1987 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 1987 Buick Century problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1987 Buick Century, several common problems have been reported:

Transmission Issues: Complaints include transmission slipping, which is a prevalent problem in the 2000 Buick Century model. The average cost to fix this issue is around $2,100, with an average mileage of 78,000 miles.

Coolant Leaks and Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Another common problem reported is leaking coolant due to intake manifold gasket failure in the 2001 Buick Century. The average cost to fix this issue is approximately $900, with an average mileage of 88,000 miles.

Fuel System Problems: The 1987 Buick Century has faced multiple recalls related to the fuel system, with a total of 19 recalls reported. These issues can vary and may impact the car's performance and safety.

Steering Concerns: Steering problems have been highlighted in recalls for the Buick Century, with 12 recalls specifically related to steering issues. These problems can affect the handling and safety of the vehicle.

Braking Issues: The car has faced recalls related to brake problems, with 11 recalls specifically addressing brake system issues. These problems can impact the car's ability to stop effectively and safely.

Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have been reported, affecting various components of the vehicle. These problems can lead to malfunctions in lighting, equipment, and other electrical systems within the car.

By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1987 Buick Century, it provides insight into the potential issues that may arise with this particular model.

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 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 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.

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.

What is the top speed of the Buick Century?

While the Special was powered by Buick's OHV 233 cu in (3.8 L) straight-8 engine, rated 93 hp (69 kW) at 3200 rpm, Centurys produced between 1936 and 1942 were powered by the OHV 320 cu in (5.2 L) straight-8 producing 141 hp (105 kW), making them the fastest Buicks of the era and capable of sustained speeds of 100 mph ...

What cars did Buick make in 1987?

Select a 1987 Buick Model

1987 Century Custom.
1987 Century Limited.
1987 Electra Estate.
1987 Electra Limited.
1987 Electra Park Avenue.
1987 Electra T-Type.
1987 LaSabre.
1987 LeSabre.

When did they stop making Buick Century?

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.

1987 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
Engine and engine cooling problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Buick Century

The NHTSA has received 36 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Buick Century. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Buick Century vehicles.

2009-07-22

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-07-13
Components: TIRES
Summary: MY MOTHER HAS A BUICK THAT SHE HAD FIRESTONE RADIAL TIRES INSTALLED ON THE FRONT. THE TIRES, P185/75R14 HAD A BELT BREAK IN THEM WITHIN ONE WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THE DEALER SHE BOUGHT THEM FROM REFUSES TO TALK TO HER ABOUT IT. WHAT CAN SHE DO? *TR

1987 Buick Century problems

Table of contents

Series 60 (1930–1935)

Social links

Common 1987 Buick Century problems

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

How many miles can a Buick Century get?

Is a Buick Century good on gas?

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

What is the top speed of the Buick Century?

What cars did Buick make in 1987?

When did they stop making Buick Century?

1987 Buick Century car problems categorized by type of issue

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Buick Century

TIRES PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

1987 Buick Century recalls

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Additional sources

1987 Buick Century Reviews - Carsurvey.org

Q&A: Common Problems with 2002 Buick Century Engine ...

87 Buick Century Stalls When Slowing Down - Maintenance/Repairs ...

Q&A: Common Problems with 2001 Buick Century - JustAnswer

Your thoughts: 2000 Buick Century Custom - $2,100 (106K miles ...

Other years of Buick Century

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