1982 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 1982 Buick Century problems
The Buick Century, produced from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 2005, has been a popular choice among car buyers due to its varying sizes, performance levels, and trim options. However, the 1982 Buick Century has had its fair share of issues, primarily related to the engine and transmission.
- Transmission Slipping: The most reported problem for the 1982 Buick Century is transmission slipping, which has affected 2000 model year vehicles, with an average cost to fix of $2,100 and an average mileage of 78,000 miles. This issue can be caused by worn-out or damaged transmission bands, a faulty torque converter, or low transmission fluid levels. Transmission slipping can lead to reduced vehicle performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even complete transmission failure if left unaddressed.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: This issue has affected the 2003 Buick Century, with an average cost to fix of $900 and an average mileage of 90,000 miles. The intake manifold gasket can leak coolant or engine oil, which can lead to engine overheating, reduced performance, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly. This issue can be caused by age, wear and tear, or a manufacturing defect.
- Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: This problem has been reported for the 2001 Buick Century, with an average cost to fix of $900 and an average mileage of 88,000 miles. Similar to the intake manifold gasket leak, this issue can lead to engine overheating, reduced performance, and engine damage if not addressed. This problem can be caused by age, wear and tear, or a manufacturing defect.
- Overheating: The Buick Century is prone to overheating, which can be caused by a failing radiator, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged water pump. Overheating can lead to engine damage, reduced performance, and even complete engine failure if not addressed promptly.
- Recall Issues: The 1982 Buick Century has had several recalls, including issues with the fuel system, seats, steering, brakes, equipment, transmission, suspension, lighting, electrical, visibility, wheels, air bags, engine, and doors. These recalls address various issues, such as faulty components, manufacturing defects, and safety concerns.
In conclusion, the 1982 Buick Century has had several common issues, primarily related to the engine and transmission. These problems can lead to reduced vehicle performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance, inspections, and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the 1982 Buick Century.
How reliable are Buick centuries?
Comfortable and reliable
I've driven Buick Centuries for the last 15 years, and they have been very reliable. Everything works. The seats are comfortable, as is the ride. Mine rusted out beginning at 9 years of age.
How many miles can a Buick Century last?
A Buick Century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care. These cars are designed to last a long time. There are some things You can do while You own to car to make it last longer.
Is a Buick Century good on gas?
The mileage rating is 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway.
How much is a Buick Century worth?
Find a Used Buick Century Near You
Prices for a used Buick Century currently range from $2,495 to $9,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 37,900 to 214,347. Find used Buick Century inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
How reliable are Buick centuries?
Comfortable and reliable
I've driven Buick Centuries for the last 15 years, and they have been very reliable. Everything works. The seats are comfortable, as is the ride. Mine rusted out beginning at 9 years of age.
How long do Buick centuries last?
A Buick Century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care. These cars are designed to last a long time. There are some things You can do while You own to car to make it last longer. Don't ignore gauges, Lights, or Alerts.
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.
Are Buicks long lasting?
In fact, they generally last 200,000 miles, or about 13 years, which placed them third overall (and first among luxury brands) in J.D. Power's 2020 vehicle dependability survey. Of course, preventive maintenance and driving habits have a lot to do with a car's longevity.
1982 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:
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Buick Century complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Buick Century.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4AL19E0C4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS THE THIRD OWNER, THE POWER STEERING IS HARD TO TURN IN WINTER AND WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IT IS EVEN HARDER. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
- VIN: 1G4AH19EBCD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PART WORN, CAUSING LEAK/STEERING DIFFICULTY. *DSH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH LOCKS UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH LOCKS UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
1982 Buick Century recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1982 Buick Century.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE METAL END FITTINGS WERE INSTALLED. SOME REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE METAL END FITTINGS WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE PULLING FORCE SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 106, "BRAKE HOSES".
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE REAR BRAKE HOSES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE FUEL TANK IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND VENT PIPE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Buick Century problems:
Issues with 1996 Buick Century | Bob Is The Oil Guy
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1980 Skylark - Buick - General - Antique Automobile Club of ...
Feb 9, 2003 ... ... recalls. They were known ... Buick Century, which debuted for 1982. ... Buick dealer was very helpful in resolving the problems without cost to me.
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