Buick Century overheating problems

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Engine · 40,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick century. The contact stated that the engine manifold gasket was deteriorating and caused the engine to overheat. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dex cool antifreeze. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the lower manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 02/09/15

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick century. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Engine · 144,900 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and the temperature warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the oil level and discovered that the anti freeze was leaking into the oil. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower gasket intake set failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,900 and the current mileage was 144,950.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Engine · 150,000 miles · PA

My vehicle was overheating. I took it to a local mechanic and they found that my antifreeze was leaking into my oil. He stated that the intake manifold gasket has broken and had to replace the gasket, intake push rods, and exhaust push rods.

Filed Dec 8, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 234,730 miles · AL

I have a 2002 buick century limited and while driving 60 MPH on the interstate the low trac light came on, the anti-lock brake light came on and the car started shuttering and making a loud noise when braking. It also pulls when the brakes are pressed when the lights are on and the brakes are hard to press. When I turn the car off the lights go off and there are none of the symptoms until the lights come on again. I was told it was a faulty wheel speed sensor and was going to get it repaired when all of the sudden the car overheated. I get the car serviced regularly and it has never overheated before. After having the thermostat and the water pump changed I was told that the problem is either the intake gasket or the head gasket. I was told the dexcool antifreeze breaks the gaskets down and the car could leak antifreeze without being noticed. I had the car towed to my home where it'll have to sit until I can afford to get it fixed. I own the car and I am on a fixed income and cannot afford the prices that mechanics want to charge to fix the gaskets. I found information online that buick knew about the dexcool and had a recall but it's no longer active and I would like to know why. I think they should fix their mistakes and not make their customers pay for them.

Filed Sep 24, 2012 · Engine · 87,784 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick century. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that they would contact her at a later date. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 87,784 and the current mileage was 146,556.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Transmission · 54,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 buick century. While driving at speeds of 15 MPH uphill, the vehicle began exhibiting unusual noises and shifting gears excessively hard. The vehicle overheated and was taken to a local repair shop. The failure could not be duplicated. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to a second repair shop. The independent mechanic utilized a transmission cleaning solution in an attempt to correct the failure. The repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a third repair shop where she was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,500 and the current mileage was 55,200. The VIN was not available. Updated 05/19/10.

Filed May 12, 2009 · Engine · 30,800 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick century. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repair and they discovered an engine coolant leak. The dealer suggested that the head gasket be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 30,800.

Filed Apr 11, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 64,218 miles · FL

Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 buick century custom and complained about the following problems: the lower intake manifold gasket, the thermostat, and water pump. These components had to be replaced because the vehicle was overheating. The rear brake shoes and a leaking cylinder also had to be replaced. The rear drums, and the switch on the driver's side for the power windows where replaced due to possible fire concerns. In addition, the right outer tie rod end on the passenger's side wheel was loose and had to be repaired. Since the vehicle was inherited in 2003 all the aforementioned failures had to be replaced or repaired starting in 2005. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, and they stated they would not reimburse the contact because there was no relationship established with the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. The current mileage was 74,442, and the failure mileage was 64,218.*ak the consumer has provided invoices of services and checked with gm to see if there was a recall on the gasket manifold, however she was informed no recall was issued for that part. Update 05/10/07

Filed Oct 25, 2006 · Engine · 32,000 miles · TN

Overheating engine & ticking sound. Took to dealer twice before the warranty expired. Always a little bit of repair. After warranty expired same problem but then needed over 600.00 in repairs. Later same problem 300.00 in repairs. Always thermostat or water pump. The temp gauge goes up and low coolant light came on, same as before, a mechanic was at the cafe I work at & looked at the car. He stated that there was oil in the radiator & that he had seen this problem from these gm products many many times and that I would have to have a new engine. Added coolant & it lasted a little while. Took to another mechanic for second opinion & was told the same. The temp light does not come on but the low coolant light comes on. The ticking got louder and took to dealer for their opinion, ask them to check the coolant to see if oil was in it. Was told that the noise was from a stuck lifter & they put in a heavier weight oil & additive to oil change & that the fluids looked good. 2 weeks later let 4th mechanic look, he put is finger in radiator & showed me the gunk, said I have a blown head gasket & more. He has seen hundreds of the same problem. Told that gm should be held accountable, that they know their is a problem and do nothing about it and try to cover it up. Gm should have done a recall on the problem. I have found hundreds of complaints online in the past weeks. I don't want money or new car I just want mine fixed by the company responsible. The dealer has lied to me about this & I am very upset, this is why my son and I are freezing to death in the car, the gunk has gunked up everything it has come in contact with, including the heating core. According to one complaint a very good mechanic has decided that their are two problems one affecting the other. A cooling system grounding problem, electrolysis resulting in corrosion & disintegration of parts and gaskets & then dexcool which is unstable in an electrically charged environment & turns it in to goop.