2005 Buick Century problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Buick Century sits mid-pack among Century years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 43, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (26% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Century years?

Century NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Century years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Buick Century problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Lighting	9	26%	— flat
Electrical System	7	20%	▲ up
Engine	3	9%	— flat
Brakes	3	9%	▲ up
Seats	2	6%	▲ up
Other	2	6%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	3%	— flat
Transmission	1	3%	▼ down
Airbags	1	3%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	3%	▼ down
Driver Assistance	1	3%	new
Fuel System	1	3%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	3%	— flat
Seat Belts	1	3%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	3%	▼ down

Does the 2005 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SHUTTING OFF DURING THE NIGHT. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A NEW DIMMER SWITCH WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD COVER HALF OF THE REPAIR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 4, 2008

“2005 BUICK CENTURY DRIVER'S SEAT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE, AND THE HEAD REST EQUIPMENT IS TOO HIGH.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED] *MR THE HEAD REST WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMERS VIEW AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REMOTE FOR THE DOOR DID NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CLOSE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 3, 2005

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND PLACED IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 12, 2014

“EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARD AFTER THE BRAKE HAS BEEN ENGAGED WHEN PARKING ON A HILL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO GET REPAIRED, THE DRUMS WERE TIGHTENED AND CAR STOPPED ROLLING FORWARD. 6 MONTHS LATER THE CAR IS ROLLING AGAIN WHEN PARKED ON A HILL.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2006

“2005 BUICK CENTURY DRIVER'S SEAT SINKS IN THE MIDDLE, AND THE HEAD REST EQUIPMENT IS TOO HIGH.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED] *MR THE HEAD REST WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONSUMERS VIEW AND REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REMOTE FOR THE DOOR DID NOT WORK AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO BE VERY CLOSE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · June 3, 2005

2005 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 2005 Buick Century reliable?

It is close to typical for the Century: 35 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Century problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2005 Buick Century have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 compare to other Century years?

What are the most common 2005 Buick Century problems?

Does the 2005 Buick Century have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Buick Century — common questions

Is the 2005 Buick Century reliable?

What are the most common 2005 Century problems?

Does the 2005 Buick Century have recalls?

Which Buick Century years should you avoid?

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