The Lemon Index
200120036th generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: lights
Fewest complaints of its generation (6th generation).
61 owner complaints, first 3 years 21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2002 Hyundai Accent 1062002 Nissan Maxima 972002 Mitsubishi Galant 56
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 15,000 and 48,000 miles (24,000–78,000 km) (the middle half of the 32 complaints, of all 61 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E005000 (steering) and 07E021000 (fuel system, other) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Buick sent dealers 386 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Some customers may complain that the service engine soon (ses) indicator is illuminated with…”?
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 61 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 15K to 48K miles (24K to 78K km) on the car (32 of all 61 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
Consumer complained about brake problems. When they were applied vehicle hesitated to stop. Consumer took vehicle to dealer to be serviced, but dealership could not determine the cause of the problem.
2002 Buick Century owner · NHTSA complaint 10103783
More owner reports
At a stop on a hill when depressing the brakes there was a minor vehicle roll back once the foot was off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10103177
While driving at any speed headlights shut off intemittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10106842
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 386 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain that the service engine soon (ses) indicator is illuminated with…
- Some owners may comment on an exhaust system ping/crackle/snap type noise that is audible for…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2002 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-century/?y=2002" 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/2002/">Lemon Index</a> (2002 Buick Century reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2002 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 37; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2002 Buick Century problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (18%), brakes (13%) and engine (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Century have?
2 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 2002 Buick Century get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Buick Century problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 15,000 and 48,000 miles (24,000–78,000 km) (the middle half of the 32 complaints, of all 61 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2002 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2002 Buick Century have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Buick Century cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Buick Century have?
3.1L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Buick Century year than the 2002?
Not nearby: the 2002 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Buick Century years within 3 model years of it.
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