1993 Buick Century Problems
- Complaints
- 54filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Buick Century (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and vehicle fires or smoke, including from the engine area and defroster. Other reports, such as sudden or stuck acceleration, stalls, and brake or steering problems, appear too infrequently to group as separate patterns. Most complaints were filed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and mileage is rarely listed.
- Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in collisions
- 7 complaints (13%)
- typically at 3.8 yrs old
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2000
Owners describe airbags that did not deploy during collisions, including a rear-end collision with another car, a head-on crash, a strike on a concrete pillar, and an impact with a tractor-trailer. The complaints include injuries from a collision in which the airbag did not deploy, and in some cases the manufacturer was contacted. Mileage is not listed in these reports, and where speed is given, the crashes occurred at about 35 to 60 miles per hour.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag system has been checked for fault codes, and confirm that the airbag warning light comes on and goes off normally at startup. Service records covering airbag system repairs can show whether the system was inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving on highway going about 60mph when 18-wheeler tractor trailer crossed into Buick's lane. The vehicle struck the tractor trailer. Upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. The insurance picked up Buick.”
NHTSA complaint #822200, filed 1998-06“Air bag: driving approximately 35mph another vehicle a head made sudden stop. Century was too close to the stop, and ran into the back of vehicle. Air bag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #820145, filed 1998-01 - Engine cooling
Vehicle fires or smoke from engine area or defroster
- 6 complaints (11%)
- median 230,000 mi at 18.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2011
Owners describe smoke or fire starting in the engine area, in the defroster area, or from a battery warning while driving. The complaints also describe a cover under the hood nearly catching fire, with loose pieces falling onto the alternator, which left the car without power on the highway. Owners also describe fire spreading from the engine toward the trunk, and the dealer reportedly had not heard of such fires. Where mileage is listed, it is about 230,000 miles, and the other reports do not list it.
What to check: Look under the hood for loose or heat-damaged covers, wiring, and the alternator area before buying. Ask for repair history on the alternator, battery, and wiring, along with any defroster-related work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on highway vehicle stalled and had to be towed. Technician opened the hood, and found out that cover under the hood (looked like a blanket for noise or fire) had almost caught on fire. Also, no power steering. Pieces that came loose went down into the alternator, causing it to burn up. Vehicle lost all power and the alternator had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #863347, filed 2000-06“1993 Buick Century experienced vehicle fire. While driving down the highway the car jerked a little and the battery light came on. The consumer heard a pop and saw smoke, he then pulled over and the vehicle became engulfed in fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10051900, filed 2003-12
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to test the airbag warning light and check the engine bay and wiring for heat damage or loose covers before purchase. Service records covering the airbag system, alternator, and wiring can help show whether those parts were inspected or replaced.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 24 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Century. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 123,000 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
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.
- Air bags13 24%
- Engine cooling10 19%
- Electrical system5 9.3%
- Seat belts5 9.3%
- Brakes4 7.4%
- Body and structure4 7.4%
- Equipment3 5.6%
- Fuel system3 5.6%
Also reported: Steering (3), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The airbag deployed and pushed the driver to the left side and caused him to break his shoulder. Tt vehicle's accelerator stuck causing vehicle to suddenly accelerate, consumer lost control and crashed into a wall, there was one injury in accident.”
NHTSA complaint #973845, filed 1995-10Engine cooling: “My car dies when the gas tank begins to get $3.50 away from being full. When it dies it will not restart for approximately for 15 minutes. The gas gauge dial begins to waver from side to side when the gas gauge is around $3.50 down from being full. When the gas gauge begins to waver that is a sign to me that I must fill the car up again or it will soon stall. I have had it in the shop off and on for 11 months. I have had the fuel pump replaced but it has not solved the problem. We love this car. It has served us well and we have had no problems to speak of until this problem came about. …”
NHTSA complaint #719636, filed 2000-03Vehicle speed control: “Accelerator cable from fire wall runs right up a long air conditioning line, causing the cable to rub up and down rubbing a hole through the line, shooting freon in the air.”
NHTSA complaint #521621, filed 1997-09Electrical system: “The contact owns a 1993 Buick Century. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and the defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke emitting from the defroster area. The contact moved the vehicle away from his residence and turned the engine off but the smoke continued. The contact then opened the hood and a fire erupted. The fire was extinguished and the contact sustained a knee infection from attempting to move the vehicle away from his residence. A fire report was available. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390033, filed 2011-03, 230,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,000 and 230,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 Buick Century. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Century Compact Passenger CAR · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | — |
| Century Medium Passenger CAR · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 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 | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Century FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Century FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 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
- 95V173000Sep 15, 1995Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Buick Century 1989–1996, Oldsmobile Ciera 1989–1990, 1994–1996, Cutlass 1991–1993 +2 more
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."
- 93V121000Jul 21, 1993Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Buick Century 1993, Chevrolet Cavalier 1993, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1993 +1 more
The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Recall details for the 1993 Buick Century → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
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
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Buick Century?
Owners of this model year most often describe airbags that did not deploy in collisions, and vehicle fires or smoke, including from the engine area and defroster. The issues reported most often: Airbags did not deploy in collisions; Vehicle fires or smoke from engine area or defroster.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Buick Century have?
NHTSA recorded 54 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Century as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Buick Century is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 13 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 10.
Has the 1993 Buick Century been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Buick Century get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Buick Century (Century, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Buick Century reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 123,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,000 and 230,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.