2002 Buick Century Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Buick Century, 5% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“Intake leaking antifreeze - cost too much to repair for me. My only car to get to work. Replacing bearings today for sticking back brakes. All interior accessories are broken; cosmetic mirror, ashtray, center console, passenger windshield wiper stripped motor, 1 window working. Still owe on car but cannot fix everything. Any help ????”
NHTSA complaint #10970588, filed 2017-04, 150,000 miles“I have a 2002 Buick Century limited and while driving 60 MPH on the interstate the low trac light came on, the anti-lock brake light came on and the car started shuttering and making a loud noise when braking. It also pulls when the brakes are pressed when the lights are on and the brakes are hard to press. When I turn the car off the lights go off and there are none of the symptoms until the lights come on again. I was told it was a faulty wheel speed sensor and was going to get it repaired when all of the sudden the car overheated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10487750, filed 2012-12, 234,730 miles“I purchased the car from family auto easley sc, ive had several repairs on this car that didnt help, radiators, thermastat, water pump, hoses replace, alternator, coolant recovery tank has brown sludge inside, the windows didnt work, its moist inside from the floor being wet had a heating core put in didnt help, the carpet on the inside is damaged, the paint is coming off, had a alternator put in , run hot all the time, dosnt matter, buy coolant, oil put water in it, manifold gasket is bad in it ive lost power several times, the last time I did it was on nov 6 this year on the way to work…”
NHTSA complaint #10659795, filed 2014-11“The contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to have an oil change when the mechanic stated that there was oil in the radiator. In addition, the intake manifold needed to be replaced and the radiator needed to be flushed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 47,400. Updated 11/14/13 updated 11/18/2013”
NHTSA complaint #10548104, filed 2013-10, 47,400 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Buick Century. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that they would contact her at a later date. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 87,784 and the current mileage was 146,556.”
NHTSA complaint #10476912, filed 2012-09, 87,784 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This 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…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Buick Century
25 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsAir bags
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 28, 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