1996 Buick Century Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Buick Century, 6% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 3 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.
“In 2003 I had the air bag system of my 1996 Buick Century wagon serviced at ragsdale chevrolet in spencer, ma. The initial reason for bringing the car in for servicing was that the airbag light was on. The mechanics of ragsdale chevrolet then went through the system and replaced the sensors. The cost of the repairs was very high and seemed legitimate and the airbag light was no longer on. On january 23, 2004 I was involved in a front end collission wherein I was cut-off at an intersection by an SUV. My front struck his car broadside. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075373, filed 2004-06, 109,000 miles“Consumer is requesting information as to how to obtain free vehicle repairs. The consumer was involved in an accident in which the air bag partially deployed and caused injury to the drivers head. The consumer and his wife are on a fixed income.”
NHTSA complaint #10042720, filed 2003-09“While riding about 25 MPH car in front started to put on its brakes. Consumer also attempted to put on the brakes. But, instead, car speeded up and jumped the curve. Car gained even more speed and finally was stopped by hitting a tree, upon impact, air bag didn't diploy. Consumer's foot was broken in the process of trying to put on the brakes. The passenger was also banged up. Passenger side does not have an air bag.”
NHTSA complaint #848023, filed 1999-09Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 15% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 15 | 6% |
| 1998 | 10 | 5% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 10% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 13 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Century
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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