RoadVitals

1986 Buick Century

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jan 15, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
3
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Buick Century, most frequently naming the engine, steering and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 3 NHTSA investigations name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine620.0%
  • Steering516.7%
  • Electrical413.3%
  • Brakes310.0%
  • Seat belts310.0%
  • Visibility26.7%
  • Interior & seats26.7%
  • Fuel system13.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
86V061000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

May 13, 1986
197 units potentially affected
The defect: AN INCORRECTLY INDEXED WIRING HARNESS MAY CAUSE THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS OR PARKING LAMPS ARE ON. FMVSS 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT REQUIRES THAT THIS STOP LAMP BE LIGHTED ONLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ALSO, THE OPERA LAMPS MAY COME ON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP PROVIDES ADDITIONAL WARNING THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING. IF THIS LAMP MALFUNCTIONS, IT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A REAR END ACCIDENT.
The remedy: CORRECTLY INDEX WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
85V122000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Oct 4, 1985
772 units potentially affected
The defect: THE GENERATOR "BAT" TERMINAL LOCATED ON THE RECTIFIER END FRAME MAY CONTACT THE CARBURETOR FUEL INLET PIPE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE "BAT" STUD MAY RUB THROUGH THE TERMINAL BOOT AND CONTACT THE FUEL PIPE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANT.
The remedy: OBTAIN CLEARANCE BETWEEN FUEL PIPE AND GENERATOR "BAT" TERMINAL BY ROTATING THE RECTIFIER END FRAME.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE91120ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FRONT BRAKE DISC/HUB SEP

Opened Aug 30, 1991
Closed Nov 4, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA87022ClosedEngineering Analysis

STALLING

Opened Aug 27, 1987
Closed Nov 27, 1991

SUMMARY:THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT STALLING IS DUE TO VARIOUS FAULTYCOMPONENTS OF THE FUEL INJECTION AND/OR IGNITION SYSTEM. THE FOLLOWINGMODELS ARE INVOLVED:BUICK ELECTRA, LESABRE, RIVERA, CENTURY; OLDS CUTLASSCIERA, 88, 98, TORONADO; PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.STATUS:THIS INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING.WE ARE CONTINUING TO ANALYZEINFORMATION PROVIDED BY GM AND ARE PREPARING AN ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONREQUEST TO GM TO CLARIFY CERTAIN TECHNICAL ITEMS.===

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA87006ClosedEngineering Analysis

POWER ST. ASSIST

Opened Dec 16, 1986
Closed Sep 19, 1988

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER:GM HAS DEVELOPED A SPLITRING FIELD REPAIR KIT AND IS EXTENDING THE WARRANRY ON ALL 1982-84 A,J, AND X, BODY CARS AND 1985 C,BODY CARS.THE WARRANTY APPLIES TO CARSTHAT ARE FOR 50,000 MILES OR 5 YRS.IT INCLUDES REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUSREPAIRS.ANALYSIS:WEARING OF THE RACK AND PINION HOUSING AND LOW AMBIENT TEMPCAN CAUSE TEMPORARY LOSS OF POWER ASSIST.TEFLON O RINGS FAIL TO SEALOFF INTERNAL PRESSURE.STATUS:EVALUATING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFER BY GM.======

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 22
Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2004
Crash reported1 injury reported

STEERING LOCKED AT SLIGHT LEFT TURN COMING OUT OF CURVE AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO STEER LEFT ACROSS CENTER AND OFF ROAD INTO TREES AT 55 MPH. MY SON WAS INJURED, THE CAR TOTALLED.

NHTSA ID
10068960
Incident
Sep 15, 2003
Mileage
100,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 28, 2002

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE SOLENOID AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED AS POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STALLING TO THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *YH

NHTSA ID
8004773
Incident
Nov 15, 1995
Seat belts
Filed Aug 30, 2000
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE BY A CHEVROLET TAHOE. COLLISION WAS PARTIALLY INVESTIGATED BY CHP CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. FORCES PLACED ON BELT DURING ROTATION SEPARATED THE WEBBING. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT, CASE: CL-031-00, PHONE: (559)277-7250

NHTSA ID
729538
Incident
May 24, 2000
Visibility
Filed Jul 1, 1998

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.

NHTSA ID
537282
Filed Jan 20, 1998

REQUESTING INFORMATION REGARDING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID
529505
EngineSuspension
Filed Oct 22, 1997

FRONT AND REAR SPRING FAILED. MJS

NHTSA ID
605463
Incident
Oct 22, 1995
Engine
Filed May 28, 1997
Fire reported1 injury reported

THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, CAUSING SMOKE INHALATION AND BURNS TO THE OCCUPANT. (2ND VEHICLE ON #517357)

NHTSA ID
603358
Seat belts
Filed Dec 4, 1996

CONSUMER STATES THAT PLASTIC COVER THAT HOOKS AROUND THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERABLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
803642

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Century by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005192041.9
2004392047.9
20031272044.2
20021542047.2
20011455049.5
20001937155.7
19992355051.5
19982184455.9
19971064456.0
1996802050.0
1995991044.8
19941066059.6
1993542059.0
1992453059.3
1991382158.6
1990332155.6
1989401151.9
1988164350.7
1987281555.3
1986Viewing223364.9
1985714—
1984846—
1983115—
1982324—
1981132—
1980062—
1979061—
1978071—
1977040—
1976020—
1975020—
1974020—
1973030—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.