2002 Buick Century Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Buick Century has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Intake manifold gasket leaks with coolant and oil mixing.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Buick Century.

Reported to NHTSA

Intake manifold gasket leaks with coolant and oil mixing

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2004-12 → 2013-10

“MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET FAILURE (LEAKING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF COOLANT/WATER INTO CRANKCASE) WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE!*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10104240
“2002 BUICK CENTURY INTAKE MANIFOLD/GASKET FAILS AT 31K MILES. COOLANT IN THE ENGINE AND MIXED WITH THE OIL. ALL OF THE PRIOR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE WERE PERFORMED AT GM DEALERSHIPS (WHERE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED PRIOR TO FAILURE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10369872
“HAD SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON PERIODICALLY AND WAS LOOSING COOLANT, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS, WAS TOLD IT WAS PROBABLY FAULTY LIGHT, OR LEAK IN TANK. TOOK CAR FOR OIL CHANGE AND ASK TO LOOK FOR ANY LEAKS, FOUND COOLANT IN OIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10445945

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window regulator and window failures

VISIBILITY

6 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2007-11

“AT 44,9XX MILES THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW IN MY 2002 BUICK CENTURY FAILED. THE REGULATOR FAILED AND THE WINDOW DROPPED OF IT'S OWN ACCORD. I WAS ON A TRIP AND HAD TO LEAVE MY WINDOW OPEN FOR 2 DAYS UNTIL I RETURNED AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10208750
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REGULATOR FOR THE DRIVER SIDE ELECTRIC WINDOW HAS FAILED. THE WINDOW IS OFF TRACK AND THE REGULATOR NO LONGER WORKS. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10198133
“2002 BUICK CENTURY ALL FOUR POWER WINDOWS CEASE TO GO UP OR DOWN. *KB ***NAR*** THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE MECHANISM OF BUICK'S CONSISTS OF PLASTIC MATERIAL IN ONE PIECE, SO THE ENTIRE UNIT HAS TO BE REPLACED. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10162625

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS and traction control warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES

13 NHTSA complaints · 2004-04 → 2020-11

“I HAVE A 2002 BUICK CENTURY CUSEDAN AND WHILE TURNING OR DRIVING THE LOW TRAC LIGHT COMES ON, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT AND THE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SHUTTERS AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKING.....AND SOMETIMES JUST GOING DOWN THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10521787
“2002 BUICK CENTURY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINDATED AND THE TRACK OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10383808
“I HAVE THREE LIGHTS COMING ON {CHECK ENGINE SOON}{ANTI LOCK &TRAC OFF} THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE GARAGE IS NOT GETTING IT REPAIRED. I AM TOLD WHEN THESE LIGHTS ARE ON I LOSE ANTILOCK BREAKS AND TRACTION CONTROL. *NM ] ]”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10135081

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster gear indicator and odometer lights out

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2014-10

“WHEN I PUT KEY IN IGNITION TO START CAR, THE POSITION OF GEARS GOES DARK. IF I JIGGLE THE KEY, OR TURN IT BACK (VERY SLIGHTLY) THE PANEL LIGHTS UP MOMENTARILY. IT IS SCARY DRIVING WITH NO INDICATION OF WHICH GEAR I AM IN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CLUSTER? *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10605196
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT WHICH INDICATED THE GEAR THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN, DOES NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT SEE WHICH GEAR HE WAS IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10415626
“INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAULTY! THE DIGITAL ODOMETER DOES NOT WORK. THE GEAR SHIFT DISPLAY (PRND321) DOES NOT WORK EITHER! I HAVE TO FEEL WHEN I SWITCH FROM PARK TO DRIVE. DURING VEHICLE INSPECTIONS I HAVE TO GUESS MY CORRECT MILEAGE, BECAUSE IT'S BLANK!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlights and exterior lights going out while driving

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

22 NHTSA complaints · 2004-08 → 2022-01

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HE SWITCHED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF EXTERIOR LIGHTING. HE SWERVED TO MISS ONCOMING TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10143516
“TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 BUICK CENTURY AT ANY SPEED ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING UNDER ALL ROAD CONDITIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10181690
“WHILE DRIVING, WHEN HIGH-BEAMS WERE TURNED ON THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM WOULD SHUT DOWN LEAVING DRIVER WITH ABSOLUTELY NO VISIBILITY. FORTUNATELY THE HEADLIGHTS DID COME BACK ON AS THE DIMMER SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED AND THE LOW-BEAMS DID COME BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822187

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wipers stopping in the upright position

VISIBILITY

7 NHTSA complaints · 2004-03 → 2007-07

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP IN THE VERTICLE POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY ON 10/17/03. CRANK ARM BROKEN. IT HAPPENED DURING SNOW STORMS, THE WIPERS FAILED AFTER A COUPLE OF INCHES OF LIGHT SNOW GOT ON THE WINDSHIELD . *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10116759
“WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHUT OFF IN THE VERTICLE POSITION, STARTED AT 48,300 MILES ON VEHICLE. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER BUICK OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECALL TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT ?*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10066213
“THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT GO DOWN, BUT STAY IN FRONT OF MY VISION, BLOCKING THE VIEW. I TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM , BUT EVERY YEAR IN WINTER THEY STILL STICK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIED. FOUR YEARS EVER WINTER THEY BLOCK MY VISION. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10187261

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in collisions

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2002-09 → 2018-11

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND APPROACHING A CROSSROADS ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND WAS HIT BY THE CONTACT. THIS WAS A FULL FRONTAL IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE, BOTH OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10159405
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS SEVERELY IMPACTED BUT THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER HAD A CONCUSSION AND SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED 8 STICHES. *NLM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10004341
“LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR ON A WET ROAD AND HIT A TREE. TOTALED CAR WITH MOST OF THE DAMAGE AND IMPACT BEING THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED TO PREVENT STERNUM AND BROKEN BACK.. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10285970

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

357 crashes 1990–2024

How the 357 occupant deaths break down

269

driver deaths

88

passenger deaths

357

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Buick Century reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.