1998 Buick Century Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,285miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Buick Century, 5% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,285 miles. 4 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.
“I first noticed the engine shutting off in january of 2014, especially going down a hill. The engine shuts down at different speeds and the air bag light stays on. At first I thought that there was moisture in my gas tank, but after filling up a couple of times and putting in some gas dryer, the problem continued. I usually shift to neutral and start the engine while the car is still moving. I took my remote and other keys off the key ring. It still shuts off the engine with just one key in the ignition switch, but not as much. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567578, filed 2014-03, 99,285 miles“Tl * the contact owns a 1998 Buick Century. The contact stated that the driver side air bag was starting to detach from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000 and the current mileage was 162,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10597870, filed 2014-06, 144,000 miles“While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was hit by another vehicle on the front passenger side. The consumer stated that both frontal air bags did not deploy upon impact. The driver sustained minor injuries as a result. The consumer tried to avoid the accident but the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #10054110, filed 2004-05“Consumer had on/off switch installed by airbag system of southern california. Airbag indictor light on dash stayed on at all times, even with switch turned on or off. A recall was issued 00e01000, but manufactuer will not replace switch, and denied defect. Switch was installed on 1998, Buick, Century. The consumer was told by the company to start the engine 200 times and the light will go off, but it did not happen.”
NHTSA complaint #879107, filed 2001-01“Consumer was involved in a rear end collision and was forced into another vehicle in which neither driver or passenger side air bags deployed, causing injuries to both driver and passenger. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer stated vehicle had over 5000 dollars worth of damage to the front end.”
NHTSA complaint #824822, filed 1998-06Air 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 1998 Buick Century
29 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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