Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
140–25K
2925–50K
1850–75K
1775–100K
17100–150K
6150K+
101 reports with mileage · 53 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
154 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2002
Structure
1. SUNVISORS ARE NOT WIDE (LONG) ENOUGH TO BLOCK DIRECT SUN GLARE ENTERING AT TOP-OUTER CORNERS OF WINDSHIELD. GAPS AT OUTER ENDS BETWEEN VISORS AND CORNER POSTS ARE APPROX. 2 1/2 INCHS. DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AND BUICK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS THE ONLY VISOR DESIGN MADE BY GM THAT WILL FIT. THE MOUNTI…
Read full complaint
1. SUNVISORS ARE NOT WIDE (LONG) ENOUGH TO BLOCK DIRECT SUN GLARE ENTERING AT TOP-OUTER CORNERS OF WINDSHIELD. GAPS AT OUTER ENDS BETWEEN VISORS AND CORNER POSTS ARE APPROX. 2 1/2 INCHS. DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER AND BUICK'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS THE ONLY VISOR DESIGN MADE BY GM THAT WILL FIT. THE MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE PIVOT CANNOT BE MOVED. AT THE OTHER (INSIDE) END OF EACH VISOR THERE IS A PULL OUT EXTENSION, THAT IS NO HELP TO COVER THE OPEN AREA. ON DRIVER'S SIDE THE EXTENSION PREVENTS TILTING THE VISOR FORWARD AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH WOULD POSSIBLY HELP IF IT WERE NOT STOPPED BY CONTACT WITH THE REARVIEW MIRROR. DANGER FROM MORNING AND EVENING SUN GLARE IS NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. I AM NOT THE ONLY DRIVER THAT CAN BE MOMENTARILY BLINDED BY IT. CENTURY APPEARS TO BE THE ONLY MODEL WITH A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THIS REGARD. THE CONFIGURATION OF VISOR AND/OR LOCATION OF PIVOT IN 2002 RENDEVOUS AND PARK AVENUE SERVE TO BLOCK THE GLARE WHERE THE CENTURY DOES NOT. THE DEALER'S REP SAYS VISORS FROM ANOTHER MODEL CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED IN THE CENTURY BECAUSE THE MOUNTING LOCATION IS DIFFERNT IN EACH MODEL. I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR IF I HAD KNOWN AHEAD OF TIME ABOUT THIS HAZARDOUS CONDITION. THE CAR APPEARS TO BE WELL ENGINEERED FOR SAFETY IN OTHER RESPECTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #764378
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK VOLUME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8008400
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2002
Electrical System
THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION, CONSUMER HAS TO JIGGLE KEY TO GET IT TO TURN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8007734
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2002
Electrical System
HORN IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF STEERING WHEEL AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET TI TO SOUND. CONSUMER FEELS IT'S SO DIFFICULT BECAUSE AIRBAG IS LOCATED THERE. CONSUMER CANNOT BLOW HORN, AND FEELS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK *JG
NHTSA ODI #8007724
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2002 Buick Century Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year