1981 Buick Century problems
Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.
The first Buick Century debuted as the Series 60 then renamed in 1936 as a shorter and lighter model featuring the same engine as the bigger Roadmaster and Limited series giving it more performance while using the shorter wheelbase body of the Buick Special. During the 1930s and 1940s it was Buick's companion to the top level Roadmaster and was offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan and convertible. The Century name was used on six generations of cars of varying sizes as well as performance and trim levels. In 1969, Buick developed a concept car known as the Century Cruiser. In the 1970s, the Century Regal became a separate model and market positioning between the two products changed from year to year depending on sales. The Century was updated to front wheel drive in 1982 and was Buick's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon, with regular updates and feature upgrades as customer preferences changed over time.
Series 60 (1930–1935)
Originally, the Series 60 had the 331.4 cu in (5.4 L) OHV Buick Straight-6 engine from the Series 70, developing 99 bhp (74 kW) at 2,800 rpm. It had, at the beginning of the generation, a full-length running board denoting the top model for Buick at the time, shared with the short wheelbase, entry level Series 40. In 1930, GM built 38,180 cars. The bodystyles available were torpedo, sedan, coupe, and roadster convertible, using GM's "B-body" platform. Starting with this generation, all GM cars shared a corporate appearance as a result of the "Art and Colour Section" headed by Harley J. Earl and modest yearly changes were introduced to freshen the appearance.
In 1931, the running board was reduced and the OHV 220.7 cu in (3.6 L) Buick Straight-8 engine was introduced that developed 90 bhp (67 kW). Aesthetically, the Series 60 remained almost unchanged, and the same fact occurred also in the following year. In 1931 and 1932, a total of 55,135 were produced.
In 1933, the length of the body increased and the radiator was now concealed behind a façade with a grille. The engine power increased to 97 hp (72 kW), and 1933 was the first year all GM vehicles were installed with optional vent windows which were initially called “No Draft Individually Controlled Ventilation” later renamed "Ventiplanes". In 1934, the appearance was changed to a more rounded appearance, with a new OHV 278 cu in (4.6 L) eight-cylinder engine and 100 hp. In 1935, the model remained almost unchanged while the body style selections were similar to larger Buicks but more affordably priced. Six choices were available to include both 2- and 4-door convertibles using the term "phaeton" for the 4-door convertible with a listed price of US$1,675 ($37,224 in 2023 dollars ). Total production from 1933 to 1935 was 31,385. In 1936, the model changed its name to "Century".
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Common 1981 Buick Century problems
The Buick Century, produced in 1981, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span across various components of the vehicle, including the fuel system, seats, steering, brakes, equipment, transmission, suspension, lighting, electrical, visibility, wheels, air bags, engine, and doors.
One of the most prevalent issues with the 1981 Buick Century is related to the fuel system, which has been the subject of 19 recalls. The fuel system is critical for the proper functioning of the engine, and any problems can lead to poor performance, reduced fuel efficiency, or even complete engine failure. In the case of the 1981 Buick Century, fuel system issues may be due to faulty fuel pumps, leaking fuel lines, or malfunctioning fuel pressure regulators, among other possibilities.
Seats are another area where the 1981 Buick Century has faced challenges, with 17 recalls issued specifically for seat-related problems. Seat issues can range from uncomfortable seating positions to more serious safety concerns, such as the risk of the seat collapsing during a crash. The 1981 Buick Century's seat problems may be attributed to faulty seat frames, weak seat springs, or malfunctioning reclining mechanisms.
Steering is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the 1981 Buick Century has experienced its fair share of steering-related issues, with 12 recalls addressing these problems. Steering issues can lead to difficulty controlling the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents. Potential causes of steering problems in the 1981 Buick Century may include worn-out steering components, loose steering linkages, or malfunctioning power steering systems.
Brakes are another essential component of any vehicle, and the 1981 Buick Century has had 11 recalls related to brake issues. Brake problems can lead to reduced stopping power, increasing the risk of accidents. Potential causes of brake issues in the 1981 Buick Century may include worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, or malfunctioning brake lines.
Equipment-related problems have also been a concern for the 1981 Buick Century, with 9 recalls addressing these issues. Equipment problems can range from minor inconveniences, such as malfunctioning power windows or locks, to more significant safety concerns, such as faulty airbags or seatbelts. Potential causes of equipment problems in the 1981 Buick Century may include faulty wiring, malfunctioning switches, or damaged components.
Transmission, suspension, lighting, electrical, visibility, wheels, air bags, engine, and doors have also experienced problems in the 1981 Buick Century, with 8, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1, and 1 recalls issued for each category, respectively. These issues can lead to a range of problems, from reduced vehicle performance and safety to complete engine failure.
In summary, the 1981 Buick Century has faced a variety of common problems, primarily related to the fuel system, seats, steering, brakes, equipment, transmission, suspension, lighting, electrical, visibility, wheels, air bags, engine, and doors. These issues can lead to reduced vehicle performance, safety concerns, and even complete engine failure. If you own a 1981 Buick Century, it is essential to be aware of these potential problems and address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.
Is a Buick Century a reliable car?
Buick Century Reliability Problems
Century owners have made 326 complaints over 16 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 14 Buick models , with real engine and windows concerns.
Why was the Buick Century discontinued?
The Century was discontinued at the end of the abbreviated 1942 model year due to World War II, when production of passenger vehicles stopped on February 4, 1942, during which total model production only accounted for about 10% of Buick's total output.
What was the last year Buick made the Century car?
2005
In the Buick Centurys final production year in 2005, a Special Edition Package delivered dual-zone climate control, 16-inch aluminum wheels as well as four-wheel disc braking. The Century was retired to make room for the LaCrosse.
Is a Buick Century a sedan?
Used 2005 Buick Century Sedan 4D.
Is a Buick Century a reliable car?
Buick Century Reliability Problems
Century owners have made 326 complaints over 16 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th in overall reliability out of 14 Buick models , with real engine and windows concerns.
Why was the Buick Century discontinued?
The Century was discontinued at the end of the abbreviated 1942 model year due to World War II, when production of passenger vehicles stopped on February 4, 1942, during which total model production only accounted for about 10% of Buick's total output.
How many miles can a Buick Century get?
A buick century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care. 202,000 Miles and still going strong.
Is a Buick Century a sedan?
About Century
The redesigned Buick Century mid-sized sedan shared its platform with the Regal and maintained largely identical exterior styling.
1981 Buick Century car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Century problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Buick Century complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Buick Century.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4AL69A6BG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ROTATE IN BACKING PLATE CAUSING THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP.
1981 Buick Century recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1981 Buick Century.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
- Summary: "TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
- Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE STEEL USED IN SOME COMPACT SPARE WHEELS IS TOO THIN. WHILE IN SERVICE THE WHEEL MAY FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: SPARE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECALL NOTIFICATION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Buick Century problems:
2001 Buick Century - Water on the passenger floor...help! | GM ...
Oct 28, 2010 ... Is there a known issue with these cars for this problem? Anyone have any ideas of things to try to clear the vent drains or whatever? :confused:
Buick Century Fuel System — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Sep 6, 2006 ... July 2007. must be a common problem, do all of the people who posted here have the V6? I have a 94, basically same model as all of you, same ...
Do Buick cars have problems with the electrical system? If so, why ...
Jul 3, 2023 ... What are some common problems with the 1994 Buick Park Avenue? Since that car is now 23 years old, I'd say everything. A 23 year old car is ...
1980 Skylark - Buick - General - Antique Automobile Club of ...
Feb 9, 2003 ... Its just too bad reliability was so low on the 1980-1981 models. ... Buick Century, which debuted for 1982. ... problems without cost to me. Still, ...
BUICK CENTURY Recalls List by Year
BUICK CENTURY recalls, problems, issues and years to avoid ... The common problems for this model: Fuel System ... 81V025000. Date of the problem: 25/02/1981.
Other years of Buick Century
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