1987 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1987 Buick Century sits mid-pack among Century years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with a single recall and 5 closed investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (31% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	10	31%	▲ up
Transmission	3	9%	▲ up
Electrical System	3	9%	— flat
Engine	3	9%	▼ down
Seat Belts	2	6%	▼ down
Brakes	2	6%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	6%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	2	6%	new
Child Seat	1	3%	new
Fuel System	1	3%	— flat
Other	1	3%	▼ down
Suspension	1	3%	▼ down
Seats	1	3%	— flat

Does the 1987 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.

“IN 1992 THE MAXIGUARD ANTI-THEFT AFTERMAKET DEVICE WAS INSTALLED. THE MAXIGUARD ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A SHORT IN THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. *AK *MJS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 23, 1998 · fire

“VEHICLE STALLED 10 TIMES FROM PURCHASE DATE. HAS BEEN IN THE SAME FAMILY SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS BEEN "REPAIRED" MANY TIMES, BUT NEVER FIXED. IS THERE ANY WAY WE CAN GET IT FIXED AND CAN THE MANUFACTURER HELP? AFTER SEARCHING YOUR WEB PAGE I NOW KNOW THAT WE WEREN'T THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 1997

“OWNER HAS HAD 3 BATTERIES REPLACED AND 1 NEW ALTERNATOR BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN THE VEHICLE. DEALER CLAIMS THAT SOMETHING ELECTRICAL STAYS ON IN THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN IT CUTS OFF. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND DOESN'T LOCK INTO GEAR. ALSO MAKES CLUNKING SOUND WHEN ACCELERATION IS LET OFF THEN RE-APPLIED. THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN GENTLY THROUGHOUT ITS LIFE BY SENIOR CITIZENS.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2003

1987 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1987 Buick Century reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 32 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Century year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1987 Century problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (10 complaints), engine (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1987 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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 1987 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 1987 Buick Century problems?

Does the 1987 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1987 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 1987 Buick Century reliable?

What are the most common 1987 Century problems?

Does the 1987 Buick Century have recalls?

Is the 1987 Buick Century under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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