RoadVitals

2005 Buick Century Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
19
Latest Apr 4, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Buick Century, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical721.9%
  • Brakes39.4%
  • Seat belts26.3%
  • Engine26.3%
  • Interior & seats26.3%
  • Transmission13.1%
  • Airbags13.1%
  • Visibility13.1%
  • Body & structure13.1%
  • Driver assistance13.1%
  • Fuel system13.1%
  • Other / unspecified13.1%
  • Tires & wheels13.1%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING AND HINDERED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE SWITCH TO GET THE HIGH BEAMS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE COLUMN FOR THE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING PREMATURELY DETERIORATED GROUND WIRES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE TO BE ORDERED, BUT WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER UNTIL THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA ID 10820455 · filed Jan 15, 2016

A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. ONCE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO OWNS A BUICK THE ISSUE OCCURRED AND HE TOLD ME HIS CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED BUICK, WHO DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUE, THEY REFERRED ME TO MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER WHO WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT INDICATED MY MODEL WAS NOT ONE THAT HAD BEEN RECALLED. AS GM SAID THEY HAD NO LIABILITY, I PAID MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, WHICH THEY DETERMINED WAS A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SENSOR. THE PART WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE ON JULY 1, 2015. 3 WEEKS AGO THE ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN, DRIVING ON A DARK COUNTRY ROAD THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I CONTACTED GM AGAIN, THEY ASSIGNED A FILE # 8-1631489873 BUT ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY, AGAIN TELLING ME TO DEAL WITH MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER.

NHTSA ID 10787600 · filed Nov 2, 2015
All 8 reports naming exterior lighting

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on

NHTSA ID 11652849 · filed Apr 4, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING AND HINDERED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE SWITCH TO GET THE HIGH BEAMS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE COLUMN FOR THE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING PREMATURELY DETERIORATED GROUND WIRES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE TO BE ORDERED, BUT WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER UNTIL THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA ID 10820455 · filed Jan 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE, DUE TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION. FORTUNATELY HAPPENED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHILE ONLY ABOUT 1000 FEET FROM HOME AND WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP.

NHTSA ID 10874731 · filed Jun 16, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC COVER LENS CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO FOG. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,617. UPDATED 12/21/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, THE ROTORS, TIRES AND SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/3/10

NHTSA ID 10350759 · filed Aug 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC COVER LENS CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO FOG. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,617. UPDATED 12/21/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, THE ROTORS, TIRES AND SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/3/10

NHTSA ID 10350759 · filed Aug 20, 2010

2005 BUICK CENTURY DRIVER'S SEAT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE, AND THE HEAD REST EQUIPMENT IS TOO HIGH.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE HEAD REST WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMERS VIEW AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REMOTE FOR THE DOOR DID NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WOULD WORK. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10124782 · filed Jun 3, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND PLACED IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE NEEDED A PSI FUEL REGULATOR, SES LAMP LIGHT AND EGR VALVE . THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 140,193. UPDATED 8/19/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN. UPDATED 08/27/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10604816 · filed Jun 20, 2014

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE WINDOW SWITCH WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW, THE GLASS WOULD NOT COME DOWN SMOOTHLY AND DROPPED FORCEFULLY. ALSO, THE REAR RIGHT DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE, AND SLID WHEN THE DOOR WAS SHUT. THIRD, THE LIGHT IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. FOURTH, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. FINALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE PROBLEMS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167659 · filed Sep 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE WINDOW SWITCH WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW, THE GLASS WOULD NOT COME DOWN SMOOTHLY AND DROPPED FORCEFULLY. ALSO, THE REAR RIGHT DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE, AND SLID WHEN THE DOOR WAS SHUT. THIRD, THE LIGHT IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. FOURTH, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. FINALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE PROBLEMS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167659 · filed Sep 8, 2006

2005 BUICK CENTURY DRIVER'S SEAT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE, AND THE HEAD REST EQUIPMENT IS TOO HIGH.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE HEAD REST WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMERS VIEW AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REMOTE FOR THE DOOR DID NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WOULD WORK. *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10124782 · filed Jun 3, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC COVER LENS CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO FOG. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,617. UPDATED 12/21/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, THE ROTORS, TIRES AND SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/3/10

NHTSA ID 10350759 · filed Aug 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HIS CHEST CAUSED BY STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,355.

NHTSA ID 10208409 · filed Nov 8, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE WINDOW SWITCH WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW, THE GLASS WOULD NOT COME DOWN SMOOTHLY AND DROPPED FORCEFULLY. ALSO, THE REAR RIGHT DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE, AND SLID WHEN THE DOOR WAS SHUT. THIRD, THE LIGHT IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. FOURTH, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. FINALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE PROBLEMS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167659 · filed Sep 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE WINDOW SWITCH WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW, THE GLASS WOULD NOT COME DOWN SMOOTHLY AND DROPPED FORCEFULLY. ALSO, THE REAR RIGHT DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE, AND SLID WHEN THE DOOR WAS SHUT. THIRD, THE LIGHT IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. FOURTH, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. FINALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE PROBLEMS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10167659 · filed Sep 8, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on

NHTSA ID 11652849 · filed Apr 4, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE SMELL OF GASOLINE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERPOWERING ODOR WAS OFTEN UNBEARABLE TO WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE OVERPOWERING AND OFFENSIVE ODOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,860.

NHTSA ID 10406855 · filed Jun 14, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. PURCHASED USED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION FROM FORD DEALERSHIP IN 2011. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WORKED FINE, THEN IN 2012, 1 OF THE WINDOWS JUST FELL DOWN THE TRACK. A CPL MONTHS LATER ANOTHER DID THE SAME THING AND THEN A CPL MORE MONTHS A THIRD ONE FELL. I REMOVED THE DOOR PANELS AS THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED AND COULD FEEL A CABLE LAYING LOOSE DOWN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORWELL. I'M NOT SURE IF A "POSSIBLE PULLEY" OR THE CABLES THEIRSELVES BROKE, BUT THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL & YEAR FROM WHAT I READ ON CARPARTS.COM. I NOW HAVE PIECES OF 1"X2"'S WEDGED IN TO HOLD THEM UP BECAUSE OF LACK OF FUNDS. IF THIS IS ACTUALLY A COMMON ISSUE, AS I READ, THEN THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO MAKE IT AS A RECALL. THANK YOU **NOTE - I ONLY DRIVE THIS CAR BETWEEN 50-65 MI. A WEEK ON PAVED ROADS AND NO ROUGH DRIVING AND THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS EVER. A VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10632989 · filed Sep 14, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC COVER LENS CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO FOG. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,617. UPDATED 12/21/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, THE ROTORS, TIRES AND SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/3/10

NHTSA ID 10350759 · filed Aug 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .