1994 Buick Century Problems
- Complaints
- 106filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,500miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns 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
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 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 brake problems — ABS warning lights, pulsing or a pedal that goes soft before braking returns — and airbags that did not deploy in frontal crashes. Cruise control and unintended high idle when starting or shifting into gear also come up repeatedly, along with engine noises, oil use and stalling.
- Brakes
ABS light on and inconsistent brake feel
- 15 complaints (14%)
- typically at 4.0 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Complaints describe the ABS warning light coming on and staying on, sometimes after rain, and a brake pedal that clicks, drops toward the floor, then comes back with normal braking. Others report grinding or vibration at the wheels, or the car continuing to roll further than expected when stopping at low speed. Some owners had sensors cleaned or replaced and controllers swapped without the symptom going away, and in a few cases dealers reported finding nothing wrong. Reported across a wide mileage range; several complaints link the ABS light to wet or rainy conditions.
What to check: Ask for brake and ABS service records, and check whether the ABS light comes on during a test drive, especially on a wet day. Have the ABS sensors and controller inspected before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 3 separate occassions that resulted in an accident, twice with me and once with my wife, the brakes have failed to stop the vehicle. Their have been numerous other occasions where the brakes have failed to stop the the vehicle in a panic or near panic situation. The anti-lock works fine, the problem is that the brakes will not bring the car to a complete stop. It keeps rolling many feet farther than is safe. The three accidents ocurred at les than 5 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #748588, filed 2001-07“Abs light would stay on & then would go out after awhile. Can hear a click sound when ABS brakes are applied. Would slow down, but does not stop right away. Pedal goes to floor when ABS brakes make clicking sound. Pedal would pop up & would have braking ability again. Happens intermittently. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #846458, filed 1999-09 - Air bags
Airbag did not deploy in a frontal crash
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 63,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2003
Owners describe frontal impacts at moderate speed in which the driver's airbag, and in some cases both front airbags, did not deploy. In one report a dealer said the impact was not severe enough to trigger the airbag. One owner also notes that an added on/off switch left the airbag indicator showing the system still on when switched off. Reported in crashes at roughly 15 to 45 mph; most sampled complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on briefly at startup and then goes out; a light that stays on or never lights can indicate a system fault. Ask whether the airbag system has ever been diagnosed or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 15 MPH vehicle was rearended by another vehicle that was traveling about 40mph, and pushed consumer's vehicle into an embankment, crushing the front end. Vehicle went int bushes. Upon impact, driver's airbag did not deploy, which did not protect the occupant in this crash. No previous problem with airbag system.”
NHTSA complaint #862660, filed 2000-05“At a stop sign and proceeded forward, had a direct frontal impact in which the driver's airbag did not deploy, and did not protect the occupant. Dealer said frontal impact was suppose to be higher in order to activate the airbag. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #835395, filed 1999-03 - Engine cooling
Engine noise, oil use and stalling
- 14 complaints (13%)
- median 93,298 mi at 10.2 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2004
Owners report clattering from the engine that grew louder over time and was not resolved by replacing a belt tension pulley, along with high oil consumption with an oil smell but no visible leak. Others describe the engine stalling when the accelerator is pressed from a stop or between 40 and 45 mph, and engine mounts that were corroded and separating. Mostly reported on higher-mileage cars; the sample does not give a consistent mileage figure.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or oil smell on the dipstick, listen for cold-start rattle, and inspect engine mounts for corrosion or cracking. Ask how often oil has been added between changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“With the amount of miles on this car, I feel we should not be replacing the engine. We are very upset with this situation and would like some correspondence and explaination for these types of problems.”
NHTSA complaint #703678, filed 1999-02“When starting vehicle, there is an unusual noise coming from the engine, it clatters and as time has went on, the noise gets louder, consumer feels this had to do with the service bulletin 57-61-24, dealers have not been able to fix problem, one dealer stated the problem was the belt tension pulley and replaced it, however problem did not cease.”
NHTSA complaint #818702, filed 1997-11 - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control will not disengage or surges
- 10 complaints (9%)
- typically at 3.0 yrs old
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Complaints describe the car accelerating on its own when the cruise control is engaged, and cruise control that would not release when the driver wanted it off — in one case stopping required shutting off the ignition. Others describe the engine revving high and the car lurching forward when the key was turned or the selector moved into drive, even with the brake applied. One dealer attributed a high-idle condition to a short in the multifunction lever. Reported across the model's life with no clear mileage pattern in the sample.
Recall 93V162000Recall 94V008000Recall 94V021000
What to check: Ask whether the cruise control cable and accelerator return spring recalls were completed, and test that the cruise control disengages with the brake pedal and the switch. Note any high idle right after a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer was driving on the highway at 55-60 MPH with cruise control engaged. Cruise control failed to disengage when consumer needed; consumer was able to move over to emergency lane and turned off ignition switch which caused cruise control to disengage. Dealer/mfr. Notified, and informed consumer vehicle is no longer under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #829362, filed 1998-10“First crash---vehicle acelerated uncontrollably with foot on brake / second crash---vehicle accelerated in reverse extremeley fast with gear shift in the park position upon turning key in ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #746992, filed 2001-06
Buying note. On a car of this age, service history matters more than the odometer: confirm the open safety recalls are done, and budget for a brake and ABS inspection. A pre-purchase check by a mechanic who can look at the belts, brakes and engine mounts is worthwhile.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 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 106 consumer complaints for the 1994 Buick Century. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,500 miles. Of all complaints, 24 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 21 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins 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.
- Brakes20 19%
- Air bags14 13%
- Engine cooling14 13%
- Vehicle speed control13 12%
- Electrical system10 9.4%
- Seat belts9 8.5%
- Steering8 7.5%
- Fuel system7 6.6%
- Suspension7 6.6%
Also reported: Seats (4), Tires (4), Wheels (4), Equipment (3), Exterior lighting (3), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “While driving vehicle would start to slow down. Abs brakes felt like a short delay before kicking in sto stop. Abs brakes also felt like they were slipping. Have taken vehicle to dealer's mechanic & a private mechanic to check out ABS brakes. In both instances, nothing was found wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #851745, filed 1999-10Air bags: “The owner has an on/off switch that has been installed, and when it is in the off position,the airbag light indicates that the airbag is still on. Dealer has not seen vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #849290, filed 1999-09Engine cooling: “I took the car in for the august 1998 recall on emissions equipment. They first said they didn't have the part, then they said they had the part and had replaced it, they did not. I had them do the seat belt recall, but have no idea whether they really did it or not. I have no idea whether the previous recalls, on the front end, for example were ever done. I called the manufacturer and they said my grievance was with the local people as everyone has their own local policies. …”
NHTSA complaint #704942, filed 1999-03Vehicle speed control: “Vehicle experienced high acceleration when consumer engaged speed control. Dealer notified, and infomred consumer that a electrical shortage was in the multiple function lever.”
NHTSA complaint #828532, filed 1998-10Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,825 and 93,597 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 1994 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 · 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 1994 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 | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Century FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Century Wagon FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
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."
- 94V189000Oct 4, 1994Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › ArmCovers: Buick Century 1994, Oldsmobile Ciera 1994
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.
- 94V159000Aug 31, 1994Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Buick Century 1994, Oldsmobile Ciera 1994
Water intrusion can cause a short circuit in the power door lock assembly.
- 94V008000Jan 12, 1994Vehicle speed control › SpringsCovers: Buick Century 1994, Oldsmobile Ciera 1994
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."
- 94V021000Jan 8, 1994Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Buick Century 1994
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.
- 93V162000Sep 27, 1993Vehicle speed controlCovers: Buick Century 1994, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1994
The cruise control cable may separate from the conduit end fitting while engaged and accelerator control could be lost.
Recall details for the 1994 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. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10168979Nov 22, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10165876Sep 5, 2019Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10141381May 31, 2018Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 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 1994 Buick Century?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems — ABS warning lights, pulsing or a pedal that goes soft before braking returns — and airbags that did not deploy in frontal crashes. The issues reported most often: ABS light on and inconsistent brake feel; Airbag did not deploy in a frontal crash; Engine noise, oil use and stalling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Buick Century have?
NHTSA recorded 106 consumer complaints for the 1994 Buick Century as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Buick Century is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 20 complaints (19% of the total), followed by air bags with 14.
Has the 1994 Buick Century been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Buick Century get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Buick Century (Century Wagon, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Buick Century reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,500 miles and the middle half falls between 65,825 and 93,597 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. 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.