2002 Buick Century Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Buick Century, 5% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Lost control of the car on a wet road and hit a tree. Totaled car with most of the damage and impact being the front of the car. The problem is neither of the air bags deployed to prevent sternum and broken back..”
NHTSA complaint #10285970, filed 2009-10, 99,000 miles“The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and approaching a crossroads another vehicle ran a stop sign and was hit by the contact. This was a full frontal impact. The air bags did not deploy. Although seat belts were in use, both occupants sustained minor injuries. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the towing company where it remains. The manufacturer was alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10159405, filed 2006-06, 74,000 miles“The contact owned a 2002 Buick Century. While the contact's vehicle was stationary, it was rear ended by another vehicle. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the back, neck, both legs, and arms. There were three minors in the back seat who sustained injuries to their heads, both legs, arms, and backs. Medical attention was needed for all occupants. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154545, filed 2018-11, 140,000 miles“Letter from stanley wohlmuth(ca) re status of his message to NHTSA concerning the non-deployment of the side airbags in the 2002, Buick Century in which his wife had an accident. Reply to washington, dc ofc, ref es03-001376/s/brenner o3/21/03.”
NHTSA complaint #10020362, filed 2003-05“The driver's side door was severely impacted but the side impact air bag did not deploy. The driver had a concussion and sustained head injuries which required 8 stiches.”
NHTSA complaint #10004341, filed 2003-02Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 15% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 15 | 6% |
| 1998 | 10 | 5% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 10% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 13 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2002 Buick Century
25 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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