The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Buick
CENTURYProblems & recalls

154 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 42 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 154 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components42 reports
Engine33 reports
Electrical system24 reports
Brakes23 reports
Visibility21 reports
Steering11 reports
Air bags8 reports
Fuel system7 reports
Transmission & drivetrain7 reports
Body & structure6 reports
Suspension4 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS8
ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM7
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS7
STEERING6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH4
AIR BAGS3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
STRUCTURE3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY2
SUSPENSION2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH2
VISIBILITY2
WHEELS2
POWER TRAIN2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)1
SEATS1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
WHEELS:HUB1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
STEERING:COLUMN1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
TIRES:BEAD1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Oct 3, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

62,000 miles is the median among 101 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 35,000–93,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Feb 17, 2009 Safety recallSTEERINGCampaign 09E005000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E005000 at NHTSA
Mar 12, 2007 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 07E021000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

386 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis 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/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-141GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin adv…NHTSA ID 11006421

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006421 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier…NHTSA ID 11004761

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-08-45-001HThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.NHTSA ID 10252735

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10252735 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Ti…NHTSA ID 10251890

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251890 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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