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.
Buick Century grinding brakes problems
33 of the 1,688 owner complaints about the Buick Century describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical mileage
- 35,408
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 buick century. While driving 40 MPH the contact applied the brakes and heard a grinding metal sound coming from the brakes. The brakes failed to engage properly causing the contact to crash into a vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was written for the incident. The vehicle was currently being diagnosed by the repair shop. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 150000. The VIN was not available. Updated 10/05/10 *bf updated 10/07/10
Almost every time the headlights are changed from high to low beams the lights will shut off compleatly and I will have no headligts at all, I have gone out and purchased a new turnsignal switch and plan to put it in as soon as posible and I will have the old part still. The front drive assembely will grind any time a tire loses traction and spins in either the rain or snow on pavement or off the road in a driveway so my car has been driving in one wheel drive instead of two wheel drive, I have not had the chance to go and buy a new drive axel assembely to correct the problem.
2000 buick century. Frequently I apply pressure to brakes and the car will not stop for several feet. I push pedal all the way down, it makes a grinding sound and sort of vibrates but car will not stop. Several times just missed hitting other cars/people. I am also a single parent with small children in my car. I have changed brakes, rotors, etc. Several times in last couple years. Have been to many different mechanics & dealer- none can find problem. Problem most often happens when it is cold outside. I am lucky no one has been hurt- or worse, but unable to afford another vehicle right now.
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.
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.
Tl*- the contact owns a 1999 buick century. While driving at approximately 75 MPH on the highway the contact heard a loud grinding noise. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed the tire blew out. The road conditions were clear. There were no pot holes or other road hazards visible on the highway. There was approximately 6000 miles on the tire at the time of the blowout. The tire was a douglas touring p205/70r15 bw. The vehicle currently had an odometer reading of 43000 miles.
2001 buick century with 25,000 miles, needed to have entire transmission replaced. Some slippage a week before, then two stop signs, slippage, then horrible grinding. When mechanic tore down transmission, shards of metal were found. Word from the shop was that they had never seen this model at 25,000 miles, usually see this model around 40,000 miles.
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.
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
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes. The bolt head(s) on the rear spindle rod can separate.
- Risk
- The rear wheel can shift, causing rear steering of the vehicle. The driver could lose control and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear spindle bolts.
Recall number 00V143000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Some of these vehicles with the key in the "on" position, exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe.
- Risk
- This short can cause extreme heating of the flexible brake pipe where it can melt a nearby flexible plastic fuel hose, which could result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.
Recall number 99V170000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
- Risk
- The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
- Remedy
- Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.
Recall number 93V121000 · Recall details
Questions about the Buick Century grinding brakes
Which Buick Century years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (6 complaints), 2003 (6 complaints) and 1994 (4 complaints).
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