1981 Buick Century recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. "TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V036000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
Summary: "TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH "TX"HEAVY DUTY WHEELS.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; WHEELS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF SEPARATION OF WHEEL AND TIRE FROM VEHICLE OCCURSWHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL ANDHAVE AN ACCIDENT.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
What could happen:
The fix: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V025000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS THE REAR AXLE. FRACTURE OF THE BOLTS WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP FREE.
Consequence:
Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FRACTURE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
3. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. THE STEEL USED IN SOME COMPACT SPARE WHEELS IS TOO THIN. WHILE IN SERVICE THE WHEEL MAY FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.
What could happen:
The fix: SPARE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECALL NOTIFICATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V009000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS
Summary: THE STEEL USED IN SOME COMPACT SPARE WHEELS IS TOO THIN. WHILE IN SERVICE THE WHEEL MAY FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence:
Remedy: SPARE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECALL NOTIFICATION.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LIMITED SLIP AXLES ANDCOMPACT SPARE WHEEL ASSEMBLIES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; COMPACT SPARE WHEEL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF SEPARATION OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1981 Buick Century owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
04/21/1998 · Brakes
REAR WHEEL BRAKE CYLINDERS ROTATE IN BACKING PLATE CAUSING THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP.