2004 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Buick Century sits mid-pack among Century years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (11), airbags (6), and fuel system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Lighting	11	22%	▼ down
Airbags	6	12%	▲ up
Fuel System	6	12%	▲ up
Electrical System	5	10%	▼ down
Engine	4	8%	▼ down
Other	3	6%	— flat
Speed Control	3	6%	▼ down
Suspension	3	6%	▼ down
Steering	2	4%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	2	4%	▼ down
Brakes	2	4%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	2%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	2%	▼ down
Seats	1	2%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 2004 Buick Century have recalls?

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

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT. ( I MAY HAVE FLASHED MY HIGH BEAMS TO SIGNAL A TRUCK THAT IT WAS SAFE TO CHANGE LANES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. INTERIOR LIGHTS STILL WORKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NOTHING I DID WOULD BRING HEADLIGHTS BACK ON. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM!! CAR MILEAGE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 21, 2017

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER CHEST AREA. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 25, 2004 · crash

“YOU COULD SMELL GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND THEY WENT ALL OVER IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANY REASON FOR THE SMELL. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE GAS TANK WAS FULL OR HALF FULL. WHEN THE WEATHER WAS WARM IT WAS MUCH WORSE. I AM WONDERING IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 14, 2014

“WHEN I TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY TURN OFF COMPLETELY, INSTEAD. TO TURN BACK ON THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS I HAVE TO PULL THE HIGH BEAM LEVER BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN BACK ON THE HEADLIGHTS I ENGAGE THE HAZARDS SO THAT OTHER VEHICLES CAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 11, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 9, 2013

2004 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 2004 Buick Century reliable?

It is close to typical for the Century: 51 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Century problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (11 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2004 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 2004 Buick Century problems?

Does the 2004 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 2004 Buick Century reliable?

What are the most common 2004 Century problems?

Does the 2004 Buick Century have recalls?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

Related