1997 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Buick Century: 2 recalls, 106 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #98V102000 · 1998 · 149,342 vehicles
What's wrong: The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers May not be able to properly aim the headlights.
The fix: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #99V348000 · 1999 · 155,149 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wipers May stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Why it matters: Driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and new water deflector, dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls 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.
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" 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.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (16): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (15): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (15): the most common themes are steering problems (13).
The 1997 Buick Century has 106 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Century model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 106). Complaints peaked in 1998 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 94,943 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (80 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (218 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Premium |
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 1997 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 1997 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Buick Century, plus 2 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 1997 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (20), visibility (wipers, glass) (16), seat belts (15).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Century get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.