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1999 Buick Century

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Century years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Buick Century are substantially higher than the model-year median of 28.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

102 reports with mileage · 133 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports4 fire reports13 injury reports

Steering complaints

13 reports
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200,000 miles · Oct 10, 2017
Steering

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE MAKING A TURN

NHTSA ODI #11032773

125,000 miles · Mar 22, 2017
Steering

THIS MORNING I STARTED MY CAR TO HEAD TO WORK, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE AND VERY HARD TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. AS I BACKED UP I NOTICED A LEAK ONTO THE PAVEMENT. I PURCHASED A BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID WITH STOP LEAK AND PUT IT IN HOPING THAT'S WHAT IT NEEDED. I CONTINUED MY DRIVE TO WORK WITH HESITATION. I WAS STILL UNA…

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THIS MORNING I STARTED MY CAR TO HEAD TO WORK, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE AND VERY HARD TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. AS I BACKED UP I NOTICED A LEAK ONTO THE PAVEMENT. I PURCHASED A BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID WITH STOP LEAK AND PUT IT IN HOPING THAT'S WHAT IT NEEDED. I CONTINUED MY DRIVE TO WORK WITH HESITATION. I WAS STILL UNABLE TO MAKE A SHARP TURN. WHILE AT WORK I RESEARCHED A FEW THINGS AND FOUND IT TO BE THE RACK AND PINION HAS PROBABLY LOCKED UP AND LEAKED. THE PART TO REPLACE WILL COST ME ABOUT $200 AND THE MECHANICS FEES WILL BE MORE, WITH A TOTAL OF AROUND $750-$800. MY CAR IS OLDER AND HAS ME WONDERING IF I CAN AFFORD TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO REPLACING FAULTY PARTS. IF THIS PART ALREADY HAS AN INVESTIGATION ONGOING, I WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON THE LIST TO HAVE THIS ISSUE SOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #10967690

150 miles · May 26, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I NEVER WAS INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS ON MY 1999 BUICK CENTURY. NOW I SEE ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION, IN THE PAPER, ONLINE THAT THE CAR CAN BURN UP. BRAKES, STEERING, IGNITION. WHICH WAS REPAIRED FOR 400 DOLLARS. MY ENGINE WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, AND THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT'S GOING ON. ONCE, IT JUST COMPLETELY ST…

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I NEVER WAS INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS ON MY 1999 BUICK CENTURY. NOW I SEE ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION, IN THE PAPER, ONLINE THAT THE CAR CAN BURN UP. BRAKES, STEERING, IGNITION. WHICH WAS REPAIRED FOR 400 DOLLARS. MY ENGINE WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, AND THEY CAN'T FIND WHAT'S GOING ON. ONCE, IT JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI #10594028

39,847 miles · Nov 15, 2013
EngineService BrakesSteering

WHEN TO COURT ON 11/12/13. WAS TOLD IF I DID NOT TAKE THE CAR I WOULD GET CHARGED STORAGE. WENT TO THE GARAGE WERE THE CAR WAS. AT THE COURT HOUSE WAS TOLD CAR NEEDS ROTORS. THEY TOOK THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND PARKED IT RUNNING. I GOT IN IT STEPPED ON THE PEDAL AND IT WENT DOWN ON THE FLOOR WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT ON. HAD TO GE…

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

NHTSA ODI #10552512

150 miles · May 21, 2011
Steering

VEHICLE HAS 150,000 MILES. SUDDENLY THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS. NOW WHEN TURNING LEFT THE POWER ASSIST FAILS, AND IT FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP, BUT YOU CAN FORCE THE WHEEL FURTHER LEFT IF YOU TRY, BUT IT IS VERY HARD TO DO. IF YOU AREN'T PREPARED FOR IT YOU COULD EASILY GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.…

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VEHICLE HAS 150,000 MILES. SUDDENLY THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS. NOW WHEN TURNING LEFT THE POWER ASSIST FAILS, AND IT FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED UP, BUT YOU CAN FORCE THE WHEEL FURTHER LEFT IF YOU TRY, BUT IT IS VERY HARD TO DO. IF YOU AREN'T PREPARED FOR IT YOU COULD EASILY GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. BUT SOMETIME AS YOU FORCE THE WHEEL LEFT, THE RESISTANCE WILL SUDDENLY DISAPPEAR AND THE CAR WILL JERK TO THE LEFT. TURNING RIGHT IMMEDIATELY RETURNS NORMAL POWER ASSIST, UNTIL A LEFT TURN IS ATTEMPTED. NO FLUID IS LEAKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402290

75,000 miles · Jan 23, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK CENTURY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT MAKES A LEFT TURN OR A U-TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION STEERING RACK LOCKS UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILU…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK CENTURY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT MAKES A LEFT TURN OR A U-TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION STEERING RACK LOCKS UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 03/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10256078

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2004
Steering

POWER STEERING FAILURE REGARDING 1999 BUICK CENTURY. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 1997-1998 BUICK(S) AND FELT THAT SHE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH HER VEHICLE. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10089713

12,430 miles · Feb 10, 2004
Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE OWNER HEARD A LOUD NOISE. WHEN THE DRIVER MADE A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10042903

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2003
Steering

PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING RACK ON 1999 BUICK CENTURY.*MR THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING RACK FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONSUMER READ AN ARTICLE WHICH STATED THAT SOME GM VEHICLES WERE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES 1999 BUICK CENTURIES SHOULD ALSO BE INCL…

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PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING RACK ON 1999 BUICK CENTURY.*MR THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING RACK FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONSUMER READ AN ARTICLE WHICH STATED THAT SOME GM VEHICLES WERE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES 1999 BUICK CENTURIES SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE INVESTIGATION. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10048439

38,000 miles · Sep 24, 2003
Steering

MY 1999 BUICK CENTURY HAS A STEERING PROBLEM, MY LOCAL DEALER (DEWEY GRIFFIN) TOLD ME SO WHAT! THAT''S JUST THE WAY IT IS! I WON'T LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT ON THE FREEWAY OR LEAVE TOWN BECAUSE I FEEL IT'S UNSAFE.

NHTSA ODI #10039428

Official recalls

3

04V375000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Aug 10, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE OVERHEAD SIGN ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LESS ILLUMINATION MAY REDUCE THE ABILITY OF THE DRIVER TO READ OVERHEAD SIGNS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULBS IN BOTH OF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080. NOTE: IF THE BULB NEEDS REPLACEMENT IN THE FUTURE, GM BULB NUMBER 89024715 IS AVAILABLE FROM A DEALER, OR THE EQUIVALENT SYLVANIA BULB IS 9006HP, WITH ORANGE LETTERING ON THE BULB.

99V356000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Dec 17, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING DEVICE MAY NOT BE CALIBRATED PROPERLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS.

99V170000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Jul 9, 1999

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MOTOR SHORTS TO ITS CASE AND GROUNDS THROUGH A FLEXIBLE BRAKE FLUID PIPE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS SHORT CAN CAUSE EXTREME HEATING OF THE FLEXIBLE BRAKE PIPE WHERE IT CAN MELT A NEARBY FLEXIBLE PLASTIC FUEL HOSE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND CABLE FROM THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE (EBCM) TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BODY RAIL.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.