1987 Buick Century Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Buick Century (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Century. The part named most often is steering, with 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system (3) and engine cooling (3). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Steering complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering8 29%
- Electrical system3 11%
- Engine cooling3 11%
- Brakes2 7.1%
- Other or unknown2 7.1%
- Seat belts2 7.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.1%
- Fuel system1 3.6%
- Seats1 3.6%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “In 1992 the maxiguard anti-theft aftermaket device was installed. The maxiguard anti-theft device wires caught on fire and caused damage to the vehicle. Cause of the fire was a short in the anti-theft device.”
NHTSA complaint #824528, filed 1998-06Electrical system: “Owner has had 3 batteries replaced and 1 new alternator because of an electrical malfunction in the vehicle. Dealer claims that something electrical stays on in the vehicle even when it cuts off.”
NHTSA complaint #833785, filed 1999-01Engine cooling: “Vehicle stalled 10 times from purchase date. Has been in the same family since it was bought new. It has been repaired many times, but never fixed. Is there any way we can get it fixed and can the manufacturer help? After searching your web page I now know that we weren't the only one with this problem. This car has been sitting for a few years now. Help!”
NHTSA complaint #718182, filed 2000-02Transmission and drivetrain: “Transmission slips and doesn't lock into gear. Also makes clunking sound when acceleration is let off then re-applied. This car was driven gently throughout its life by senior citizens.”
NHTSA complaint #10069540, filed 2004-01, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 90,000 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Buick Century version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Century FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Century FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Century FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Century FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1987 Buick Century in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- EA92024Sticking throttleClosed · Jun 26, 1992
- EA89026Loss of power steeringClosed · Jun 12, 1989
- PE89105Power steering hose failsClosed · Mar 20, 1989
- EA89010Brake ineffectivenessClosed · Jan 17, 1989
- EA87022STALLINGClosed · Aug 27, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Buick Century.
Other model years of the Buick Century
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 19 | 68,977 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 39 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 127 | 63,546 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 154 | 62,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 145 | 54,800 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 193 | 60,935 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 235 | 56,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 218 | 57,972 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 106 | 94,944 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 80 | 75,550 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 99 | 92,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 106 | 88,500 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 54 | 123,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 45 | 94,500 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 38 | 45,082 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 33 | — | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 40 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 16 | — | 3 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 22 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 8 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Century model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Buick Century have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Century as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Buick Century is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 1987 Buick Century been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Buick Century get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Buick Century (Century, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Buick Century reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 90,000 and 90,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.