2002 Buick Century Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 16%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,132miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Buick Century, 16% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,132 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I currently have a 2002 Buick Century custom with 107000 miles on it. I had a starter catch fire cause of a large buildup of oil coming from either the head gasket or the manifold gasket. This issue needs to be addressed. Driving at high engine temperature with cause a major safety issue for anyone driving short or long distant.”
NHTSA complaint #10299580, filed 2010-01, 106,000 miles“I have a 2002 Buick Century and have been told that the intake manifold gasket has to be replaced since GM did not issue a recall of which they should have. I am afraid I will break down in the car with no help. I am a widow who is currently unemployed and can not afford to fix the car. I have paid the car in full and just want them to fix what they screwed up. I was not even aware there was a problem until my low coolant light started coming on and I noticed there is a leak.”
NHTSA complaint #10378854, filed 2011-01, 86,000 miles“Bought vehicle in 01.20.07 with 56,943 miles (2002 Buick Century custom). Sometime (around 62,000 miles) notice engine hesitates, after warming up, hesitation disappears. Asked my mechanic and his first question was if white smoke was coming off the tail pipe, I said no. A couple weeks later, at startup (early in the morning) the tail pipe smoked for a good 2 to 3 minutes, again, once warmed, stopped, and engine run well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10207044, filed 2007-10, 62,000 miles“I have three lights coming on {check engine soon}{anti lock &trac off} this has been going on for over two years and several trips to the garage is not getting it repaired. I am told when these lights are on I lose antilock breaks and traction control. ] ]”
NHTSA complaint #10135081, filed 2005-09, 32,040 miles“I noticed that there was sludge in the coolant tank after I got a low coolant light when the coolant was not low and the temperature was normal. I brought the car in to the Buick dealership and was told that oil was leaking through the intake manifold gasket into the coolant channels of the manifold. The oil was interfering with the coolants sensor causing the indicator light to come on. The dealer told me the system would need to be drained, flushed and refilled after the manifold was removed and the gasket replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10235548, filed 2008-07, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 10% |
| 2002 | 25 | 16% |
| 2001 | 27 | 19% |
| 2000 | 21 | 11% |
| 1999 | 55 | 23% |
| 1998 | 22 | 10% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 9 | 11% |
| 1995 | 11 | 11% |
| 1994 | 14 | 13% |
| 1993 | 10 | 19% |
| 1992 | 4 | 9% |
| 1991 | 5 | 13% |
| 1990 | 5 | 15% |
| 1989 | 5 | 13% |
| 1987 | 3 | 11% |
| 1986 | 6 | 27% |
| 1985 | 3 | 43% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2002 Buick Century
24 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsAir bags
8 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 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