1998 Buick Century Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,696miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Buick Century, 5% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,696 miles.
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.
“The vehicle drifted to the left, noises seemed to have been coming from the steering, the power steering locked up, the rack and pinion had gone out and leaked, the A/C control was inoperative, the seat belt button latch had fallen and the button was missing, the wheel alignment was out of specifics, the driver door was hard to open, the panel had moved when the window was rolled down, the power window(s) were inoperative, the shifter goes in and out, the right front door exterior trim was hard to open, the passengers seat coushin was too soft and had collapsed, and the door's mirror was…”
NHTSA complaint #566331, filed 2002-03, 54,696 miles“I am unclear whether I should only report safety problems to you, and am not sure this would be such a problem. The design of this vehicle is such that there is a black plastic part which hangs down below the front bumper (looks like a mud flap but it is stiff). A Buick dealer repair facility told me this flap is for adequate air flow to the engine. The flap is so low that normal driving (hitting the smallest bumps in the road, going up or down driveway entrances or any uneven surface causes the flap to scape on the pavement making a loud griding sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #739074, filed 2001-01“Dissatisfaction with nhts's response to her complaint re the dashboard design of the Buick Century, ref es03-007553/s/ brenner 12/5/03, entire enclosures not imaged fwd to nvs-200. The dashboard was constructed in sections which caused permanent reflect lines onto the windshield in line with the drivers eye level.”
NHTSA complaint #10056071, filed 2004-01“When using driver side sunvisor it covers up 1/3 of the rear view miror, blocking driver's view. Dealer has been contacted. Valance under the front of the car repeatedly hits bottom and scrapes the road at minor dips. Owner also concerned about safety of the doors automatically unlocking when vehicle is placed into park.”
NHTSA complaint #859460, filed 2000-03“When lowering rear window, sounds like a helicopter is next to vehicle, very loud noise in vehicle. Dealer service advises to keep window up. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #827077, filed 1998-08Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 11 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 8 | 10% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 7% |
| 1992 | 3 | 7% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 6 | 18% |
| 1989 | 5 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
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 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 27, 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