1998 Buick Century Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 10%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Buick Century, 10% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle's window controls and lock controls are no longer working, when locking the door or the window will go down but will not come up. The rest of the windows control throughout the car will not work as well. The lighting in the car flickers if you would push the lot or the window control. Anterior light is no longer working. None of this works even when parked or driving down the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11385397, filed 2020-12, 78,000 miles“Headlight lens developed a cloudy film. This reduced the light illumination, and resulted in poor visibility. The lens could not be cleaned. The consumer believes the design of the lens is poor because it does not allow the consumer to clean the inside of the lens.”
NHTSA complaint #10063283, filed 2004-05, 26,369 miles“- the contact owns a 1998 Buick Century. During january 2007 the contact noticed that the head lights were not on while driving. The contact tried to turn them on with the on off switch but that did not work. The high beams would turn on while holding the lever, but the normal head beams lights did not. The contact explained that after moving the light lever the normal headlight beams turned on. A month after the failure began the head lights completely stopped working on 2/25/07. The contact was going to take the vehicle to the dealer and have it inspected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10183579, filed 2007-02, 118,500 miles“The headlamp assembly has water condensation (water droplets) forming on the inside of the headlight assembly (if it rains for consecutive days) causing lower visabilty at night. It looks like it is a chronic problem, because my friends 2000 Buick Century has water residue marks on the inside of the headlight assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #718267, filed 2000-02“Headlights fail to luminate in the dark while driving. Driver would have poor visibility due to a lack of lighting. Took vehicle to two different dealers, and parts were replaced. Headlights were reaimed. Problem of poor visibility still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #872492, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 99V356000Dec 17, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Covers: Buick Century 1998–1999, Regal 1998–1999
- 98V102000May 15, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The owner manuals do not contain the requirement information pertaining to the vehicle headlamp aiming device. This…Covers: Buick Century 1997–1998, Regal 1997–1998, Oldsmobile Intrigue 1999
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 42% |
| 2004 | 11 | 28% |
| 2003 | 48 | 38% |
| 2002 | 24 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 24 | 10% |
| 1998 | 21 | 10% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
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 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsAir bags
10 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