The Lemon Index
200020026th generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: brakes
Better years to buy
66 owner complaints, first 3 years 21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2001 Nissan Maxima 402001 Mitsubishi Galant 782001 Dodge Stratus 73
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 16 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E005000 (steering), 07E021000 (fuel system, other) and 01V109000 (seat belts) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Buick sent dealers 393 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Gm powertrain is currently seeking information regarding 4t65e transmissions with a whine…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 66 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 19K to 43K miles (32K to 69K km) on the car (16 of all 66 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
When vehicle is on a hill in drive gear, vehicle will roll backwards, unless brake is applied.
2001 Buick Century owner · NHTSA complaint 8014205
More owner reports
When applying brakes there is a metal knocking sound, brake pedal feels normal, but no braking action. This has happened 3 times. Dealer cannot remedy problem.
NHTSA complaint 884470
Consumer noticed abs light flashing while traveling, indication that abs system was not working. Manufacturer had been contacted.
NHTSA complaint 10041870
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 393 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gm powertrain is currently seeking information regarding 4t65e transmissions with a whine…
- Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak
- Some onwers may comment on one or several delayed shifts, slips, flares or extended shifts…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- Steering · recall issued 2009
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 VARIO…
- Fuel system, other · recall issued 2007
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH SUNVISOR LOCATED AIR BAG LABELS, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MESSAG…
Show all 5 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.1L 6-cyl.
Every Buick Century year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2001 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-century/?y=2001" title="Buick Century reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-century/2001/">Lemon Index</a> (2001 Buick Century reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2001 Buick Century reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew a bit under half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Century year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2002.
What are the most common 2001 Buick Century problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (23%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and engine (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Buick Century have?
5 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Buick Century get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2001 Buick Century have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2001 Buick Century cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Buick Century have?
3.1L 6-cyl.
What Buick Century year is better than the 2001?
Nearby, the 2002 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works