1998 Buick Century Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 11%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Buick Century, 11% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at either slow speed, and/or fast speed, it feels as though the power steering fails. This has occurred while changing lanes on the highway as well as making slow turns in the neighborhood. I have made sure my power steering level is full to the proper level several times, and have adjusted it at once.”
NHTSA complaint #10045832, filed 2003-11, 84,650 miles“1998 Buick Century steering failed & cannot turn left event happened at low speed in parking lot and no damage resulted. Dealer will not cover repair of vehicle with a 'w' designation. Although there is evidence that they to have same steering related defects as cars that received recall or service bulletin.”
NHTSA complaint #10129635, filed 2005-07, 107,000 miles“While driving less than 5 MPH and turning left into a parking space, the vehicle lost power. This made it hard to steer and turn the vehicle. Once the vehicle was inspected, the consumer was informed that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10062973, filed 2004-04, 51,000 miles“While driving consumer heard a loud noises from rear suspension. The rod spindle rod shearing caused by chatting against right stabilizer shaft mounting bolt stop. (inboard side of the rear suspension support) the right side had insufficient clearance.”
NHTSA complaint #10034361, filed 2003-10, 30,100 miles“The consumer noticed that when the vehicle was being driven in cold weather conditions the vehicle was very difficult to steer. The consumer stated that the steering wheel would bind. The cause of the problem has yet to be determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10040635, filed 2003-10, 15,000 milesRelated 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 1998 Buick Century
29 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsExterior lighting
21 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 29, 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