1997 Buick Century Limited
2G4WY52M1V1437173
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Buick Century Limited (VIN 2G4WY52M1V1437173). Silver, sedan/saloon, 3.1L 6-cyl. 92,575 mi reported. Registered in Fl. 4 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 1997 Buick Century worth?
What comparable 1997 Buick Century vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN 2G4WY52M1V1437173
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 4
STEERING
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 VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PLASTIC WATER DEFLECTOR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM AND INSTALL A WATER DEFLECTOR. ON VEHICLES RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT CRANK ARM AND NEW WATER DEFLECTOR, DEALERS WILL ALSO APPLY ADDITIONAL SEALING MATERIAL TO IMPROVE
NHTSA Campaign #99V348000 · 16/12/1999FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OWNER MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIREMENT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING DEVICE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.
NHTSA Campaign #98V102000 · 15/05/1998We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Buick Century, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 120
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Buick Century.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10956057TIRES
WITHIN 43 DAYS OF PURCHASING COOPER GRAND TOURING CS5 TIRES FOR MY 1997 BUICK CENTURY, ONE DEVELOPED A LARGE SIDEWALL BULGE. THE RETAILER FORCED ME TO BUY ANOTHER NEW TIRE FOR $72. AND COOPER REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CARS FOR 40 YEARS AN NEVER HAD A NEW TIRE OR ANY TIRE DEVELOP A SIDEWALL BULGE. I HAD A SPIRITED CONVERSATION WITH A COOPER R…
NHTSA ODI #10730292ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS DETERIORATING AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE DEX COOL ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWE…
NHTSA ODI #10658881STEERING
WHEN I BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, I TURNED STEERING WHEEL WITH A "HARD LEFT." CAR MADE CLICKING NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629567TIRES
DRIVING ON I-95 SOUTHBOUND WHEN I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION TO MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SIGNAL HELP. FORTUNATELY, I ESCAPED THIS FAILURE UNINJURED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501846EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE WIRING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT…
NHTSA ODI #10464291STEERING
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING LOCKED AND THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. I WASN'T ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN CAUSING ME TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO A LAWN. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T GO BACK TO THE CORRECT POSITION AND IT SEEMED TO BE IN MANUAL STEERING MODE. I COULD BARELY MOVE THE WHEEL. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AT THIS TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10401262VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH THE RPM'S INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RESPIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLIANT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10325088+ 112 more complaints on record.
