2002 Buick Century: grinding or squealing brakes

6 of the 154 complaints about the 2002 Buick Century describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2003
6
2002
6
2001
4
2000
4
1999
3
1998
2
1996
2
1994
4
1992
1
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Jan 11, 2012 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · NY

This latest series of incidents occurred while braking hard. The anti lock braking system failed with a grinding sound occurring. The "anti lock" brake light goes on, the "trac off" light goes on and the "service vehicle soon" light goes on. Since this incident, both while braking and when I'm not braking I will hear the grinding sound and then the lights might go on and stay on till the car is shut off. This problem has been going on for about 2 weeks and happens on most of my driving trips. About a year ago the same problem occurred and it took till may to determine that it was a faulty wire harness on the left side of the car. I only found this solution by going on the internet. The difference between the two sets of instances is that turning left and slowing down triggered the issue from a year ago while there seems to be no trigger for the current series of anti lock failures. It seems that many individuals have had this problem and when it kicks in while braking it takes longer to stop the car. I would think that this is a safety hazard and should require a full investigation before somebody gets hurt.

Filed Mar 20, 2008 · Body · NH

I purchased a new 2002 buick century from auto mall, putney, vt on 0/06/01- only have 57,000 miles on the vehicle now. Air conditioner fixed 3 times; still not working; brakes fixed; still squeak before my car could be inspected the line for the back brake lights which were rusted needed to be repaired in feb 2008 [$300]. On march 1, 2008 my brakes went; brought to nearest garage; brake line rusted out and was replaced [$200] I was informed by the mechanic that the rocker panels were rusted and should not have passed inspection. Informed dealership; brought vehicle for diagnosis and estimate [$5,000]. Was told by gmac that vehicle's warranty ended on 11/06/07. I am awaiting word weather they will cover some of the repair work.

Filed Aug 13, 2007 · Brakes · 35,408 miles · NY

2002 buick century with brake failure customer states that brake problems this early only means more problems to come**cc the consumer stated the vehicle was service for a brake squeak for a period of 1 to 2 days after it rained the consumer was told there was no problem, but the dealer did clean and adjust the rear brakes. The consumer stated the brake continued to squeak. A year and 1 month later, the anti-lock brake light illuminated due to water intrusion on the hub. The consumer was told the brake squeak and water intrusion were un-related.

Filed Apr 15, 2005 · Wheels · WI

Wheel and/or hub cap squeaks are evident at lower road speeds. I complained to dealer in october of last year, and the noise from the wheel/hub caps was getting worse. At that time the car was still under warranty, and I feel that this should be corrected by the manufacturer and/or dealer.

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · LA

When it rains the brakes squeal. Even when the humidity is high the brakes will not hold. When the brakes are applied, the vehicle skids forward. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. The consumer was told by the dealer that this was how the vehicle was designed, and there was nothing else they could do. *ak

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Brakes · 14,200 miles · NJ

The brake pads wore out prematurely to the point where they were making a grinding metal to metal noise. The brakes were not able to stop vehicle immediately when applied. This resulted in extended stopping distanced. Dealership replaced front brake pads and adjusted the rear brakes.