2002 Buick Century recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Buick Century, but owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls
0
Complaints
154
Crashes / fires
9 / 4
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Buick Century vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Buick Century problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling29
Exterior Lighting26
Electrical System25
Visibility22
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Steering11
Air Bags8
Engine8
Service Brakes8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Power Train7
Structure6

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 7
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 4
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Buick Century complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Oct 3, 2023
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.
Tires · reported May 16, 2023
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 outside bead and could not be seated. They put lubricant around the bead inside and out and…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 19, 2022
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.
Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 25, 2022
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.
Service Brakes · at 78,000 miles · reported Nov 10, 2020
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.

Other Buick Century years

Compare all Buick Century years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Buick Century have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Buick Century as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Century?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (29 reports), followed by exterior lighting (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,000 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.