1989 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 1989 Buick Century problems
The Buick Century, produced in 1989, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. The most frequently reported issues are related to the engine, transmission, and fuel system.
- Engine Problems: The 1989 Buick Century has been reported to have engine issues, with the most common problem being the intake manifold gasket leak.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission slipping is a common issue in the 1989 Buick Century, with an average cost to fix of $2,100 and an average mileage of 78,000 miles. This problem can lead to difficulty in shifting gears, delayed acceleration, and eventually, complete transmission failure.
- Fuel System Problems: The fuel system in the 1989 Buick Century has been reported to have issues, with the most common problem being fuel system recalls. These recalls are due to problems with the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel lines, which can lead to fuel leaks, engine stalling, and even fire hazards.
- Steering Problems: Steering problems have also been reported in the 1989 Buick Century, with recalls issued for issues related to steering column components and power steering systems. These problems can lead to difficulty in steering, causing safety concerns for drivers.
- Seats Problems: Seats recalls have been reported in the 1989 Buick Century, with issues related to seat belts, seat adjustment mechanisms, and seat frames. These problems can lead to safety concerns for drivers and passengers.
- Brakes Problems: Brakes recalls have been reported in the 1989 Buick Century, with issues related to brake lines, brake calipers, and brake pedals. These problems can lead to safety concerns for drivers, as they can affect the vehicle's ability to stop.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension recalls have been reported in the 1989 Buick Century, with issues related to suspension components and bushings. These problems can lead to difficulty in handling and steering, causing safety concerns for drivers.
- Lighting Problems: Lighting recalls have been reported in the 1989 Buick Century, with issues related to headlights, taillights, and turn signals. These problems can lead to safety concerns for drivers, as they can affect the vehicle's visibility and visibility to other drivers.
In conclusion, the 1989 Buick Century is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These problems are related to the engine, transmission, fuel system, steering, seats, brakes, suspension, and lighting. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
What engine is in a 1989 Buick Century?
BUICK Century 3.3L V6 4AT FWD (160 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 3.3L V6 4AT FWD (160 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Torque: | 185 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 251 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
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.
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.
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 engine is in a 1989 Buick Century?
BUICK Century 3.3L V6 4AT FWD (160 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 3.3L V6 4AT FWD (160 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Torque: | 185 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM 251 Nm @ 2000 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
What was the last year of the Buick Century?
The Buick Century is a car made from the 1936–1942, 1954–1958 and 1973–2005 model years. It is a full-size car from 1936–1942 and 1954–1958 and a mid-size car from 1973–2005. In 2005, it was succeeded by the Buick LaCrosse.
Who makes 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.
1989 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Buick Century
The NHTSA has received 43 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Buick Century. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Buick Century vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-16
- VIN: 1G4AH51R3KT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR SOLD TO ME IS A LEMON. THE MOTOR WENT OUT IN LESS THAN 30 DAYS.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: A TECHNICIAN SERVICED VEHICLE. TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND DETERMINED THAT ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTING. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-28
- VIN: 1G4AL51N6KT
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PAINT HAS BEGUN TO PEELING OFF THE CAR. THE PRIMER IS STILL THERE, HOWEVER. THE CAR HAS BEEN OWNED BY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS SINCE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN 1989 AND HAS BEEN KEPT UNDER A CARPORT/GARAGE FOR ALL OF ITS OWNERSHIP. I OWN A 5-YR OLDER FORD THAT IS NOT GARAGED, AND THE FINISH IS STILL LIKE NEW.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-29
- VIN: 1G4AH81N2K6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DOOR HINGES SPLIT IN HALF, CAUSING DOOR TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-02
- VIN: 1G4AL51N7KT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN GETING ON TO THE HIGHWAY THE SEAT BACK FELL IN TO THE BACK SEAT MAKING ME UNABLE TO SEE ANY TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4H51N4K64
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE00 048; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A FUNNY NOISE, AND THEN TREAD CAME OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. AND RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, AND TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK DUNLOP SP 40 P195/70R14 DOT DB R W 466047 ( 006677 ) CONSUMER ADDED IT WAS A HOT DAY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4AL51NOKT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS HAD 2 ACCIDENTS RELATING TO ENGINE ACCELERATION. BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED THE SAME WAY. CONSUMER HAS A VERY STEEP DRIVEWAY. ON SEPT. 11-2000, VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE & IT ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AT A MAXIUM SPEED. MECHANIC FOUND THAT THERMOSTAT RING GASKET, IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE & COMPUTER SCAN WERE THE CAUSES. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4AH51NXKT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED AND PULLED THROUGH THE FRAME WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION. VEHILCE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 97V058000. DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT BOLTS AND WASHER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
- VIN: 1G4AH81N0K6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE TRAVELING/APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, OR APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN / OUT OF INDEPENDENT SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4AL51N4KT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER STARTED UP VEHICLE AND ENGINE WAS RUNNING A LITTLE FAST. CONSUMER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE , PUT VEHICLE IN GEAR AND IT TOOK OFF WHILE FOOT WAS ON BRAKE. VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP UNTIL THEY ENDED UP IN A CREEK. CONSUMER'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-16
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4AL51N4KT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE ENGINE IDLED HIGH, CONSUMER SHIFTED VEHICLE OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE WITH BRAKES DEPRESSED, AND VEHICLE DROVE OFF OUT OF CONTROL, RUNNING INTO A CREEK. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-17
- VIN: 1G4AH51N3KT
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CRACKED REAR TRACKING BAR DETECTED ON 7/18/99. CHECKED UNDER CAR BECAUSE OF POOR STEERING AND HANDLING AND FOUND THE BAR WAS CRACKED IN HALF. WE HAD IT REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE ON 7/19/99. WE LOOKED FOR PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS, BUT WEREN'T ABLE TO FIND THE INFORMATION. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $144.45.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-03
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE GEAR, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-25
- Number Of Injuries: 9
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: LISTED VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN 10-CAR CRASH AT INTERSECTION IN OUR JURISDICTION AFTER ACCELERATOR ON VEHICLE STUCK, FOLLOWING VICTIM'S USE OF CAR WASH. VICTIM GOT INTO VEHICLE AFTER CAR WASH, PUT VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE, AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, REACHING A MAXIMUM SPEED OF APPROX. 90 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A LARGE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE, CAUSING THE CRASH LISTED ABOVE. THE DRIVER OF THE BUICK IN THIS LISTED QUESTIONNAIRE DIED DUE TO INJURIES RECEIVED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-05
- VIN: UNAVAILABLE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS. SEAT BELTS LATCH, AND TRACKS AND ANCHORS, ARE BROKEN. THE WHOLE SEATBELT SYSTEM IS SLOWLY DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. THE DEFECTS ARE RELATED TO PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL NUMBER 95V173000. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-08
- VIN: UNAVAILABLE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELT TRACKS AND ANCHORS. SEAT BELTS SLIDE BACK AND FORTH. IN ADDITION, TO CRACKS IN SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-30
- VIN: 1G4AL51N5K6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: 1G4AH51N5KT
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END SHAKES WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4AL81N4KG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOLT FAILED CAUSING BODY TO SEPARATE FROM FRAME.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4AH51NSKT
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT WOULD NOT STAY ON VEHICLE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4HA51M8KG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4AH51N8KT
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER'S MOTHER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WITH THE RED BRAKE LIGHT ON FOR A MONTH. DON COLLINS, BUICK FRANCHESE OWNERS, SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS KNOWN ABOUT BRAKES SINCE JANUARY1997, AND HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM AS REQUESTED BY MRS. JUDSON/HER HUSBAND OR MRS. PELUSO. ON OCTOBER 1-, 97, MRS. PELUSO'S MOTHER CONTINUED TO DRIVE VEHICLE WITH LIGHT ON UNTIL ONE DAY SHE WAS TURNING INTO HER DRIVEWAY AND THE BRAKES FAILED. SHE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, CRASHED INTO HER GARAGE DOOR, DAMAGING THE GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LARRY MENKE BUICK DEALERSHIP IN THE AUTO CENTER, TOWN OF SEASIDE, CA. MENKE'S # 408-394-3374. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND UPON HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE SEATBACK FALLS INTO THE RECLINING POSITION. COSNUMER HAS YET TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SURGED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-15
- VIN: 1G4AH1N3KT4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS NOT RELEASING DUE TO A RETRACTOR PROBLEM OF THE SEAT BELT. DEALER WON'T FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SEAT BELT PARTS FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
1989 Buick Century recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Buick Century.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Buick Century problems:
1989 Century 3.3 intermittent stumbling/stalling/no start - GM Forum ...
May 31, 2017 ... ... problems, i.e. shorts that shut down the engine. ... Supposedly this was a common issue ... 1989 Buick Century 3.3-Which transmission cooling line ...
Buick Century Problems and Complaints - 46 Issues
Top Buick Century Problems · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil · Power Window Switch May Fail · Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure ...
Common Buick Century Problems: Expert Q&A | JustAnswer
May 17, 2010 ... I have a 1992 Buick Century with the 3.3L v6 and about 150,000 miles. The car has an intermittent problem of cutting out during acceleration ...
power window problem - Buick Forum - Buick Enthusiasts Forums
Sep 30, 2008 ... Century - power window problem - I have century 99 on which the power windows don''t work, it begann when the switch was working sometimes ...
Common Buick Century 3.1 V6 Engine Problems - Q&A
Apr 29, 2007 ... 2002 Buick Century with 3.1 V6 engine is slowly losing anti-freeze. I have been hearing there is a problem with the - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Buick Century
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