2001 Buick Century Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 14%of 145 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,221miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Buick Century, 14% of the 145 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,221 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We purchased this car (as is) for our grandson. On our way home from the dealer, as soon as the transmission warmed up (4-5 miles), the shifting was hard and jerking with a whine coming from the transmission. Took the car to a garage which found the computer code of p1811 and were told a complete rebuild would be necessary. Went online and discovered many others had complaints of the same nature. Would hope GM would come forward with reimbursement since its transmission in this model was incorrectly designed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10717021, filed 2015-05, 63,334 miles“We bought are Century like 3 months ago with 109k on it we noticed the transmission was shifting hard when car is warmed up or restarted GM current knows about just feeling it not there problem well it is a costly one to car owns as I read on the internet over 50 thousand complaints for this issue I feel GM has to recall this issue its there mistake not mine are Century other wise is a fine car but dash is out for odo and that GM cutting corners as well its poor penmenship on their behalf as car makers and we love them but we need them to do more and be like the old GM good and honest thanks…”
NHTSA complaint #10520902, filed 2013-06, 111,000 miles“Had transmission replaced at authorized gmc dealership may 2006 .this came with a warranty. Several times over several summers since then have taken vehicle into dealership with concerns that happened after vehicle would be driven in high humidity high temperature days after traveling a minimum of 60 miles mostly on state highways that are quite rough and curvy, I.e. It would take about 90 minutes or more togo this distance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649824, filed 2014-10, 100,000 miles“2001 Buick Century with 25,000 miles, needed to have entire transmission replaced. Some slippage a week before, then two stop signs, slippage, then horrible grinding. When mechanic tore down transmission, shards of metal were found. Word from the shop was that they had never seen this model at 25,000 miles, usually see this model around 40,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10174950, filed 2006-12, 25,000 miles“Lost ability to read position of gear selection (prndl) on instrument cluster and odometer readings on 2001 Buick Century custom. This was an electronic prndl and odometer display. It was like shifting the transmission blind folded. Safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10191036, filed 2007-05, 99,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 5% |
| 2001 | 21 | 14% |
| 2000 | 48 | 25% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 26 | 12% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 7 | 9% |
| 1995 | 11 | 11% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 9% |
| 1992 | 6 | 13% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2001 Buick Century
27 complaintsBrakes
26 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 complaintsExterior lighting
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 30, 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