tha tit will happen again in the rain.
Dt:the contact states there is a nhtsa recall campaign99v348000 concerning the windshield wiper linkages.this vehiclehasthe sameproblemsas indicated in the recall, but itis not included in the recall due to vin.the vehicle is being repaired at the contact'sexpense.
While driving in a rain storm, the windshield wipers quit working. When this occurred,the consumer pulled off the road until the rain stopped.the windshield wipers quit working due toa failure in the windshield wiper motor.recall 99v348000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included in the recall. *sc
When windshield wipers are operating on delay speed and the wiper switch is turned to off position, wiper blades will stop in middle of windshield, blocking the view of the driver.dealership previously serviced vehicle for recall 99v348000 in december of 2000, but problem has reoccurred.*scc
Recall 99 v 348 000 / windshield wipers: windshield wipers would stop during operation or remain inup right postion, instead of the down postion. Dealer statedthat this vehicle was not covered under recall due to vin. The first time this happened,repairs were covered under warranty.
While driving in heavy rain storms the windshield wipers are inoperative which can cause an accident.windshield wipers have been twicereplaced. Dealer cannot determine the problem.
Right front firestone tire blew out while driving, firestone dealer replaced the tire free of charge, upon furher inspection the consumer found one of the rims was bent, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that all four rims were bent, the consumer belives this is what may have caused the blowout (firestone, 440 p205/70115).
Right front firestone tire blew out while driving, firestone dealer replaced the tire free of charge, upon furher inspection the consumer found one of the rims was bent, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that all four rims were bent, the consumer belives this is what may have caused the blowout (firestone, 440 p205/70115).
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