Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1983 Buick Century — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
10
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
5
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 1 | 10% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 10% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 10% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 10% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 10% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 10% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (2 complaints), body & structure (1 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Century years to avoid are 1999, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2001, 2003, 1994, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1993. The cleanest record among Century years belongs to 1980.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.