NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 228 owner complaints for the 1998 Buick Century. Most complaints involve electrical system (27) and service brakes, hydraulic (25). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE VERTICAL HEAD LAMP ADJUSTING DEVICE MAY NOT BE CALIBRATED PROPERLY.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“MY VEHICLE'S WINDOW CONTROLS AND LOCK CONTROLS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, WHEN LOCKING THE DOOR OR THE WINDOW WILL GO DOWN BUT WILL NOT COME UP. THE REST OF THE WINDOWS CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE CAR WILL NOT WORK AS WELL. THE LIGHTING IN THE CAR FLICKERS IF YOU WOULD PUSH THE LOT OR THE WINDOW CONTROL. ANTERIOR LIGHT IS NO LONGER WORKING. NONE OF THIS WORKS EVEN WHEN PARKED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED INDICATING A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ABS MOTOR PACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND SHE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL UP ALL FOUR WINDOWS BUT ONLY THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WINDOW MOTORS AND TRACKS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 4/1/11 *CN UPDATED 1/13/2012 *LN *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Century Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.1 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 228 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (27), service brakes, hydraulic (25), visibility (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Buick Century at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).