1996 Buick Century Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 10%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Buick Century, 10% of the 80 complaints for this model year.
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.
“When traveling at any speed with foot pressed on the brake pedal, vehicle continued to accelerate, causing unwanted speed. Also, in order to stop the vehicle, the key has to be removed from the ignition. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has yet to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #851557, filed 1999-10“Auto-tran: vehicle suddenly loses power while driving uphill or while passing, lurches forward when started in park, tries to lurch backward while in reverse, jumps forward at high speed in drive position, nearly caused an accident. Also when went to have vehicle inspected it was found that a wheel alignment was needed and there was a fuel leak.”
NHTSA complaint #805121, filed 1996-11“While pulling into driveway vehicle started to accelerate when brake was applied. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8008740, filed 2002-04“When consumer hits the brakes, the vehicle surges a foot or two, the dealer has tried to remedy the problem several times but has not been successful.”
NHTSA complaint #556802, filed 2000-10“Once a day, the first time of operation of vehicle, will exprience starting the vehicle and driving approx. 2 blocks before problem starts. When pressing gas pedal half way down, vehicle will immediately begin stalling. Then it will automatically begin to surge. When surging begins consumer would have to hit his brakes quickly. After this happen engine dies. Stalling and surging and engine dying happens sometimes. Buick service manager says the problem is happening in most 95/96 buicks with a 3.1 engine.”
NHTSA complaint #816581, filed 1997-09Vehicle 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 1996 Buick Century
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 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