1985 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1985 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	3	33%	▲ up
Brakes	2	22%	▲ up
Steering	2	22%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	11%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	11%	new

Does the 1985 Buick Century have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ITIS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. DEALER REPAIRED POWER STEERING ONCE UNDER A RECALL. CONSUMER STATED PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 27, 2001

“WHEN APPLYING THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES IN A SUDDEN STOP SITUATION, THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1985 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1985 Buick Century reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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 1985 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 1985 Buick Century problems?

Does the 1985 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1985 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1985 Buick Century reliable?

Does the 1985 Buick Century have recalls?

Is the 1985 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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