Before you buy
This 2002 Buick Century has 166 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Buick Century Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2002 Buick Century.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2002 Buick Century Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Buick Century 4-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
BUICK CENTURY 2002 has 166 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (34) and electrical faults (26) most common. Two recalls exist. Buyers should inspect these systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Century
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 166
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Buick Century problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Buick Century?
The 2002 Buick Century may be a budget-friendly option, but buyers should be aware of frequent engine and electrical complaints. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.
These complaint patterns indicate potential reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs and safety issues.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are handy with repairs or have a trusted mechanic.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Buick Century
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of overheating, leaks, or unusual noises.
- Check all electrical components including power windows, locks, and dashboard lights.
- Test brake system for responsiveness and unusual sounds.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake repairs.
- Test drive to check for steering and brake performance.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Buick Century, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Buick Century shows notable patterns in engine problems (34 complaints) and electrical faults (26 complaints). Brake system issues (25 complaints) and headlight/taillight failures (24 complaints) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Data for other model years is not provided, so comparison is limited.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 34 complaints, the highest count.
- Electrical faults total 26 complaints, a significant concern.
- Brake system issues are reported in 25 complaints.
- Engine Problems (34 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (26 complaints)
- Brake System (25 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2002 Buick Century complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Buick Century. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 34 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | — | 3 | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 8 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Buick Century. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago. Just casually driving like usual, and my steering wheel would lock up and be ridiculously hard to turn, which is scary because its happened while turning through lights and intersections and trying to even just park my car. And on …
Right front Cooper GS5 Grand Touring 205/70 R15 96T with only 862 miles on it had a complete air loss/went completely flat when car was turning into a parking lot. This is one of a set of brand new tires on the car. The car was never driven on a highway after these were purchas…
While letting off the gas in order to break, the accelerator pedal went to the floor on its own for about 3 seconds. Pushing on the break stopped the accelerator.
I was driving at night switched headlights to high beams - few minutes later switched back to low beams and ALL LIGHTS dash and head lights went completely out . Tried to pull head light knob and nothing - pitch black . Luckily i was a short distance from my home. This is E…
BOTH FRONT SIDES HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT THE ABS, SERVICE SOON, ALSO THE TRACTION OFF LIGHTS . COMES ON AND STAY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ONCE I TURN VEHICLE OFF IT GOES OFF.
TL* 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 B…
I WAS AT THE GAS STATION TRIED TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE GAS STATION MANY COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND OR INJURED
FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR
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. …
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 O…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
WHILE DRIVING, WHEN HIGH-BEAMS WERE TURNED ON THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM WOULD SHUT DOWN LEAVING DRIVER WITH ABSOLUTELY NO VISIBILITY. FORTUNATELY THE HEADLIGHTS DID COME BACK ON AS THE DIMMER SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED AND THE LOW-BEAMS DID COME BACK ON. I CAN ONLY USE MY LOW-BEAM HE…
MY LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD AND IT'S SAYING ANIT-LOCK BRAKES AND TRAC-OFF. THERE'S A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
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…
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS VERY HARSH SHIFT BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS AND ALSO BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER WARMED UP AND ON HIGHWAY FOR AWHILE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING INTERMITTENTLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR RE…
DRIVING THUR OHIO FROM MICH ,HIT LARGE POT HOLE, DID OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE STEERING, COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE, CAR MUST NOT BE MADE PROPERLY TO WITHSTAND HITTING POT HOLES, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF POT HOLES IN ALL STATES . THE STA…
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 HA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS RE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Buick Century.
Safety recalls
2002 Buick Century recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Buick Century. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Buick Century buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Buick Century reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 166 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Buick Century may be a budget-friendly option, but buyers should be aware of frequent engine and electrical complaints. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Century?▾
#1: Engine Problems (34 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (26 complaints). #3: Brake System (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Buick Century?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Buick Century?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Buick Century, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 166 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Buick Century have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Buick Century. A major recall area is STEERING. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Buick Century?▾
The 2002 Buick Century may be a budget-friendly option, but buyers should be aware of frequent engine and electrical complaints. Pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended. These complaint patterns indicate potential reliability concerns that could lead to costly repairs and safety issues. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Century reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Buick Century based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.