1994 Buick Century recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL SPRING FAILURE, THE SECONDARY (BACK-UP) ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING WILL NOT RETURN THE THROTTLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM."
What could happen: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V008000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL SPRING FAILURE, THE SECONDARY (BACK-UP) ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING WILL NOT RETURN THE THROTTLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL RETURN SPRING; FMVSS NO. 214. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH 3.1L L82 ENGINES. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-521-7300 OR CONTACT OLDSMOBILE SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. DURING ASSEMBLY, WATER MAY HAVE ENTERED THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT CAUSING IT TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT AND/OR BINDING CONDITION IN VERY COLD WEATHER.
What could happen: HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITIONS CAUSE LOSS OF NORMALTHROTTLE CONTROL OR THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: THE DEALER WILL PURGE THE THROTTLE CABLE OF ANY INTERNALLY TRAPPED WATER, IF IT IS PRESENT.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V021000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary: DURING ASSEMBLY, WATER MAY HAVE ENTERED THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT CAUSING IT TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT AND/OR BINDING CONDITION IN VERY COLD WEATHER.
Consequence: HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITIONS CAUSE LOSS OF NORMALTHROTTLE CONTROL OR THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL PURGE THE THROTTLE CABLE OF ANY INTERNALLY TRAPPED WATER, IF IT IS PRESENT.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGES; ACCELERATOR; FLEXIBLE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE RIGHT HAND SPINDLE NUT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AND OVER TIME, THE SPINDLE CAN FRACTURE.
What could happen: THIS WOULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE RIGHT HAND FRONT SPINDLE NUT. IF THE SPINDLE NUT IS UNDERTORQUED THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT HAND FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY AND THE SPINDLE NUT WILL BE REPLACED.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V189000.
- 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: STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
Summary: THE RIGHT HAND SPINDLE NUT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AND OVER TIME, THE SPINDLE CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence: THIS WOULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE RIGHT HAND FRONT SPINDLE NUT. IF THE SPINDLE NUT IS UNDERTORQUED THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT HAND FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY AND THE SPINDLE NUT WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; INDEPENDANT FRONT; SPINDLE; KNUCKLE; STEERING. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY.
What could happen: A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY AND ANY CORRODED TERMINALS. IN ADDITION, THE NEW RELAY WILL BE RELOCATED TO AN AREA WHERE WATER INTRUSION IS LESS LIKELY.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V159000.
- 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: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY AND ANY CORRODED TERMINALS. IN ADDITION, THE NEW RELAY WILL BE RELOCATED TO AN AREA WHERE WATER INTRUSION IS LESS LIKELY.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; DOOR ASSEMBLY; LATCHES AND LOCKS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH POWER DOOR LOCKS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-521-7300 OR OLDSMOBILE SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO,CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
5. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONDUIT END FITTING WHILE ENGAGED AND ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD BE LOST.
What could happen: LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL MAY NOT REDUCE ENGINE SPEEDTO A LEVEL ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE STOPPEDWITH THE SERVICE BRAKE, LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix: REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V162000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONDUIT END FITTING WHILE ENGAGED AND ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD BE LOST.
Consequence: LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL MAY NOT REDUCE ENGINE SPEEDTO A LEVEL ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE STOPPEDWITH THE SERVICE BRAKE, LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE.
Notes: SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; SPEED CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH 3.1L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPONSERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREEOF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT BUICK SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-521-7000 OR OLDSMOBILE SERVICE CENTERAT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETYADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
6. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
What could happen: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
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 1994 CENTURY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V173000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH A NEW SHOULDER BOLT AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. ADDITIONALLY, NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; ACTIVE RESTRAINTS; BELT ANCHOR AND ATTACHMENT; FMVSS NO.210. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1994 Buick Century owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (21), Hydraulic (21), Vehicle Speed Control (16), Airbags (15), Engine (15).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/26/2010 · Lights
SINCE 1990 AUTO HAVE COME WITH PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES. AFTER ABOUT TWO YEARS THEY BECOME CLOUDY AND RESTRICT THE RANGE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. A WALK THROUGH THE PARKING LOT WILL CONFIRM THE CLOUDINESS, AND COMPARING A NEW ONE WITH AN OLD ONE SHOWS AN ALMOST 50% REDUCTION IN NIGHT RANGE. THE REPLACEMENT UNITS ARE $150.00 AND UP COMPARED TO $15 FOR THE OLDER…
01/20/2009 · Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE TIE ROD FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIE ROD BROKE IN HALF. UPDATED 03/17…
06/23/2006 · Suspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON APRIL 10TH 2006 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP TO SHEMY THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT AS WELL AS REPLACE THE RIGHT INNER TIRE ROADS AND END BUSHINGS. THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO SERVICE WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVEWAY GOING 5 MPH THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP WHO DETE…
02/07/2006 · Wheels / tires · crash
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELS ALONG 113 IN KANKAKEE IL AT APPROX 55 MPH, AS VEHICLE ENTERED A BEND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A LEFT SIDE SPIN OVER THE EMBANKMENT AND INTO A FENCE POLL. VEHICLE DID ROLL POSSIBLY TWO TIME. VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, IF ANYBODY ELSE WAS IN THE VEHICLE TH…
10/05/2004 · Fuel system
ENGINE INJECTOR FAILURE. *BF THE CONSUMER HAS 5 INJECTORS ON THE VEHICLE AND SO FAR ONLY 1 HAS FAILED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT EVENTUALLY THE REMAINING INJECTORS WILL HAVE TO REPLACED. THE CONSUMER THE MANUFACTURER KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS AS FAR AS 1994. THE INJECTOR PROBLEM HAS CAUSED ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS ENGINE HESITATION WHEN THE…
04/22/2004 · Seat belts
DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL NO LONGER RETRACT. DEALER STATED BOTH SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
02/23/2004 · Steering
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ENGINE SHUTDOWN WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURN WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH. *LA THE CONSUMER OWN A 1991 BUICK CENTURY AND HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH HIS VEHICLE AS HE DID WITH HIS FATHER'S VEHICLE (1994 BUICK CENTURY) AS STATED IN THE RECALL. *PH
01/22/2004 · Wheels / tires
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MODEL STEEL RADIAL SIZE 185P/75R14, REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK