2001 Buick Century Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Buick Century, 3% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 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.
“Low beam headlights suddenly stopped working while driving at night. I bought the car used a year ago, and the multifunction switch was replaced just before I bought it. After doing some investigation, I discover it's a very common, almost universal problem with these vehicles that costs almost $800 to repair. Gm hasn't issued a recall for this defect.... Yes, I said defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10619532, filed 2014-08, 190,000 miles“Consumer turned on high beam in 2001 Buick Century and all lighting failed inside vehicle and outside. ***no answer required*** the consumer was told there was a switch that was shortening out the headlights. The consumer stated the first time she had a switch replaced, it was due to a problem with the windshield wipers.”
NHTSA complaint #10149747, filed 2006-01, 6,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Buick Century. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the panel lighting failed to illuminate without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10511450, filed 2013-05, 130,000 miles“Headlights don't sufficiently illuminate. This causes an extremely poor visibilty at night, and in rainy conditions. Dealer has adjusted headlights which did not correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8000975, filed 2001-12Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
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 2001 Buick Century
27 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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