1988 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 1988 Buick Century problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Buick Century, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Another common complaint is the intake manifold gasket leak. This can result in coolant or engine oil leaking, potentially leading to engine overheating or poor performance. The average cost to fix this issue is approximately $900, with an average mileage of 90,000 miles.

Leaking Coolant, Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Owners have also reported problems with leaking coolant due to intake manifold gasket failure. This issue can result in coolant loss, engine overheating, and potential engine damage. The average cost to address this problem is around $900, with an average mileage of 88,000 miles.

Power Window Stopped Working: A notable complaint is power windows stopping working, particularly reported for the 2001 Buick Century model. This issue can be inconvenient and affect the overall functionality of the vehicle, requiring repairs to restore proper operation.

These common problems reported by owners of the 1988 Buick Century highlight some of the key issues that can affect the performance, reliability, and comfort of this vehicle. Addressing these problems promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the optimal functioning of the car.

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.

When did Buick stop making century?

2005

What engine is in a 1990 Buick Century?

Used 1990 Buick Century Limited - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size	2.5 L
Cylinders	Inline 4
Base engine type	Gas
Horsepower	110 hp @ 5,200 rpm

How old is the Buick Century?

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.

1988 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
Seat belts problems
Suspension problems
Seats problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1988 Buick Century

The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Buick Century. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Buick Century vehicles.

2002-03-19

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
VIN: 1G4AH51W9JT
Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Summary: FRONT END COLLAPSED BECAUSE ENGINE CRADLE BOLT AND STEERING COLUMN DISINTEGRATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 88 V048 000. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALER STATES THIS VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL. *YH

1988 Buick Century problems

Table of contents

Series 60 (1930–1935)

Social links

Common 1988 Buick Century problems

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

Why was the Buick Century discontinued?

What was the last year Buick made the Century car?

Is a Buick Century a sedan?

Is a Buick Century a reliable car?

When did Buick stop making century?

What engine is in a 1990 Buick Century?

How old is the Buick Century?

1988 Buick Century car problems categorized by type of issue

Latest 25 complaints 1988 Buick Century

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

SEATS PROBLEM

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

STEERING PROBLEM

1988 Buick Century recalls

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Additional sources

Buick Century Problems and Complaints - 46 Issues

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Other years of Buick Century

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