1996 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Buick Century: 1 recall, 80 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V173000 · 1995 · 2,216,325 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that May not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. The safety belt May not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), warning light on (2).
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are leaks (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (10): the most common themes are steering problems (8).
- Engine & cooling (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
The 1996 Buick Century has 80 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 16 Century model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 106). Complaints peaked in 1999 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 75,550 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (99 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (106 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Buick Century.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Buick Century, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (12), fuel system (10), steering (10).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Century get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Buick Century repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.