1990 Buick Century

1990 Buick Century

The 1990 Buick Century was a popular mid-size sedan that offered a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. It was powered by a standard 3.3-liter V6 engine with 160 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Optional engine options included a 3.8-liter V6 with 170 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque and a 4.5-liter V8 with 205 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Despite its popularity, the Century was not without its share of issues.

Engine

• 3.3-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.8-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4.5-liter V8
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,400
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed Automatic
  • Slipping Gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, difficulty shifting
    • Solution: Overhaul transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when hitting bumps, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, rear end bouncing
  • Solution: Replace rear shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working, intermittent headlight operation
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, warning light on dash
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motors
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not working, slow window operation
  • Solution: Replace power window motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Body Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially undercarriage
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Cylinders
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not turning in lock, door not opening
  • Solution: Replace door lock cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard developing cracks over time
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair cracks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Motors
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving, intermittent seat operation
  • Solution: Replace power seat motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per seat
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1990 Buick Century was a reliable vehicle with a comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, it had some common issues, such as intake manifold gasket failures, transmission problems, suspension issues, and electrical problems. The severity of the issues and the cost to fix them can vary depending on the specific problem.