AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1998 Buick Century
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$7,000
The 1998 Buick Century has below-average reliability, with frequent electrical and brake issues, along with potential steering knuckle defects, resulting in higher ownership costs.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 70,000–100,000 miles | $300–$700 | very common |
| brake system | 60,000–90,000 miles | $250–$600 | common |
| steering knuckle | 100,000–130,000 miles | $400–$800 | occasional |
| fuel regulator | 80,000–110,000 miles | $150–$300 | occasional |
| headlights | 50,000–80,000 miles | $100–$200 | occasional |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake fluid replacement
- Transmission fluid check
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plugs replacement
- Tire rotation and alignment
- Coolant system flush
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering stiffness or noise
- Intermittent electrical failures
- Brake pedal sponginess
- Fuel smell near engine
- Headlights dimming or flickering
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/23/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.