1982 Buick Century Reliability ReportKeepScore 65/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1982 Buick Century
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1984 Buick Century earns a 68.
- The system most likely to surface first: body & chassis corrosion (major severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap.
1982 Buick Century: Buy or Avoid?
The 1982 Buick Century represents early front-wheel-drive GM engineering, offering a comfortable ride with simple, often robust gasoline mechanicals. However, its age brings significant challenges: expect a constant battle against rust, persistent electrical gremlins, and a need for diligent maintenance. This vehicle is best suited for the enthusiast or a dedicated DIY owner, not a trouble-free daily driver, especially considering the catastrophic risks associated with the diesel engine option.
Biggest Strengths
- Simple, repairable gasoline engine designs
- Comfortable, soft ride quality for its era
- Excellent parts availability due to common GM platforms
1982 Buick Century — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1982 Buick Century. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1982 Buick Century
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE FUEL TANK IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE METAL END FITTINGS WERE INSTALLED. SOME REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE METAL END FITTINGS WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE PULLING FORCE SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 106, "BRAKE HOSES".
What breaks on the 1982 Buick Century?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Buick Century — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Buick Century. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1982s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1982 Buick Century
Parts and accessories matched to your 1982 Buick Century
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Frequently Asked Questions
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