1983 Buick Century problems

General information about Buick-Century
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1983 Buick Century problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Buick Century 1983, common problems reported include issues with the fuel system, seats, steering, brakes, equipment, transmission, suspension, and lighting. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:

Fuel System: Owners have reported various fuel system issues, which can impact the car's performance and fuel efficiency. It is crucial to address these problems promptly to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.
Seats: Complaints regarding seats suggest potential discomfort or safety concerns related to the seating in the Buick Century 1983. Addressing seat-related issues is essential for both comfort and safety while driving.
Steering: Steering problems can pose serious safety risks while driving. Issues with the steering system should be addressed promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe operation on the road.
Brakes: Brake issues are critical for the safety of the driver and passengers. Any reported problems with the brakes of the Buick Century 1983 should be inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to maintain optimal braking performance.
Equipment: Complaints related to equipment may involve various components of the vehicle, affecting its overall functionality and convenience. Timely inspection and maintenance of equipment issues are essential for a smooth driving experience.
Transmission: Transmission problems can lead to significant performance issues in the vehicle. Owners should address any reported transmission issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the proper functioning of the Buick Century 1983.
Suspension: Suspension problems can impact the vehicle's handling and ride comfort. Addressing suspension issues is crucial for maintaining a smooth and safe driving experience in the Buick Century 1983.
Lighting: Lighting issues can affect visibility and safety while driving, especially in low-light conditions. Owners should address any reported lighting problems promptly to ensure optimal visibility on the road.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the Buick Century 1983, drivers can ensure the longevity, safety, and performance of their vehicles. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to address these issues and maintain the overall reliability of the Buick Century 1983.

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 much horsepower does a 1983 Buick Regal have?

The turbo increased both fuel economy and performance, bumping horsepower from 105 to 165 on the 231-c.i. V-6, and was installed in the Regal Sport Coupe.

What was the top speed of the 1938 Buick Century?

103 mph

Buick claimed that its 1938 Century models were the fastest U.S. production-based cars on the road. In fact, at the GM Proving Grounds, one Century was clocked at a top speed of 103 mph.

What is the 5th generation Buick Century?

Buick Century - 5th Gen (1982 to 1996)

The fifth generation Century was available as a sedan, coupe, or station wagon, and was powered by a range of inline four and V6 engines. The fifth generation Century was in production until 1996 when it was replaced by the Sixth Generation Buick Century.

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?

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 Buick a long lasting car?

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.

1983 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:

Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Steering problems
Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: IG4AL19EODD
Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
Summary: ELECTRIC FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE LOOSE, ALSO SEATS ARE NOT HIGH ENOUGH FOR DRIVER, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *YC

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1983 Buick Century recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Buick Century.

1983-10-13

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
Summary: THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Buick Century problems:

buick century steering — Car Forums at Edmunds.com

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/3116/buick/century/buick-century-steering

Aug 15, 2002 ... ... buick century. the only problem is that the ... problems for so many years. ... It seems to be fairly well known that GM made more than one ...

1983 Buick Electra Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/buick/electra/1983/

Mar 7, 2023 ... 1983 Buick Electra 307 V8 from North America. Summary: Cadillac alternative. Faults: Nothing went wrong with the car despite the check engine ...

My Wheels — Chapter 24 1983 Renault Alliance | Denny G's Road ...

https://dennygibson.com/blog/2017/03/my-wheels-chapter-24-1983-renault-alliance/

Mar 26, 2017 ... Mechanical problems were fairly common and rust often appeared quicker than it should. ... 1983 behavior. ... Buick Century. Share this: Facebook ...

Blog Post | What could be causing this Buick's slow morning starts ...

https://www.cartalk.com/content/i-have-buick-century-more-miles

Dec 1, 2001 ... I have a Buick Century with more than miles ... Common car maintenance jobs and their costs ... A Buick dealer hooked the car up to his computer and ...