1990-1996 Buick Century: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
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Our reliability study for this generation Buick Century includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick Century .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 or 440-T4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1994)
Engine misfire:
Cars with the 3.1-liter engine may stall, idle roughly, or suffer from tip-in hesitation after extended idling. Additionally, the defroster may not clear the windshield when the temperature is around 40-50 degrees F. The fix is to get a new PROM and a vacuum-hose elbow for the PCV system. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
An intermittent rattling noise after starting is often caused by automatic transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise:
A tick or rattle when the engine is started cold may be due to too much wrist pin-to-piston clearance. (1994-95)
Oil leak:
The plastic valve covers on 3.1-liter engines were prone to leaks and should be replaced with redesigned aluminum valve covers. (1994-95)
Steering noise:
The upper bearing mount in the steering column can get loose and cause a snapping or clicking, requiring a new bearing spring and turn-signal cancel cam. (1994-96)
Transmission leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $555 |
| Alternator | $195 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,095 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $535 |
| Exhaust System | $450 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $825 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $350 |
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