KnownCarProblems2002 Buick Century Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Buick Century, most often about the engine (21% of complaints, typically around 61,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Century model year since 2000.
Most common 2002 Buick Century problems
Engine
33 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 61,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
Intake manifold gasket leak at 61,233 miles,719 dollar repair. Updated 12-12-07. The lower intake maifold gasket, thermostat were replaced as well. Updated .
Bought vehicle in 01.20.07 with 56,943 miles (2002 Buick Century custom). Sometime (around 62,000 miles) notice engine hesitates, after warming up, hesitation disappears. Asked my mechanic and his first question was if white smoke was coming off the tail pipe, I said no. A couple weeks later, at startup (early in the…
Electrical
24 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, instrument cluster/panel, horn, ignition.
The contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated the gear selector failed to illuminate on the instrument panel which caused the uncertainty of knowing which gear was selected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the odometer needed to be replaced because the gear indicator…
The contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated that the lights on the cluster panel have failed. She could not see what gear the vehicle is in and she could not see the mileage. The contact contacted the manufacturer and they stated there was no recall on her vehicle and the repairs would cost approximately…
Lights
24 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, back up lights, hazard flashing warning lights.
I have a 2002 Buick Century custom. The multifunction light, wiper, cruise switch intermittently fails and I lose my headlights. I was driving on a mountain road the first time it happened and I had to turn on my hazards and find a place to stop with a lot of traffic behind me. On two other occassions I had other…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. While driving 65 MPH, the headlights on the vehicle shut off. The lights remained off for two hours before illuminating again. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. The current mileage was 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000. The consumer stated the lights…
Brakes
23 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, power assist, antilock.
2002 Buick Century with brake failure customer states that brake problems this early only means more problems to come* the consumer stated the vehicle was service for a brake squeak for a period of 1 to 2 days after it rained the consumer was told there was no problem, but the dealer did clean and adjust the rear…
My 2002 Buick Century developed a problem with the following lights coming on - service engine light, anti lock. I had the car at my local Buick dealer and repairs was made to the right front wheel. This work was done under warrunty. I had to make several trips back to the dealer to get the lights stopped from coming…
Visibility and wipers
21 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 41,500 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls, windshield, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
At 44,9xx miles the front driver's side window in my 2002 Buick Century failed. The regulator failed and the window dropped of it's own accord. I was on a trip and had to leave my window open for 2 days until I returned and was able to get it to a dealer for repairs. It cost me a $100.00, (extended warranty), but the…
2002 Buick Century with several problems. Consumer states that the electric window controls had to be replaced due to failure. Headlights started working intermittently. Multi-function switch needs replacement. The consumer stated using the turn signal indicator or the high beams, apparently triggered all the lights…
Steering
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, gear box (other than rack and pinion), steering wheel/handle bar, column.
The dealership was unable to perform a front end alignment because the front tie rods were worn and about to fall off. This problem occurred because the tie rod could not be greased.
Most of the complaints on the Buick Century 2002, my car has them: 1. Windows not working, only passengers' up to now 2. Hard upshifts on transmission 3. Mileage on the digital odometer won't show 4. Volume on steering wheel never corrected so, what's being done about it?
Air bags
8 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
: the contact stated while driving 50 MPH and approaching a crossroads another vehicle ran a stop sign and was hit by the contact. This was a full frontal impact. The air bags did not deploy. Although seat belts were in use, both occupants sustained minor injuries. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle…
Lost control of the car on a wet road and hit a tree. Totaled car with most of the damage and impact being the front of the car. The problem is neither of the air bags deployed to prevent sternum and broken back..
Fuel system
7 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: storage, fuel injection system.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated a piece of fuel injection detached and blew off the valve. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic. The repair cost $1,200. The technician stated that he had never seen anything like this and it should not have happened to her…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Buick Century recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Buick Century
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Century?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (33 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles); electrical (24 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); lights (24 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Century have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Buick Century. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Buick Century?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Century model year since 2000, with 154 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.