2002 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Buick Century: 0 recalls, 154 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
0 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.
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, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (25): the most common themes are leaks (12), warning light on (4), fire / smoke (3).
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Exterior lights (24): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (4).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 2002 Buick Century has 154 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Century model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 106). Complaints peaked in 2005 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 62,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (145 complaints, 3 recalls), 2003 (127 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 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 2002 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 2002 Buick Century have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 Buick Century, but 2 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2002 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (25), electrical (24), exterior lights (24).
What gas mileage does the 2002 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 2002 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.