1991 Buick Century

The 1991 Buick Century is a mid-size sedan that was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine options. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 3.3L V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 3.8L V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 5.0L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

However, like all vehicles, the 1991 Buick Century has some common issues that owners should be aware of. These issues range from minor annoyances to more serious problems that could affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle.

Engine

3.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. This can lead to overheating and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: The valve cover gaskets can leak oil, causing smoke and an oily smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

3.8L V6

• Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. This can lead to overheating and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure: The intake manifold runner control can fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold runner control.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

5.0L V8

• Oil Pressure Switch Failure: The oil pressure switch can fail, causing the engine to lose oil pressure. This can lead to engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Fuel Injector Failure: The fuel injectors can fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• EGR Valve Failure: The EGR valve can fail, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slippage: The transmission can slip, causing the vehicle to lose power or jerk when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and fluid. If the problem persists, a transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Overdrive Solenoid Failure: The overdrive solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to not shift into overdrive.
  • Solution: Replace the overdrive solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: The strut mounts can fail, causing the suspension to make noise and the vehicle to handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing the suspension to make noise and the vehicle to handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Sway Bar Link Failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing the suspension to make noise and the vehicle to handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Battery Failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. This can lead to the vehicle losing power while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Power Window Motor Failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to not open or close.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Antenna Mast Failure: The antenna mast can break, causing the radio to not receive a signal.
  • Solution: Replace the antenna mast.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• HVAC Control Panel Failure: The HVAC control panel can fail, causing the heating and air conditioning to not work.
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC control panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Cruise Control Failure: The cruise control can fail, causing the vehicle to not maintain a set speed.
  • Solution: Replace the cruise control switch or module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Seat Belt Retractor Failure: The seat belt retractors can fail, causing the seat belts to not retract properly.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt retractors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1991 Buick Century is a generally reliable vehicle with a spacious interior and powerful engine options. However, it does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most severe issues include head gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and transmission slippage. The cost to fix these issues can be significant, so it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing.