Century (6th)
Engine Reliability Ratings
L36
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LG8
3.1L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Buick Century regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH SUNVISOR LOCATED AIR BAG LABELS, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MESSAGE AREA LESS THAN 30 CM WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. THE BOLT HEAD(S) ON THE REAR SPINDLE ROD CAN SEPARATE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CLAMP THAT SECURES THE FLEXIBLE FUEL FILL HOSE TO THE METAL FILL TUBE MAY BE LOOSE AND COULD SEPARATE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATES FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE DURING DEPLOYMENT.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2005 Buick Century problems?
The 2000-2005 Buick Century has accumulated 726 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Exterior, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Buick Century engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2005 Buick Century was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.1L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2005 Buick Century a good used car?
The 2000-2005 Buick Century can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 726 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Buick Century have?
The 2000-2005 Buick Century has 726 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Buick Century?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2005 Buick Century vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Buick Century?
Before buying a used Buick Century, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Exterior, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Century have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2005 Buick Century. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 726 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.