This 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 Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Buick Century electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2005 Buick Century have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 5 electrical complaints filed for the 2005 Buick Century, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Vehicle 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 exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
While driving at night, the headlights turned off by themselves. This has happened 3 times. When high/low beam selector was used, lights returned on. Suspect faulty switch?? *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick century. The contact stated that when activating the right turn signal, the vehicle would stall. When activating the left turn signal, the instrument panel would flash abnormally. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The contact believed that the ignition starter switch would need to be replaced.…
We have had our 2005 Buick lacrosse for about six months now and want to report this lighting safety concern. This headlight incident with our Buick has actually happened to us, three times since mid april. The first time it happened, we were driving one evening, suddenly our low beam headlights went off. This was very frightening as it was a dark stretch of road, with traffic. I slowed and…
No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick century. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the low beams stopped working and hindered the contact's visibility while the vehicle was in motion. The contact had to hold the switch to get the high beams to remain illuminated due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the multi-function switch on the column for the lights…
Had electrical trouble with your 2005 Buick Century?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2005 Buick Century?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 84,060 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Buick/Century.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.