Windshield wipers have been standing straight up when in an off position for 6 or 7 years. Found the campaign and then the recall and tried to get a remedy from the on several occasions as well as gm ,to no avail..I was made to buy a motor for the windshield wipers and that worked for a little while. Then last summer or fall I went back to the dealer because now the issue looked to be a recall, and they told me there was, but not for my VIN#, and I was made to pay $70 for the adjustment..it is now not working again ,and I am very frustrated. It is a 1997 buick century. I have to keep the windshield wipers on in the delay mode all the time, rain or shine in order to not have them stand straight up and block my vision..I feel this is dangerous, but that the dealer and gm will not take responsibility because I found the information on my progressive car insurance site. They always bring up recalls for your cars.
1997 Buick Century visibility problems
16 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Windshield wiper/washer6
- Windshield wiper/washer: linkages3
- Windshield wiper/washer: motor2
- Windshield2
- Power window devices and controls2
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: windshield: electrical heating element1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Buick Century visibility problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Buick Century visibility
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers may stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
- Risk
- Driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector. On vehicles receiving a replacement crank arm and new water deflector, dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection away from the crank arm assembly and will install a reinforcement to improve the performance of the wiper park mechanism.
Recall number 99V348000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Windshield wiper
By letter dated december 12, 1999, gm notified the federal safety agency of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 buick regal/century and pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through may 1, 1997.gm determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually during heavy load conditions, due to separation between the drive pin and the crescent in the wiper crank arm assembly.effective may 1, 1997,gm corrected this problem in production by modifying the drive pin and strengthening the crescent.these same improved parts will be installed in the vehicles to be recalled.the scope of the campaign will include all vehicles produced prior to the may 1, 1997 correction (the oldsmobile intrique production did not start until after may 1, 1997, and is therefore not included).vehicles with the scope of this investigation and produced after may 1, 1997, contain the more robust crescent and improved pin design and are not included in the recall campaign.odi will continue to monitor complaint reports on the vehicles produced after may 1, 1997 and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.based on gm's recall action (odi 99v‑348) this investigation is closed.
EA99024
Windshield wiper
Incidents of wiper failure (owner reports and warranty) are very high, and many of the reports indicate that the failures are still occurring in 1999.
PE99028
What 1997 Buick Century owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was on 275w. When my right window wiper arm started to stop then it died, my husband told to see what I could find out on repairing it and cost on the computer, I ran across this little thing on the computer about 1997 buick century's and the right windshield {component: visibility: windshield wiper/washer linkages} well when I read all of it that describes what happen to my wiper. When I called everybody said no not your car, and I said I don't understand because the same thing is wrong with mind.
Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign 99v348000 concerning the windshield wiper linkages. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle is being repaired at the contact's expense.
The wiper on the right side of the front windshield stopped operating during inclement conditions. The vehicle is at the dealer for repairs.
While driving in a rain storm, the windshield wipers quit working. When this occurred, the consumer pulled off the road until the rain stopped. The windshield wipers quit working due to a failure in the windshield wiper motor. Recall 99v348000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included in the recall. *ak *sc
I have a 1997 buick century with windshield wiper problems. By way of history, I have had to take this vehicle to the shop twice (and I believe possibly a third time) because the windshield wipers would not function. Each time, the problem related to some fitting that had to be retightened (I was never shown the precise part by the repair personnel). Now, although the windshield wipers will work properly in the rain, when they are turned off, they go to the upright position, obscuring the windshield. I have learned today, from the federal safety agency website and similar sources, that these problems are well known to buick. Upon reflection, and with 20-20 hindsight, I believe it is highly likely that this problem is caused by the excessive torque generated by the wiper motor at its highest setting (when set at the top setting, the wipers generate so much force, they cause the entire vehicle to shake).
When windshield wipers are operating on delay speed and the wiper switch is turned to off position, wiper blades will stop in middle of windshield, blocking the view of the driver. Dealership previously serviced vehicle for recall 99v348000 in december of 2000, but problem has reoccurred. *ak
Power windows intermittently don't go up or down. Consumer has had to cover window depending on the weather. The deler has found electrical problem.
Recall 99 v 348 000 / windshield wipers: windshield wipers would stop during operation or remain in up right postion, instead of the down postion. Dealer stated that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN. *ak the first time this happened, repairs were covered under warranty.
While driving in a very heavy rain fallwindshield wipers on the driver's side stopped working. Had to pull over and ask assistance from a passing motorist. They got it restarted, but consumer is afraid tha tit will happen again in the rain.
Questions about the 1997 Buick Century visibility
Does the 1997 Buick Century have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Buick Century, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Century visibility problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Buick Century visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 99V348000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Buick Century have the most visibility problems?
The Buick Century model years with the most visibility complaints are 1999 (30 complaints), 1998 (25 complaints) and 2000 (23 complaints).
Other 1997 Buick Century problems
Electrical 20Seat belts 15Steering 15Lights 10Engine 8Airbags 6Brakes 6Suspension 5Body 4Acceleration 3Fuel system 3Tires 3Transmission 2Wheels 1
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