2004 Buick Century Standard
2G4WS52J041181730
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Buick Century Standard (VIN 2G4WS52J041181730). Gold, sedan/saloon, 3.1L 6-cyl, gasoline. 121,871 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $2,192 (typical range $500–$5,922). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 2G4WS52J041181730, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Buick Century data →
📋 All factory specifications on file6 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2004 Buick Century worth?
What comparable 2004 Buick Century vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Buick Century with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Buick Century.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Buick Century 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Buick Century costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,192) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,638), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Buick Century. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 405
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 405.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…
Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…
Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…
Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CENTURY. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Buick Century
Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
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 · 17/02/2009FUEL 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 · 12/03/2007These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Buick Century, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 4 involved a crash 🚑 5 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 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.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
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 39
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Buick Century.
SEATS
POWER SEAT WIRING HARNESS SORTED TO SEAT FRAME/SPRING
NHTSA ODI #11375490AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAG HIT THE CONTACT'S ARM AND FACE LEAVING MINOR MARKS AND BRUISES. THE DRIVER DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HIS INJURIES. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF TO…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11325959AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIM…
NHTSA ODI #11298369SERVICE BRAKES
FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES FAILED LEAVING ME WITH NO BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS THE FIRST TO GO. THE FRONT BURST AND ABOUT 4 WEEKS LATER THE CAUSE WAS RUST AND CORROSION. BOTH TIMES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11253909SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE FAILED ON REAR BRAKES. LOST ALL FLUID IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY RUST ON BRAKE LINES
NHTSA ODI #11157184VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING MY CAR OVER 5 MILES IT WILL CHOKE AND NOT LET ME ACCELERATE AND THE SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 0. CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE?
NHTSA ODI #11128519ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS YOU CAN'T DIM THE HEADLIGHTS. BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T ALLOW THE LEVER TO GO FAR ENOUGH TO CATCH. NOW MY HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN THE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO. MY CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK. MY A/C STOPS COOLING WHEN THE SPEED REACHES 60 MPH BUT IF I MOVE THE…
NHTSA ODI #11101549EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT NIGHT. ( I MAY HAVE FLASHED MY HIGH BEAMS TO SIGNAL A TRUCK THAT IT WAS SAFE TO CHANGE LANES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. INTERIOR LIGHTS STILL WORKING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. NOTHING I DID WOULD BRING HEADLIGHTS BACK ON. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM!! CAR MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 62,000. 12/21/2017 DATE.
NHTSA ODI #11056001+ 31 more complaints on record.
