1998 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Buick Century: 2 recalls, 218 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #98V102000 · 1998 · 149,342 vehicles
What's wrong: The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers May not be able to properly aim the headlights.
The fix: Owners will be mailed an owner manual's insert which contains the appropriate information.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V356000 · 1999 · 411,880 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the vertical head lamp adjusting device May not be calibrated properly.
Why it matters: Driver visibility May be impaired increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (26): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), door / lock issues (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (14), stalls / loses power (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (24): the most common themes are leaks (2).
The 1998 Buick Century has 218 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Century model years for complaints (2.1× the average Century year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (50 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 57,972 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (106 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (235 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Buick Century.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Buick Century, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 218 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (27), electrical (26), transmission & drivetrain (26).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Century get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.1 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Buick Century repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.