1984 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1984 Buick Century — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1984 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 1984 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	4	36%	▲ up
Electrical System	2	18%	▲ up
Engine	2	18%	new
Brakes	1	9%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	9%	new
Body & Structure	1	9%	— flat

Does the 1984 Buick Century have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

85V104000BrakesAugust 14, 1985 · 3,192 units

Defect

SOME WAGONS WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A JA2 REAR SYSTEM INSTEAD OF THE JA3 BRAKE SYSTEM. THESE STATION WAGONS MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 105. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SHOULD A STOPPING DISTANCE CONFORMING WITH FMVSS 105 BE REQUIRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Remedy

INSTALL CORRECT BRAKE SYSTEM.

85V034000Fuel SystemMarch 29, 1985 · 121,095 units

Defect

THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY LEAK AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHICH COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FUEL FEED PIPE.

84V011000SeatsFebruary 6, 1984 · 76,586 units

Defect

SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.

Remedy

INSPECTION OF SEAT BACK LOCKS WILL BE PERFORMED. LOCKS THAT HAVE BENT, BROKEN OR MISSING HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN INTO DEALER SHOP ON TEN OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL THINGS IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT PROBLEM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OIL PAN GASKET, INTAKE GASKET, UPPER AND LOWER RADIATOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 2001

“VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN INTO DEALER SHOP ON TEN OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL THINGS IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT PROBLEM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OIL PAN GASKET, INTAKE GASKET, UPPER AND LOWER RADIATOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 2001

“VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN INTO DEALER SHOP ON TEN OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL THINGS IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT PROBLEM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OIL PAN GASKET, INTAKE GASKET, UPPER AND LOWER RADIATOR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 2, 2001

1984 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1984 Buick Century reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1984 Century problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1984 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1984 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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.

How does 1984 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 1984 Buick Century problems?

Does the 1984 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1984 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1984 Buick Century reliable?

What are the most common 1984 Century problems?

Does the 1984 Buick Century have recalls?

Is the 1984 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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