2005 Buick Century Problems
The 2005 Buick Century has 19 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, with headlight/taillight failures being the most reported issue. Based on 19 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2005 Buick Century has 19 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Headlight/Taillight Failures.
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.
2005 Buick Century Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2005 Buick Century.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2005 Buick Century Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2005 Buick Century 4-DR. w/SABOfficial 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 2005 has 19 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Top issues include headlight/taillight failures (8 complaints) and electrical faults (6 complaints). Buyers should inspect lighting and electrical systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Century
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2005 Buick Century problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. 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 2005 Buick Century?
The 2005 Buick Century may be worth considering for budget-conscious buyers, but the low data confidence means caution is needed. Prioritize inspecting the lighting and electrical systems before purchase.
Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults are the top complaints, which can affect safety and reliability. These issues may lead to costly repairs if not addressed.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers seeking an affordable, older sedan who are willing to perform thorough pre-purchase inspections.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers wanting a worry-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to potential lighting and electrical problems.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2005 Buick Century
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and signs of failure.
- Check electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent issues.
- Review engine performance and listen for unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 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 2005 Buick Century shows a low confidence pattern of headlight/taillight failures (8 complaints) and electrical faults (6 complaints). With only 19 total complaints and 2 recalls, the data is limited but suggests potential lighting and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2005 Century has a low complaint count, but data is insufficient for strong comparisons.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, buyers should verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Headlight/taillight failures account for 8 of 19 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most common issue with 6 complaints.
- There is 1 crash-related complaint, though overall data confidence is low.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures (8 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (6 complaints)
- Engine Problems (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2005 Buick Century complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Buick Century. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 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 2005 Buick Century. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE, DUE TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION. FORTUNATELY HAPPENED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHILE ONLY ABOUT 1000 FEET FROM HOME AND WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE LOW BEAMS STOPPED WORKING AND HINDERED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE SWITCH TO GET THE HIGH BEAMS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE FAILURE. T…
A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. ONCE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO OWNS A BUICK THE ISSUE OCCURRED AND HE TOLD ME HIS CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED BUICK, WHO DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE …
HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO HEADLIGHTS OR BRIGHTS ONLY AVAILABLE.
WE HAVE HAD OUR 2005 BUICK LACROSSE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW AND WANT TO REPORT THIS LIGHTING SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HEADLIGHT INCIDENT WITH OUR BUICK HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO US, THREE TIMES SINCE MID APRIL. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, WE WERE DRIVING ONE EVENING, SUDDENLY OUR LO…
2005 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM. PURCHASED USED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION FROM FORD DEALERSHIP IN 2011. ELECTRIC WINDOWS WORKED FINE, THEN IN 2012, 1 OF THE WINDOWS JUST FELL DOWN THE TRACK. A CPL MONTHS LATER ANOTHER DID THE SAME THING AND THEN A CPL MORE MONTHS A THIRD ONE FELL. I REMOV…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND PLACED IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATIO…
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF BY THEMSELVES. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. WHEN HIGH/LOW BEAM SELECTOR WAS USED, LIGHTS RETURNED ON. SUSPECT FAULTY SWITCH?? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHEN ACTIVATING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD FLASH ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY ASSIST…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE SMELL OF GASOLINE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERPOWERING ODOR WAS OFTEN UNBEARABLE TO WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC COVER LENS CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO FOG. THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE COULD POTENT…
MY 20005 BUICK CENTURY, ACCELERATED IN A PARKING LOT WITHOUT MY STEPPING ON THE GAS. THE CAR WENT AIR BORNE, JUMPING THE CURB GOING THROUGH A DITCH AND UP AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR UNDER CONTROL.. THIS WAS THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. *TR
2005 BUICK CENTURY HEADLIGHTS TURN THEMSELVES OFF WHILE DRIVING.THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS . I BELIEVE A FAULTY HIGH LOW BEAM SWITCH IS THE PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SHUTTING OFF DURING THE NIGHT. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A NEW DIMMER SWITCH WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD COVER …
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HIS CH…
EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD AFTER THE BRAKE HAS BEEN ENGAGED WHEN PARKING ON A HILL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO GET REPAIRED, THE DRUMS WERE TIGHTENED AND CAR STOPPED ROLLING FORWARD. 6 MONTHS LATER THE CAR IS ROLLING AGAIN WHEN PARKED ON A HILL.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDOW SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS INOPERABLE. THE WINDOW SWITCH WAS LOCATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHEN OPENING THE WINDOW, THE GLASS WOULD NOT COME DOWN SMOOTHLY AND DROPPED FORCEFULLY. ALSO, THE REAR RIGHT DOOR PANEL WA…
2005 BUICK CENTURY DRIVER'S SEAT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE, AND THE HEAD REST EQUIPMENT IS TOO HIGH.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE HEAD REST WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMERS VIEW AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REMOTE FOR THE DOOR DID NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO BE VER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Buick Century.
Safety recalls
2005 Buick Century recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Buick Century. With 2 recalls, buyers should 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
2005 Buick Century buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Buick Century reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 19 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 Buick Century may be worth considering for budget-conscious buyers, but the low data confidence means caution is needed. Prioritize inspecting the lighting and electrical systems before purchase. 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 2005 Buick Century?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (8 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Buick Century?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Buick Century?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Buick Century, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 19 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Buick Century have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Buick Century. A major recall area is STEERING. With 2 recalls, buyers should 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 2005 Buick Century?▾
The 2005 Buick Century may be worth considering for budget-conscious buyers, but the low data confidence means caution is needed. Prioritize inspecting the lighting and electrical systems before purchase. Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults are the top complaints, which can affect safety and reliability. These issues may lead to costly repairs if not addressed. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures 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 2005 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.