2002 Buick Century Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 16%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Buick Century, 16% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2002 Buick Century custom. The multifunction light, wiper, cruise switch intermittently fails and I lose my headlights. I was driving on a mountain road the first time it happened and I had to turn on my hazards and find a place to stop with a lot of traffic behind me. On two other occassions I had other motorists flash me to let me know to turn on my lights. The failure has happened a lot since and I have to jiggle the switch to get it to work. This failure is extremely dangerous and has put me at serious risk. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088696, filed 2004-08, 56,000 miles“Headlights on my 65,000mi 2002 Buick Century just quit and then come back on. This problem has occurred 4 four times. The other times it appeared as though I misclicked, but the last time I had to pull over and click the dimmer switch 30+ times. This is a real safety issue and I barely was able to stop in time from 55 MPH. The outer headlights are only on in low beam and the inner only on high beam. There are 4 headlights this can't be right all 4 should be on in high beam setting on. Need to check on this headlight operation issue, but felt I should pass this on that these GM models do this.”
NHTSA complaint #10211755, filed 2007-12, 65,532 miles“Headlights go out completely for a few seconds until the bright/dim is switched and then come on. This has happened infrequently since fall of 2014. Doesn't happen when at dealer service or when we test lights after returning home. Dealer says can't be repaired until they can get the incident to repeat. Lights are fine for a while & without warning the situation occurs again. Very alarming! A friend with a Buick regal 2002 has the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10732028, filed 2015-07, 120,300 miles“Traveling at night, once in heavy traffic with lights on low beam and other times in light or no traffic with lights on high beam, all outside lights go out creating a very dangerous situation. Does not matter if the manual switch is used or if the lights are on automatic. The only thing that makes them come back on is switching the high/ low beam switch. Miles traveled or length of time traveling makes no difference ...random occurrence. Replaced the headlight switches at a auto repair shop made no difference.”
NHTSA complaint #10959934, filed 2017-03, 85,000 miles“2002 Buick Century with several problems. Consumer states that the electric window controls had to be replaced due to failure. Headlights started working intermittently. Multi-function switch needs replacement. The consumer stated using the turn signal indicator or the high beams, apparently triggered all the lights to go out. The heater controls did not function properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10222749, filed 2008-03, 38,000 milesRelated 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 2002 Buick Century
25 complaintsElectrical system
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 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