1985 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 1985 Buick Century problems

The 1985 Buick Century is known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine and transmission.

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Another common issue with the 1985 Buick Century is the intake manifold gasket leak. This problem typically occurs around 90,000 miles and costs an average of $900 to fix.

Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: This problem is similar to the intake manifold gasket leak but also involves leaking coolant, which can lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage. This issue typically occurs around 88,000 miles and costs an average of $900 to fix.

Fuel System Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to fuel system issues, with a total of 19 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to fuel leaks, which can increase the risk of a fire.

Seats Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has also had several recalls related to seat problems, with a total of 17 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with seat adjustment, seat belts, and seatbacks.

Steering Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to steering problems, with a total of 12 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with power steering, steering column, and steering linkage.

Brakes Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to brakes problems, with a total of 11 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with brake booster, brake lines, and brake pedal.

Equipment Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to equipment problems, with a total of 9 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with windshield wiper, defroster, and heater.

Transmission Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to transmission problems, with a total of 8 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with transmission shifting, transmission fluid leak, and transmission control module.

Suspension Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to suspension problems, with a total of 8 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with suspension components, suspension linkage, and suspension bushings.

Lighting Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to lighting problems, with a total of 6 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with headlights, taillights, and turn signals.

Electrical Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to electrical problems, with a total of 4 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with wiring, electrical connectors, and fuses.

Visibility Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to visibility problems, with a total of 3 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with windshield, rear window, and side windows.

Wheels Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to wheels problems, with a total of 2 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with wheels, wheel bearings, and wheel lug nuts.

Air Bags Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to air bags problems, with a total of 2 recalls for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with air bag deployment, air bag sensors, and air bag modules.

Engine Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to engine problems, with a total of 1 recall for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with engine mounts, engine sensors, and engine control module.

Doors Problems: The 1985 Buick Century has had several recalls related to doors problems, with a total of 1 recall for this model year. These problems can lead to issues with door latches, door handles, and door seals.

These problems can lead to significant repair costs and decreased vehicle reliability. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants.

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.

How many miles can you get out of a Buick Century?

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 good on gas?

The mileage rating is 20 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway.

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.

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

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.

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.

How did Buick Century get its name?

The division needed to come up with a name. One of the Buick executives had returned from a recent trip to Britain, and told the other executives that the British referred to going 100 mph as "doing the century". The executives liked the Century name and it stuck.

1985 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
Engine and engine cooling problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Buick Century complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Buick Century.

2001-06-27

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-05-27
Components: STEERING
Summary: ITIS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. DEALER REPAIRED POWER STEERING ONCE UNDER A RECALL. CONSUMER STATED PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Add Complaint

1998-02-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1986-02-10
VIN: 1G4AL3533F6
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE MOTOR BLOCK CRACKED.

Add Complaint

1997-07-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: G4A819R2FT4
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE REAR RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER BROKE AND WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP. PRIOR TO THIS, THE LEFT SIDE HAD BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. *AK

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1997-01-27

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 164AL19R5S0
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP SITUATION, THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-01-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-10
Fire: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER WAS PARKING AND OVERHEATED CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT

Add Complaint

1995-09-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
VIN: 1G4AL19G0FD
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: COOLANT LEAK.

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1995-09-01

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
VIN: 1G4AL19G0FD
Components: STEERING
Summary: COLD POWER STEERING. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-09-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
VIN: 1G4AL19G0FD
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN.

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1995-01-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-14
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ORIGINATING IN VICINITY OF BATTERY, OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT. *TW

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1994-06-06

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
VIN: 1G4AH19E3FD
Components: STEERING
Summary: RACK/PINION GEARS BINDING, CAUSING WEAR AND STIFFNESS IN STEERING. *DH

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1993-06-17

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-06-17
VIN: 1G4AL19E3FD
Components: STEERING
Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'.*SD

Add Complaint

1985 Buick Century recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Buick Century.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Buick Century problems:

1985 Buick Century Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/buick/century/1985/

Aug 24, 2007 ... Summary: This is a fairly reliable car for its age. Faults: Bought from used dealership perfectly working for $500, ...

2000 Buick Century Ltd. 3.1 liter Fuel Tank Removal - Maintenance ...

https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-buick-century-ltd-3-1-liter-fuel-tank-removal/185197?page=2

Jul 12, 2022 ... Probably the most common canister problem is that gasoline saturates the charcoal, allowing the charcoal slush to escape and clog the purge and/ ...

1999 Buick Century - My car starts but when I put it in drive it does ...

https://repairpal.com/my-car-starts-but-when-i-put-it-in-drive-it-does-not-accelerate-as-it-should-518

Sep 14, 2017 ... Common 1999 Buick Century problems · Buick ... Strange problems with 323I 1985. 0 people ... RecallsReviewsTroubleshooting GuideEncyclopediaCar Care ...

Common 4T60E Transmission Problems - Expert Q&A | JustAnswer

https://www.justanswer.com/car/19t53-buick-riviera-s-c-3-8-w-4t60e-trans.html

Jun 26, 2008 ... I have a buick riviera S/C 3.8 w/ 4T60E trans. My question is when at a stop in overdrive or drive you give it gas and - Answered by a ...