1999 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Buick Century: 3 recalls, 235 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V170000 · 1999 · 168,559 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (ebcm) to the engine compartment body rail.
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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V375000 · 2004 · 199,793 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements.
Why it matters: Less illumination May reduce the ability of the driver to read overhead signs when driving at night.
The fix: Dealers will install new low beam headlamp bulbs in both of the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on September 8, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
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. 4 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (55): the most common themes are leaks (25), overheating (8), noise or vibration (5).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (29): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), rust / corrosion (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (25): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (7), leaks (5).
- Exterior lights (24): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
The 1999 Buick Century has 235 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 16 Century model years for complaints (2.2× the average Century year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (32 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 56,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (218 complaints, 2 recalls), 2000 (193 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 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 1999 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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (55), visibility (wipers, glass) (29), brakes (hydraulic) (25).
What gas mileage does the 1999 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 1999 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.