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 189 of 235 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 98 of 235 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
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.
Engine & cooling
64 complaint records2 fire reports
"WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED ENGINE KNOCKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND ENGINE WAS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
31 complaint records
"FRONT RIGHT WINDOWS EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR MIRROR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS..."- 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 →
Brakes
30 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"DEFECT ON LR PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS FOUND AFTER REPAIR ON BRAKES. CONSUMER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR. (NAR) *LA *CB..."- 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 brakes parts in the directory →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V375000 | Exterior Lighting | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 99V356000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V170000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE KEY IN THE "ON" POSITION, EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MOTOR SHORTS TO ITS CASE AND GROUNDS THROUGH A FLEXIBLE BRAKE FLUID PIPE. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004287 2004-08-11 | Lights And Instruments | 13,553 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108. Some of these vehicles do not meet the overhead sign illumination requirements in the Standard. |
| 2000003 2000-01-05 | Lights And Instruments | 28,495 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting Equipment and Retroreflective Devices. The vertical vehicle headlamp aiming device (VHAD) may not be calibrated properly. |
| 1999136 1999-07-26 | Electrical | 12,414 | Certain vehicles with the key in the "ON" position, may exhibit a condition in which the ABS motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake pipe. |
| 1998193 1998-09-28 | Engine | 828 | Certain vehicles may be equipped with ignition coil/control module assemblies that were incorrectly manufactured and may result in setting the SES light and causing various driveability problems, including engine misfire. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 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. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel 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... | |
| 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. | |
| PIP5346 Nov 2015 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. | |
| 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. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 08089-B Nov 2008 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE | |
| 08-089B Sep 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CHEVROLET GMC SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED. *PE | |
| 08-089 Jun 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 709 Sep 2005 | Suspension | TIE ROD SPECIFICATIONS REVISED. GM TECH LINK. *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 | |
| 09072004 Sep 2004 | Exterior Lighting | LOW BEAM HEADLAMP BULBS ILLUMINATION REDUCE ABILITY FOR DRIVER TO READ SIGNS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. *EH | |
| 01533 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE START AND STALL AFTER FUELING WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). SIT BULLETIN 1408781. *TT | |
| 02038 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1000. *MR | |
| 01650 Jan 2004 | Visibility | MANUAL DUAL ZONE FAN AND MODE KNOB REPLACEMENT. SERVICE VME. *TT | |
| 00579 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B 1001 IN BCM AND/OR POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SPEAICAL PROCEDURE. *MJ | |
| 3097 Jan 2004 | Equipment | HVAC SIDE TO SIDE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE. *SC | |
| 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... | |
| 00704A Nov 2003 | Power Train | THE 4T65E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF A HARSH GARAGE SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE ON A COLD START. *TT | |
| 030232049 Nov 2003 | Steering | RELEASE OF NEW OUTER TIE ROD ENDS FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 57 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | WIRE HARNESS MAY BE STRETCHED, OR THE PCS MAY NOT BE ORIENTED IN THE SAME POSITION, AFTER INSTALLING A SERVICE REPLACEMENT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. GM TECH LINK. *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 | |
| 030867004 Jun 2003 | Visibility | PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT | |
| 030730017 May 2003 | Power Train | GRIND NOISE OR NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. *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 | |
| 020235002B Aug 2002 | Steering | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON TWO DIFFERENT CONDITIONS WITH THE TILT STEERING COLUMN STICKING THE EXTREME UP POSITION AND / OR STICKING IN THE NO.4 POSITION. *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 | |
| 020235002A Jun 2002 | Steering | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON TILT STEERING COLUMN STICKING IN PSOTION AND UNABLE TO RELEASE. *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 | |
| 020235002 Apr 2002 | Steering | CONCERNS WITH TILT SETTERING COLUMN STICKING IN POSITION AND UNABLE TO RELEASE. *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 | |
| 010310008A Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING FALSE TIRE INFLATION MONITOR SYSTEM (TIM) MESSAGE/LAMO ILLUMINATION (INSTALL NEW ELECTRONIC BRAKE TRACTION CONTROL MODULE- EBTCM).*JG | |
| 020864001 Jan 2002 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON WIND NOISE OR A WHISTLE AROUND THE MIRRORS ON THE FRONT DOORS. *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 |
Showing 60 of 95 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.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →