1997 Buick Century Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 14%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Buick Century, 14% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was making a left turn and the steering locked and there was a loud bang. I wasn't able to complete the turn causing me to drive off the road and onto a lawn. The steering wheel wouldn't go back to the correct position and it seemed to be in manual steering mode. I could barely move the wheel. The car is not drivable at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10401262, filed 2011-05, 143,314 miles“1) car needed towed to garage for starter failure. As it left the garage the steering locked up and sent car almost into oncoming traffic with 2 children in the car. There had been no other warnings of a problem. 2) it happens every time the steering is turned one direction then back to the other. It does not just come back. Especially to the left. I almost crashed 4 times just trying to get it home. 3) I filed an insurance claim on the tow company thinking they were responsible. They looked at it and said they found nothing wrong, that nothing was bent. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260319, filed 2009-02, 129,100 miles“Started car and backed out of parking space. Steering wheel would hardly turn wheels to the left; no power assist. Started moving forward and turning right, then power assist resumed. Also, steering shudder occurs after rounding corners and accelerating. Local dealer service rep states car needs new rack & pinion assembly and is a common problem in centuries and regals 4-5 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #10005824, filed 2003-02, 38,120 miles“When turning corners steering wheel sticks. Consumer has to pull hard to straighten the wheel up. Repair was performed on steering including replacement of steering rack.”
NHTSA complaint #10057957, filed 2004-03, 57,950 miles“Power steering locked up when making left turns. The steering wheel either locked, did not go into the full turns or was very difficult to turn. Dealership indicated that there was a defect in the rack and pinion as described in steering gear bearings recall 03v527000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10076112, filed 2004-06Related service bulletins
- 10017515Jun 1, 2005Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 6% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 11 | 6% |
| 1999 | 13 | 6% |
| 1998 | 24 | 11% |
| 1997 | 15 | 14% |
| 1996 | 10 | 13% |
| 1995 | 9 | 9% |
| 1994 | 8 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 6 | 38% |
| 1987 | 8 | 29% |
| 1986 | 5 | 23% |
| 1985 | 2 | 29% |
| 1984 | 4 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Century
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Buick Century
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology