Engine
3.1L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 75 of 106 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
22 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"HORN BUTTON IS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS, EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL EFFORT REQUIRED, ALSO BUTTON IS TOO SMALL TO ENGAGE WITHOUT REMOVING EYES FROM THE ROAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
16 complaint records
"THE WIPER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD STOPPED OPERATING DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Steering
15 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING A 1997 OR 1998 VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. DEALER REPLACED RACK AND PINION, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03019 opened Sep 2003 | closed Dec 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE - led to recall 03V527000 GM'S LETTER TO NHTSA DATED DECEMBER 11, 2003, EXPANDS ITS ORIGINAL RECALL (NHTSA 02V286) TO INCLUDE CERTAIN W-BODY VEHICLES: 96-97 OLDS CUTLASS SUPREME; 98 OLDS INTRIGUE; 97-98 OLDS CUTLASS; 97-98 CHEVY LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND MALIBU; 96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX;... |
| RQ03001 opened Jan 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). |
| EA99024 opened Aug 1999 | closed Jan 2000 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS... |
| PE99028 opened Apr 1999 | closed Aug 1999 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V348000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
| 98V102000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000002 2000-01-04 | Visual System | 12,032 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, because of separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. |
| 1998109 1998-05-28 | Lights And Instruments | 11,662 | THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE ENGLISH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE AND THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH OWNER MANUALS FOR THE BUICK REGAL AND CENTURY VEHICLES DO NOT... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-016 Feb 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 17-NA-016 Jan 2017 | Wheels | This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance. | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| PI1217 Apr 2014 | Power Train | This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 050232003 Jun 2005 | Steering | REVISED OUTER TIE ROD END NUT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION/TIE ROD END JAM NUT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION ADDED. *TT | |
| 030844005B Jan 2005 | Visibility | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 030849018B Oct 2004 | Structure | BROKEN CONSOLE OR STORAGE COMPARTMENT LID LATCH. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 01650 Jan 2004 | Visibility | MANUAL DUAL ZONE FAN AND MODE KNOB REPLACEMENT. SERVICE VME. *TT | |
| 000604049B Dec 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO VIN BREAKPOINT 1F136536 MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP / SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATION; ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION; STALL / NO START CONDITION; VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES; AND / OR... | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 060203 Jun 2003 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | CENTER CONSOLE AND/OR ARMREST STORAGE LID WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO A BROKEN LATCH. BOTH LATCHES ARE SERVICE SEPARATELY AND AVAILABLE THROUGH GM SERVICE PARTS. *TT | |
| 030844005 Feb 2003 | Electrical System | POOR RADIO RECEPTION OR RADIO STATIC/ INCREASED INTERFERENCE WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER ON OR SOME REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRIDS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 0308110002 Feb 2003 | Structure | SUN VISORS MAY NOT STAY IN INTENDED POSITION. *TT | |
| 010601002A Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 062602 Jun 2002 | Equipment | VEHICLES WITH THE CJ2 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING AND WITHOUT THE U20 CLUSTER WHICH IS THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER AND THE CJ2 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONER DISPLAYS THE CELSIUS AND NOT FAHRENHEIT. *TT | |
| 051302 May 2002 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING CARPET PULLING OUT FROM UNDER FROM THE REAR DOOR SILL PLATE, LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE. *TT | |
| 010601008A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 042202 Apr 2002 | Interior Lighting | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE PRINDLE DISPLAY IS NOT LEGIBLE WHEN MOVING FORM A DARK AREA TO A LIGHTED AREA, WHEN THEVHECLE IS STARTED INSIDE A GARAGE, THE HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON AUTOMATICALLY AND THEN THE VEHICLE IS BACKED INTO THE SUNLIGHT. *TT | |
| 040302 Apr 2002 | Wheels | INFORMATION ON REFINISHING ALUMINUM WHEELS. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 020139002 Mar 2002 | Visibility | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON THE TIME IT TAKES THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR GLASS TO DEFOG. *SLC | |
| 000605049A Mar 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES SEAT, ENGINE WILL NOT START. *SLC | |
| 020139001 Feb 2002 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING HVAC TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE SIDE TO SIDE AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B0361, B0441 SET. *TT | |
| 010850013A Dec 2001 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING HEIGHT RESTRAINT HEIGHT INCREASES DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. *TT | |
| 010850013 Dec 2001 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING HEAD RESTRAINT HEIGHT INCREASES DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. *TT | |
| 0108110004 Dec 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CARPETING IS SEPARATING FROM, OR COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR DOOR OPENING SILL PLATE MOLDING. *TT | |
| 011101 Nov 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WHERE THE CARPET PULLS OUT FROM UNDER THE SILL PLATE ON THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR FOOT WELL AREA. *TT | |
| 111001 Oct 2001 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING WIND NOISE FROM THE OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR AREA. *TT | |
| 010866010 Oct 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING ITCHING TYPE NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *YH | |
| 280801 Aug 2001 | Structure | INFORMATION REGARDING A CLUNK OR POP NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT FOOT WELL AREA. *YH | |
| DCS752 Jun 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CAMPAIGN INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM WILL BE SENDING OUT AN ADDITIONAL OWNER NOTIFICATION ON CAMPAIGN 99091 REGARDING INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND INCORRECT PARK. *SLC | |
| 010601010A Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING POLYMER SERVICE PISTONS. *TT | |
| 010523006A Jun 2001 | Service Brakes | THIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO REVISE THE FASTENER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES IN THE DISC-BRAKE SUB-SECTION OF BRAKES IN THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL. *TT | |
| 010139001 May 2001 | Visibility | SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSIS OF HVAC DTC'S B0361, B0363, B0365 AND B0367. NLM | |
| 010730017 Apr 2001 | Power Train | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECTOR LEVER IS DIFFICULT TO MOVE / SHIFT. *TT | |
| 990604005A Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT | |
| 990603007C Apr 2001 | Fuel System | A CONDITION MAY EXIST IN WHICH THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY / FLUCTUATES, LOW FUEL CHIME SOUNDS PREMATURELY. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 010601008 Feb 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 32 Feb 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING EXTRA CLIPS IN THE 4T65E TRANSMISSION. *SLC | |
| 000854001 Jan 2000 | Electrical System | A CONDITION MAY EXIST OF A HIGH AMOUNT OF EFFORT REQUIRED TO SOUND THE HORN. *TT | |
| 990603007B Jan 2000 | Fuel System | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1) THE FUEL GAUGE READING INCORRECTLY. 2) LOW FUEL CHIME SOUNDS PREMATURELY. 3) FUEL GAUGE MAY FLUCTUATE FROM FULL TO EMPTY. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990603007A Oct 1999 | Fuel System | CONDITIONS WITH INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE / FLUCTUATES, PREMATURE LOW FUEL CHIME. *TT | |
| 990850012 Aug 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE CUPHOLDER MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ARMREST. *TT | |
| 990603007 Aug 1999 | Fuel System | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY / FLUCTUATES, AND THE LOW FUEL CHIME SOUNDS PREMATURELY. *TT | |
| 990232003 Jun 1999 | Steering | CONDITIONS WITH STEERING SHUDDER OR VIBRATION AT LOW SPEED. *TT | |
| 990858001 May 1999 | Structure | CONDITIONS WITH GENERAL WIND NOISE / WINDRUSH. *TT | |
| 990604005 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT |
Showing 60 of 92 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Buick Century →