What's Wrong with the 5th Generation (1982–1996) Century?

Century owners have made 38 complaints about the 1982–1996 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 7th out of 22 Buick generations in overall reliability, with some engine and fuel system concerns.

Compare With Other Century Generations

Common 1982-1996 Buick Century Problems

Some of the worst issues 5th generation Century owners have to deal with.

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue Cracked intake manifold

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

5th Generation (1982–1996) Century Key Numbers

  1. 11 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 38 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 7th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 22 eligible generations.