Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1997 Buick Century
NHTSA data on file today
The 1997 Buick Century has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 105 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E005000 STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING/LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E021000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V348000 GM/WINDSHIELD WIPER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V102000 GM/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 16 complaints
- Steering 15 complaints
- Visibility 15 complaints
- Seat Belts 14 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 8 complaints
- Air Bags 6 complaints
Of the 105 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 105 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$6,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 1997 Buick Century has an average reliability rating. The most significant issues stem from the electrical system, visibility, and steering based on recall and owner complaint data, suggesting potential maintenance costs. While some recalls like steering knuckle and fuel pressure regulator issues could impact safety, they are largely related to aftermarket parts.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 80,000–110,000 miles | $200–$450 | common |
| windshield wiper linkage | 50,000–80,000 miles | $150–$300 | common |
| steering system | 70,000–100,000 miles | $300–$600 | occasional |
| seat belts | 90,000–120,000 miles | $100–$200 | occasional |
| headlight aiming device | 60,000–90,000 miles | $50–$150 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil change every 5,000 miles
- Inspect brakes annually
- Replace tires every 40,000 miles
- Inspect suspension annually
- Coolant flush every 50,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering wheel play
- Wiper failure during rain
- Electrical shorts
- Headlight dimming
- Brake pedal softness
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1997 Buick Century at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.