Century (6th)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LG8
3.1L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Buick Century Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
L67
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LS1
5.7L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LV6
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Buick Century, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2005 Buick Century
On a used 2000-2005 Buick Century, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (110), the exterior lighting (108) and the brakes (101). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 110 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Buick Century about the engine.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Buick Century about the exterior lighting.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Buick Century about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 95 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Buick Century about the electrical system.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Buick Century about the cooling system.
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. 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."
Show 2 older recalls
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 EQUIPPED WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. THE BOLT HEAD(S) ON THE REAR SPINDLE ROD CAN SEPARATE.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2005 Buick Century complaints?
Owners have filed 671 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2005 Buick Century. The systems they name most often are the engine, the exterior and the brakes.
Is the 2000-2005 Buick Century a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 671 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2005 Buick Century. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Buick Century have?
NHTSA has 671 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2005 Buick Century as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Buick Century?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2000-2005 Buick Century vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Buick Century?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the exterior and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 671 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.