Model year guide

1997 Buick Century

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Buick Century is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

1997 Buick Century — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Buick Century at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints120
Typical price$1,114

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Buick Century recalls 4

Steering NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009

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 VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages NHTSA Campaign #99V348000 · 16/12/1999

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.

Fix: 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 IMPROV…

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #98V102000 · 15/05/1998

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."

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER MANUAL'S INSERT WHICH CONTAINS THE APPROPRIATE INFORMATION.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Buick Century common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

What's a 1997 Buick Century worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,114
High
$2,100

From 7 comparable 1997 Buick Century listings.

1997 Buick Century trims & engines on record

Trims
Custom · Limited
Engines
3.1L 6-cyl

1997 Buick Century vehicles on record

1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M7V1468641 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M9V1444373 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M5V1444922 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M8V1453324 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M6V1441964 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M0V1469596 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M1V1406619 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M6V1454486 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Limited2G4WY52M1V1437173 1997 Buick Century Limited2G4WY52M5V1465252 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Limited2G4WY52M9V1422856 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M9V1413317 1997 Buick Century 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M1V1424828 1997 Buick Century Custom2G4WS52M6V1472695

Other Buick Century model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1993

1997 Buick Century — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Buick Century have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1997 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Century?

Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, visibility, tires.

How much is a 1997 Buick Century worth?

Comparable 1997 Buick Century listings run roughly $500–$2,100, typically around $1,114 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.