Check a VIN

1991 Buick Century problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Buick Century is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Century model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
38
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 1991 Buick Century problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    9
  • Electrical
    8
  • Engine
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Seat belts
    4

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    9
  • Electrical
    8
  • Engine
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Seats
    4
  • Transmission
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Body
    1

Recalls 2

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported September 15, 1995 · 2,216,325 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 95V173000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: reclinerReported September 1, 1992 · 319,181 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The power seat or recliner wiring harness can be pinched or can chafe on the seat frame or spring support rod, wearing through the wire insulation and causing an electrical short.
Risk
The high current caused by the electrical short welds thecircuit breaker elements together in the closed position, leaving the circuitunprotected and generating sufficient heat to burn the wire insulation andignite the seat cushion material.
Remedy
Repair any abraded wiring and reroute the wiring harness using a wiring harness clip.

Recall number 92V124000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1991 Buick Century

Defect investigations

Sticking throttleOpened June 26, 1992, closed January 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

EA92024

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Buick Century 1

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1991 Buick Century fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylFWD18-1926-2821-22
3.3L 6‑cylFWD1723-2719-20

What 1991 Buick Century owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 2, 2017 · 165 miles · AZ

I put the key in I turn it and out cranks but won't turn over.stationary

Filed Dec 16, 2014 · Engine · 90,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 buick century (n/a). The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · AR

Transmission doesnt want to go in gear after making a turn. Have not had the car repaired because the value of it is approx. $2,725 only. Have only had an estimate. The repair-man said he thought it was a sprague. Dont know if this is correct spelling. I realize the car is old, but the mileage is low for this many years. Now, the service engine soon light comes on after car warms up- and stays on- transmission man said didnt have anything to do with the trans. Have not had a computer diagnosis.

Filed Dec 19, 2001 · Brakes · KS · crash

Wheel cylinder detached from mounting point,got caught up in brake shoes, which caused wheel to freeze up, leading to rollover accident

Filed Jul 19, 2001 · Engine, Visibility · NC

The engine stalls everytime the car is driven more than 50 miles, the vehicle stalls at low speeds on turns, it stalls while driving at highway speeds, after the engine is restarted it races, dealer is unable to detect the problem. Nlm

Filed Mar 16, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA · crash · 4 injuries

When switching gear from drive to reverse engine sudden accelerated, crashing into vehicle behind. Then, switched gear to drive and engine sudden accelerated again, crashing into vehicle in front. Vehicle took off on it's own, driving over curve and crashing into a wall then, hitting an utility pole. Vehicle was totaled.

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Engine · MI

When driving at any speed without prior warning vehicle cuts off, causing loss of all power. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of problem. Please provide any further details.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · WI

Engine began overheating, consumer had all 6 frost plugs replaced and the water pump, starter, thermostat, head gasket and resurfaced the engine head. Nlm

Filed Jan 18, 2000 · Acceleration · AZ

While in the off position the cruise control activated, accelerating the engine, this has happened at various speeds and in the park position.

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Seats · TX

The front seat bracket broke off leaving the seat loose and unstable. Yh

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 Buick Century before you buy

Compare the 1991 Buick Century

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 1991 Buick Century

Is the 1991 Buick Century reliable?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 1991 Buick Century, fewer than a typical Century model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Buick Century?

Brakes, with 9 complaints. Next is electrical (8).

How many recalls does the 1991 Buick Century have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts and seats.

What year does the Buick Century have bad brakes?

The Buick Century model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (31 complaints), 1998 (29 complaints) and 1999 (29 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Buick Century get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Buick Century range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-19 city and 26-28 highway.

Share your experience with the 1991 Buick Century

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1991 Buick Century?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN