2004 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 2004 Buick Century problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2004 Buick Century, several common problems have been reported:
- Coolant Leaks and Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
- Another prevalent problem is leaking coolant due to intake manifold gasket failure. This issue has been reported in multiple model years, including the 2001 and 2003 Buick Century. The Dexcool class action lawsuit addresses this problem, highlighting the issues related to leaking coolant from intake manifold gasket failure.
- Transmission Slipping:
- Owners have reported transmission slipping issues in the 2000 Buick Century. The average cost to fix this problem is around $2,100, with an average mileage of 78,000 miles. Transmission problems can significantly impact the driving experience and require timely attention to prevent further damage.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
- The 2003 Buick Century has been associated with intake manifold gasket leaks. The average cost to fix this issue is approximately $900, with an average mileage of 90,000 miles. Addressing this problem promptly is crucial to prevent coolant leaks and engine performance issues.
- Engine Problems:
- Engine issues have been a common complaint among Buick Century owners. The 2000 model year, in particular, has been highlighted for engine problems, with a significant number of complaints related to this issue. Engine problems can vary in severity and may require professional attention to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
These reported problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the 2004 Buick Century. Addressing these concerns promptly and seeking professional assistance when needed can help maintain the vehicle's reliability and performance.
Are 2004 Buick Century reliable?
Built to last.
This car is great for communing and long distance driving for vacations. Dependable and a comfortable ride. No real major issues in 135,000 + miles!
How many miles does a 2004 Buick Century last?
I have 290000 miles on mine. A buick century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care.
How reliable are Buick centuries?
Comfortable and reliable
I've driven Buick Centuries for the last 15 years, and they have been very reliable. Everything works. The seats are comfortable, as is the ride. Mine rusted out beginning at 9 years of age.
What is the recall on the 2004 Buick Century?
2004 Buick Century Recalls
7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Are 2004 Buick Century reliable?
Built to last.
This car is great for communing and long distance driving for vacations. Dependable and a comfortable ride. No real major issues in 135,000 + miles!
Is the 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 does a 2004 Buick Century last?
I have 290000 miles on mine. A buick century should be able to last over 150,000 miles with proper care.
What is the value of a 2004 Buick Century?
2004 Buick Century Value - $493-$2,031 | Edmunds.
2004 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:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Buick Century vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Buick Century
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Buick Century. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Buick Century vehicles.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-19
- VIN: 2G4WS52J641
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: POWER SEAT WIRING HARNESS SORTED TO SEAT FRAME/SPRING
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2G4WS52J841
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAG HIT THE CONTACT'S ARM AND FACE LEAVING MINOR MARKS AND BRUISES. THE DRIVER DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN CALLED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD WERE DAMAGED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-06
- VIN: 2G4WS52J141
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-14
- VIN: 2G4WS52J941
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS THE FIRST TO GO. THE FRONT BURST AND ABOUT 4 WEEKS LATER THE CAUSE WAS RUST AND CORROSION. BOTH TIMES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LINE FAILED ON REAR BRAKES. LOST ALL FLUID IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY RUST ON BRAKE LINES
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-30
- VIN: 2G4WS52J841
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING MY CAR OVER 5 MILES IT WILL CHOKE AND NOT LET ME ACCELERATE AND THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 0. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-11
- VIN: 2G4WS52J041
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS YOU CAN'T DIM THE HEADLIGHTS. BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T ALLOW THE LEVER TO GO FAR ENOUGH TO CATCH. NOW MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN THE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. MY CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK. MY A/C STOPS COOLING WHEN THE SPEED REACHES 60 MPH BUT IF I MOVE THE M.F.S. (AKA TURN SIGNAL) IT GETS COOL AGAIN FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE OTHER NIGHT MY LIGHTS WENT OFF WHEN I WAS MEETING A CAR WITH ITS HEADLIGHTS ON BRIGHT. IT WAS A DARK STRETCH OF ROAD. I ALMOST RAN IN THE DITCH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-21
- VIN: 2G4WS52J941
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT. ( I MAY HAVE FLASHED MY HIGH BEAMS TO SIGNAL A TRUCK THAT IT WAS SAFE TO CHANGE LANES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. INTERIOR LIGHTS STILL WORKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NOTHING I DID WOULD BRING HEADLIGHTS BACK ON. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM!! CAR MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 62,000. 12/21/2017 DATE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-16
- VIN: 2G4WS52J741
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE IN MOTION THE HIGH BEAM WILL GO OUT AND LOW BEAM WITH IT - NO LIGHTS AT ALL. YOU MUST PUSH OR PULL THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER TO TURN THE LIGHTS ON AGAIN.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-09
- VIN: 2G4WS52J041
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CAR STOPPED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY BUT STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY AND CONTINUED DRIVING HOME. NEXT WEEK STOPPED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AS I PULLED INTO THE GAS STATION BUT STARTED UP AGAIN AND CONTINUED HOME. NEXT TIME DRIVING NO PROBLEMS THEN STOPPED AGAIN WHILE TURNING INTO THE GROCERY STORE AND AGAIN ON WAY HOME WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A CURVE. CAN'T BE TRUSTED. STOPS AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS! ONE MECHANIC THINKS IT NEEDS NEW ENGINE COMPUTER BECAUSE HE PULLED ALL SENSORS FOR TESTING AND CAR CONTINUED TO RUN.HOWEVER, HE IS ONLY GUESSING AND WON'T GUARANTEE A FIX IF I HAVE NEW COMPUTER INSTALLED.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-24
- VIN: 2G4WS55J341
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE "SWAYBAR" FOR STEERING BROKE. I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAYS HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE WITH BUICK CENTURYS BEFORE. IT COST APPROXIMATELY $825.00 TO FIX.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-14
- VIN: 2G4WS52J341
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: YOU COULD SMELL GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND THEY WENT ALL OVER IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANY REASON FOR THE SMELL. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE GAS TANK WAS FULL OR HALF FULL. WHEN THE WEATHER WAS WARM IT WAS MUCH WORSE. I AM WONDERING IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID THE CAR WILL CATCH ON FILE. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-09
- VIN: 2G4WS52J741
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,900. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/21/2016*LJ UPDATED 9/18/2017*CN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-05
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT RANDOMLY, THIS IS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT DID NOT SEEM TO MATTER IF THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS ON OR IN THE AUTOMATIC POSITION.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2G4WS52J141
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATION TO THE TO FACE AND MOUTH WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 12/09/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/19/2015*JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN I TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF COMPLETELY, INSTEAD. TO TURN BACK ON THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS I HAVE TO PULL THE HIGH BEAM LEVER BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON THE HEADLIGHTS I ENGAGE THE HAZARDS SO THAT OTHER VEHICLES CAN STILL SEE ME ON THE ROAD. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-06
- VIN: 2G4WS52J541
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE CAR INCREASE SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL WILL KEEP INCREASING SPEED SLIGHTLY MAKING YOU HIT BRAKES OR PULL OVER. I RESTART THE CAR AND SOMETIMES THIS WILL STOP IT SOMETIMES NOT. IT IS GETTING WORSE AND I HAVE HAD IT TO A DEALER WITH NO FINDING. I HAVE CONTACTED BUICK THROUGH EMAIL AND HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING YET. THE CAR WILL DO THIS EVEN IN THE CITY AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH WE HAVE TO BRAKE OR IT WILL GO FASTER AND FASTER. I HAVE CONTACTED ALL I KNOW TO AND CANNOT FIND WHAT IS GOING ON. I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-03
- VIN: 2G4WS52J541
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE DEFECT COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEYS WERE TOO HEAVY IN THE IGNITION. SINCE REMOVING THE ADDED WEIGHT, THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY OTHER FAILURE OCCURRENCE. UPDATED 05/29/2014 *JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-19
- VIN: 2G4WS52J431
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TRAVELING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- VIN: 2G4WS52J541
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE EVEN THROUGH IT SAYS NO FUEL IT STILL HAS PLENTY IN THE TANK. THE CAR REVERSE UP AND GOES ON ITS OWN WITHOUT USING THE GAS PEDAL AND WHEN YOU PUT THE BRAKES ON IT SHUTTERS. THE WINDOWS DON'T WORK VERY WELL ANYMORE. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-18
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2004 BUICK CENTURY. PROBLEM WITH SEASON TIRES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-28
- VIN: 2G4WS52J541
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW BEAMS, ALL OF THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO HAVE THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM SWITCH REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,700. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED EVERY TIME HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, ANOTHER COMPONENT FAILED. UPDATED 01/10/12
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-11
- VIN: 2G4WS52J541
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THERE IS A PART MISSING ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO USE. I FIND THAT DRIVERS ARE UNWILLING TO FISH THE BUCKLE OFF OF THE FLOOR, AND THE BUCKLE OFTENTIMES WEDGES ITSELF BETWEEN A SEAT LEVER AND THE DOOR. A DRIVER SOMETIMES HAS TO OPEN THE DOOR, EXIT THE CAR, AND RETRIEVE THE BUCKLE FROM ITS HIDING PLACE. DRIVERS (I.E., MY KIDS) ARE VERY DISCOURAGED FROM USING THE BELT. ALL CARS I'VE EVER OWNED HAD LIFETIME WARRANTIES ON SEAT BELTS, AND WERE FIXED PROMPTLY BY DEALERSHIPS WHEN PROBLEMS OCCURRED. MY LOCAL GM DEALER SAYS NOT SO WITH GM CARS. BUICK IGNORES MY EMAIL QUERIES, AND CALLS TO BUICK ARE MET BY CALL CENTER EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PROGRAMMED TO ASK ENDLESS QUESTIONS ABOUT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (PII) ON ME. NO HELP. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-28
- VIN: 2G4WS52JX41
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RECENTLY, IN DEC. 2008 MY CAR HAD A SUSPENSION COMPONENT PART REPLACED. MY 2004 BUICK CENTURY JUST 4 YRS. OLD AND 60,000 MILES NEEDED TO HAVE THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR REPLACED. IT APPEARS THAT A DESIGN DEFECT MAY BE THE PROBLEM RESULTING IN PREMATURE FAILURE. THE STABILIZER BAR ACTUALLY CRACKED AT BOTH ENDS OF THE MOUNTING PLATE. I DID ASK FOR THE ORIGINAL PART FOR FUTURE REFERENCES. MOST OF US WOULD AGREE THAT THIS SUSPENSION COMPONENT SHOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THIS POINT. MY MECHANIC SAID "HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE ON THESE MODELS" AND IS CHECKING THEM DURING THE SAFETY INSPECTION WHICH IS HOW MINE WAS DISCOVERED. I DO BELIEVE THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED, AT LEAST NOT AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE. MOREOVER, LET ME SAY THIS - WITH OVER 35 YEARS OF DRIVING AND OWNING MANY CARS, I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A STABILIZER BAR EITHER AT THE FRONT OR REAR OF THE CAR. AND MY LAST CAR HAD 180,000 MILES BEFORE WE TRADED IT IN. THIS BUICK TUBULAR STABILIZER BAR IS INSUFFICIENT AND APPARENTLY WILL NOT HOLD UP DURING REGULAR DRIVING BY A 55 YR. OLD DRIVER. IT IS MY HOPE THAT YOU WILL INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER (YOU MAY CALL ME) AND DETERMINE WHY IS THIS PART PRONE TO FAILURE. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO CRASH/INCIDENT. RECEIVED INCREASE IN INSURANCE PREMIUM FOR 2004 BUICK CENTURY. CALLED INSURANCE COMPANY WHICH STATED THE INCREASE WAS A RESULT OF COMPANY HAVING INCREASED PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS FOR FAILURE OF AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENTS. ALTHOUGH I AM NOT REPORTING ANY ACCIDENT, I INDICATE TODAY'S DATE OF T HIS REPORT AS 12/15/2008 BELOW. NUMBER OF DEATHS & PERSONS INJURED ARE UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, I PLACED THE NUMBER 1 IN EACH CATEGORY TO "PROCEED" TO THE NEXT WINDOW. FURTHER, I DO NOT KNOW ANY DETAILS OF THOSE ACCIDENTS AS REPORTED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY; THEREFORE, THE "NO" CATEGORIES ARE LEFT IN THE DEFAULT INDICATION. *TR
2004 Buick Century recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2004 Buick Century.
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONSTM" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
- Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
- Manufacturer: DELPHI
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
- Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Negative 2004 Buick Century car reviews
Positive 2004 Buick Century car reviews
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What a fantastic little car!
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Purchased in April 2004. I drive 280 miles a day, three days a week, plus short weekend trips here and there. So far, the gas mileage has been excellent, with 30 to 31 mpg on the highway, which is where I spend most of my driving time. The car is comfortable and peppy when needed, with a 3.1, 6cyl engine. The ride is quiet and smooth, and the controls and dials are easy to read and maneuver.
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Buick should have recalled all these cars due to terrible rocker panel rusting! However, I still love this car that I bought used in 2006. The odometer stopped working 2-3 years ago, but I estimate that I have about 120,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, the body has significant rust that is very expensive to fix.
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The only issue I have noticed is a slight vibration with the wheels. Despite having it checked out by two dealerships, they have not found anything wrong. I believe it may be due to the engine vibration being amplified by the vehicle's light weight. Other than that, it drives similarly to my late father's Oldsmobiles - even giving me the feeling that the transmission is slipping, haha :)
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I bought it while we emigrated to Canada last summer with 40,000 km on the counter. It's been quiet, comfortable, and reliable so far. Although it has an antediluvian style and features even for 2004, the year it was built, I don't even think it has ABS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Buick Century problems:
2004 Buick Century Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
Top 2004 Buick Century Problems · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil · Power Window Switch May Fail · Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid ...
2004 Buick Century Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2004 Buick Century? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2003 century reliable? : r/Buick
Aug 22, 2019 ... Pretty much any mechanic familiar with GM vehicles will know about all of these minor issues. If addressed, this is a solid reliable piece of ...
Buick century 2004 headlights wont turn on - Maintenance/Repairs ...
Oct 28, 2023 ... You probably need a new headlamp driver module (HDM), common problem on GM vehicles. hooking up a scan tool an checking for codes in the BCM ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2001 Buick Century - JustAnswer
Jun 5, 2012 ... I have a 2001 Buick century custom. The starter is good. battery new, dashboard lights up when ignition key is turned.
Other years of Buick Century
Are you having problems with your 2004 Buick Century?
David Bergnaum 2024-05-23
Although the lights stopped working while I was driving at night, I was able to diagnose the issue and confidently fix it. The ride is comfortable and I am able to pass with ease by utilizing the full potential of the vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
Frankie Spinka 2024-05-11
Hi there! I was hoping that this car would be similar to my previous one, the Intrepid 1998. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite compare. Based on my experience, I don't think I'll be purchasing this car again.