1989 Buick Century Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 18%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1989 Buick Century, 18% of the 40 complaints for this model year. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer has had 2 accidents relating to engine acceleration. Both times this happened the same way. Consumer has a very steep driveway. On sept. 11-2000, vehicle was in reverse & it accelerated backwards at a maxium speed. Mechanic found that thermostat ring gasket, idle air control valve & computer scan were the causes.”
NHTSA complaint #870808, filed 2000-09“Consumer started up vehicle and engine was running a little fast. Consumer had foot on brake , put vehicle in gear and it took off while foot was on brake. Vehicle didn't stop until they ended up in a creek. Consumer's insurance company contacted dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #860709, filed 2000-04“Listed vehicle was involved in 10-car crash at intersection in our jurisdiction after accelerator on vehicle stuck, following victim's use of car wash. Victim got into vehicle after car wash, put vehicle's transmission into drive, and vehicle accelerated rapidly, reaching a maximum speed of approx. 90 MPH before crashing into a large commercial vehicle, causing the crash listed above. The driver of the Buick in this listed questionnaire died due to injuries received.”
NHTSA complaint #700603, filed 1998-11“While engine idled high, consumer shifted vehicle out of park into drive with brakes depressed, and vehicle drove off out of control, running into a creek.”
NHTSA complaint #860440, filed 2000-04Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 14 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 10% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 13 | 12% |
| 1993 | 8 | 15% |
| 1992 | 5 | 11% |
| 1991 | 5 | 13% |
| 1989 | 7 | 18% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1989 Buick Century
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Buick Century
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology