How many problems does the 2003 BUICK Century have?

The 2003 BUICK Century currently has 130 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2003 BUICK Century?

The most common problems reported for the 2003 BUICK Century are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2003 BUICK Century problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2003 BUICK Century comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2003 BUICK Century Problems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

36 complaints

BRIGHT LIGHTS WON'T STAY ON.

Nov 22, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE MAINLY OCCURRED WHILE SWITCHING FROM LOW TO HIGH BEAM AND VICE VERSA. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TT*JB

Oct 16, 2018

BRIGHT LIGHTS WON'T STAY ON AND SOMETIMES IF YOU CAN GET THEM TO COME ON THEY WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. WAS ON A CITY STREET AND TURNED RIGHT , THEY WENT OFF. SINCE THEN YOU CAN HOLD THE BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH, BUT WHEN YOU TURN LOOSE THEY GOES OFF.

May 19, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO RESPOND. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,704.

Sep 05, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVERS CAUSED A HAZE OVER THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH PREVENTED THEM FROM ILLUMINATING CORRECTLY AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE TECHNICIAN TO CLEAN OR REPLACE THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Aug 01, 2016

+ 31 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ALARM SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Nov 03, 2014

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 4:00 AM, WHEN THE LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT, AND I DID NOT EVEN HAVE PARK LIGHTS. AFTER ABOUT A HALF HOUR I WAS ABLE TO GET THE PARK LIGHTS TO WORK AND GO ON TO OUR SON'S HOUSE USING ONLY MY PARK LIGHTS. THEN I FINALLY GOT THE LIGHTS TO BURN ENOUGH TO FINISH MY TRIP USING LOW BEAMS. THE HIGH BEAM WOULD JUST GO OFF AND ONLY THE LOW BEAMS WOULD WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SINCE THEN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE COMBINATION SWITCH FOR THE LIGHTS TWICE, AND AT THIS TIME,IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE I CANNOT GET THE RIGHT REAR SIGNAL LIGHT TO OPERATE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE COMBINATION SWITCH AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO HAVE DONE. HAVE THERE BEEN MANY MORE REPORTS OF THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM OF SUDDENLY HAVING NO LIGHTS AND HAVING TO HAVE THE WHOLE COMBINATION SWITCH REPLACED. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? *TR

May 08, 2014

THE CAR LOCKS ITSELF WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE. WILL HAPPEN IF THE ENGINE IS ON OR OFF. *TR

Apr 08, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT AFTER SHAKING THE KEY RING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Apr 03, 2014

THE INTERNAL PANEL LIGHTS GO OFF WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEAD LIGHTS. I COULD NO LONGER READ MY GAUGES OR SPEEDOMETER. THE HEAD LIGHTS STILL WORK BUT I FEEL THIS IS THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT MANY ON THE INTERNET HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT WITH THERE HEAD LIGHTS GOING OFF. WHEN WILL MINE STOP WORKING? THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED WITH BUICKS SINCE 1998 AND I CONSIDER VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE DEALER WANTS ALMOST 700.00 TO REPLACE THE DIMMER SWITCH THE CAR IS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. *TR

Nov 12, 2010

+ 6 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE ENGINE SHE NOTICED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WOULD CONTINUALLY DROP AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46000.

Jan 29, 2010

2003 BUICK CENTURY 4DR - I HAVE HAD FOR ALMOST SIX YEARS AND THIS HAPPENED ONLY ONE TIME. THANK GOD. I LEFT WALMART ON SIDE STREET, SLOWED FOR STOP SIGN AHEAD, THE ENGINE WENT COMPLETELY DEAD, LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENTS OUT, I CAME TO SUDDEN STOP. COULD NOT RESTART CAR, DOORLOCKS HAD AUTOMATICALLY CLICKED, LOCKING US INSIDE, WE COULD NOT RELEASE OR OPEN DOORS. WE WERE LOCKED INSIDE OUR CAR. LUCKILY I WORE CELLPHONE. ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER, OUT OF THE BLUE, THE POWER CAME BACK ON ALL AT ONCE, LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART ENGINE AND UNLOCK THE DOORS. IT WAS A RATHER SCARY SITUATION FOR A FEW MOMENTS. I THOUGHT, "WHAT IF THERE HAD BEEN A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT?" *TR

Jul 27, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY DISCOVERED AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,800.

May 12, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AT HIS RESIDENCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE CONTACT'S HOME BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD ARRIVE. IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE HOME AND CARPORT WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE HOME WAS CONDEMNED DUE TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,000. UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF

Dec 15, 2008

Fire: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAINTENANCE COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO A FAULTY MANIFOLD GASKET THAT WAS LEAKING OIL INTO THE ANTIFREEZE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET AT THE COST OF $900. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,162 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,130.

Apr 18, 2008

+ 5 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

7 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THE ROCKER PANELS WERE COMPLATELY RUSTED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED FOR DIAGNOSIS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PANELS WERE BEYOND REPAIR AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TRADE THE VEHICLE FOR A NEWER ONE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE RADIATOR MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AND ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO GET RID OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ

May 23, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROCKER PANELS WERE CORRODED ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. ..UPDATED 03/21/12 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY BUICK, THE RUST WAS TRAVELING UP TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE LEARNED THE RADIATOR SUPPORTS HAVE ALSO ROTTED OUT. UPDATED 03/23/12

Nov 07, 2011

ONGOING LEAKS AT BOTTOM OF BOTH REAR DOORS FOR SOME YEARS DESPITE AT LEAST 3 ATTEMPTS BY DEALER TO FIX. I FINALLY RESOLVED ON MY OWN WITH PLASTIC SHEETING WHICH IS UNSIGHTLY. ALSO DISCOVERED LEAK IN TRUCK IN PAST YEAR. ANOTHER ISSUE IS POOR QUALITY OF THE 2 CONTROL KNOBS ON DASH BOARD FOR A/C, ETC. THEY HAVE EITHER BROKEN OR HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO TURN. *TR

May 24, 2009

THE CROSS MEMBER HOLDING THE ENGINE CAME LOOSE AND DROPPED THE ENGINE TO ABOUT 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. ONLY 1 BOLT WAS FOUND. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. IT WILL REQUIRE A FLOOR JACK TO LIFT THE ENGINE SO THE BOLT CAN BE REPLACED AND THEN TOWED TO A SHOP FOR INSPECTION OF FURTHER POSSIBLE DAMAGE. *TR

Oct 09, 2008

MY 2003 BUICK CENTURY'S WINDSHIELD LOWER SEAL FAILED AROUND THE CABIN-FILTER AREA AND ALLOWED WATER TO RUN DOWN THE FIREWALL AND INTO MY CAR UNDER MY CARPETING AND POOL ON THE FLOOR. THIS CORRODED THE WIRES LEADING TO MY POWER DRIVER'S SEAT. THESE WIRES ALSO LEAD TO A DEVICE THAT CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS (A SENSOR?). GM TOOK MY SEATS, CONSOLE AND CARPETING OUT TO FIX THE WIRING. HAD THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO DEPLOY, I DOUBT IT WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE CONDITION OF THE WIRING, AND/OR IT CERTAINLY WOULD MOST LIKELY CORRODE THAT SENSOR SOONER OR LATER, RENDERING IT AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG, USELESS. THE GM MECHANIC SAID THAT,"THIS HAS BEEN A DESIGN FLAW BY GM FOR MANY YEARS WITH THE BUICK CENTURY" -- I THINK HE MENTIONED 2002 TO 2004 MODELS. HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS MANY TIMES. THE MANAGER AT THE BUICK DEALER SAID THAT HE TOLD THE GM REPRESENTATIVE FROM THEIR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE OFFICE THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT DUE TO ME AS THE OWNER, WAS NOT DUE TO THE AGING OF THE CAR, AND THAT HE HAS HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM MANY TIMES. GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DANGER TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. GM ALSO REFUSES TO ADMIT THAT THIS IS THEIR DESIGN FLAW, DESPITE THEIR OWN SERVICE MANAGERS AND MECHANICS SAYING THAT IT IS. GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR ANY PART OF THE REPAIRS. GM SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE THE ORIGINAL OWNER, GET IT SERVICED AT THIS PARTICULAR GM DEALER REGULARLY, AND BECAUSE IT HAS 73,000 MILES ON IT THEY "CAN NOT HELP". WHAT DIFFERENCE DO THESE VARIABLES MAKE? MY CARPET IS NASTY (COST TO REPLACE "JUST THE CARPET" -- $500.00), MY POWER SEAT WILL PROBABLY WORK NOW, I'M OUT $500.00+ FOR LABOR, AND I CAN'T COUNT ON MY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH. IN MY OPINION, THE 2003 BUICK CENTURY IS DANGEROUS GM'S FAILING TO FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. AND IT'S COSTING ITS CONSUMERS $100.00'S OF DOLLARS TO FIX ON OUR OWN, AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY LIVES. *JB

Mar 23, 2006

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

2003 BUICK CENTURY WITH LEAKING BRAKE CYLINDERS. CUSTOMER STATES THE DEALER TOLD HIM THIS WAS CAUSED BY HITTING A POT HOLE. SHE SAYS THE BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE SERVICED OR BE A PROBLEM AT 18,000 MILES. *KB

Oct 04, 2007

DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND CAME TO STOP SIGN APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY FAILED AND VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES SYSTEM AND FOUND NOTHING. ON THE DAY THAT THE DEALER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG, THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. TOOK BACK TO DEALER, LEFT IT WITH THE DEALER FOR 5 DAYS. THEY DROVE THE CAR 337 MILES AND FOUND NOTHING. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WERE VERY SPONGY. TODAY, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER, AND IT HAD PROPER BRAKES. *AK

May 26, 2005

PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON 2003 BUICK CENTURY.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES SQUEALED. THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOOD. *JB

Sep 08, 2004

WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK *NM *SC

Jul 30, 2004

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WOULD BE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AFTER THE BRAKES WARMED UP, THE NOISE DISAPPEARED. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER REPORTED THE PROBLEM EACH TIME HE HAD GONE TO THE DEALER. THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER SPRAYED THE BRAKE SHOES BUT THIS DID NOTHING. THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DONE. *SC *JB

Apr 20, 2004

+ 2 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 complaints

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ALL LIGHTS GO OUT, INTERIOR AND DRIVING LIGHTS, RESUMING WHEN CLICKING BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH. DRIVING AT 65 MPH.

Feb 10, 2016

PULLED OUT OF GAS STATION TO ENTER STREET AND NOTICED HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. PULLED OUT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PULLED BACK ON THE BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON. MECHANIC HAD TOLD ME TO TRY THIS SINCE THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. LAST YEAR, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE BUICK DEALER FOR SOMETHING ELSE, BUT I BROUGHT UP HAVING A DIAGNOSTICS RUN TO SEE IF IT WOULD SHOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE LIGHT PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULDN'T SHOW UP. NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ MANY LETTERS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. GM SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT WOULD COST ABOUT $700.00 TO GET THE SWITCH REPLACED AT THE DEALER. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING? *JS

Jul 29, 2014

WHEN I SWITCH TO HIGH BEAMS MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY. THEY ONLY GO BACK ON WHEN I SWITCH BACK TO DIMS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HAVEN'T OWNED UP TO IT AND HAD A RECALL. *TR

Dec 01, 2010

1) WHILE DRIVING ON A NARROW, CURVY, HILLY TWO LANE ROAD IN THE DARK I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON MY HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS AS I WAS HAVING TROUBLE SEEING WHICH WAY THE ROAD WAYS TURNING. WHEN I CLICK THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT TOTALLY AND I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AT ALL. THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH ON THIS CAR IS THE GENERAL MOTORS MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. I WENT OFF THE ROAD NARROWLY MISSING A LARGE BOULDER AND TREE. 2) I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. MY CAR NOW ONLY HAS LOW BEAM. THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MUST BE FIDDLED WITH AND OPERATED MANY TIME TO TRY TO GETS THE HEADLIGHT TO COME BACK ON. IF I TRY TO GET THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AND I MUST PLAY WITH THE SWITCH TO HAVE THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN YOU NEED TO TRAVEL NARROW HILLY ROADS IN RURAL AREAS WITHOUT ANY ROAD LIGHTS. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT YOU BECOME SURPRISED AND NEED A SECOND TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HAS HAPPENED. IN THAT SECOND YOU BECOME A LITTLE DIS-ORIENTED AS YOU ARE TRYING TO GET THE LIGHTS TO COME BACK ON AND TRYING TO STOP. THE FAILURE IS STILL THERE AS I AM TRYING TO GET IT IN FOR REPAIR. 3) I WILL HAVE THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR IN THE NEXT FEW DAY AND WILL ASK FOR THE FAULTY SWITCH BACK. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH CHEVROLET IMPALA WHO TOLD ME HE HAD THE SAND PROBLEM WITH THIS GENERAL MOTORS MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. IT IS THE SAME SWITCH IN HIS CAR AS MINE. *TR

Dec 11, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 BUICK CENTURY V6 WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT MY LIGHTS GO OUT IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS I WOULD LIKE TO NO THE PROBLEM AS I HAVE READ THAT THERE HAS BEEN OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO IF I HIT THE DIMMER SWITCH THEY WILL COME BACK ON BUT THEN GO BACK OFF. *TR

Jun 19, 2009

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND CONTINUED DOWN A LAWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXEL AND THE MUFFLER FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, A PIECE OF THE TRANSMISSION DETACHED AND OIL LEAKED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. *JS

Feb 01, 2016

Crash: 1

2003 BUICK CENTURY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FOR THE PAST 1 1/2 YEARS THE VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. IT WOULD ACCELERATE UP TO 60 MPH, EVEN WHEN HER FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE VERY HIGH, WHEN THE ACCELERATION OCCURRED.

Jan 13, 2014

THE CAR WILL SPEED UP ON ITS OWN WHILE THE FOOT IS OFF THE PEDAL. ALSO, WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT A LIGHT, THE CAR WILL START REVVING UP AS IF I HAD MY FOOT ON BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED TO NO AVAIL. WHAT COULD THESE BE? I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I WILL GET IN AN ACCIDENT DO TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

May 19, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY WHETHER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,400.

Apr 16, 2010

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. DEALER REPLACED THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Feb 25, 2004

VISIBILITY

5 complaints

THE COMPLETE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED IN 2005 AT THE DEALERS, I THINK THAT WAS THE YEAR. NOW THE REAR WINDOW SWITCH FOR THE REAR WINDOW HAD TO BE REPLACED IN MAY 2011. THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BODY SHOP, HE HAD INFORMED ME THAT THE BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM SWITCHES ARE GOING UP VERY FAST. ALSO HE SAID THAT BUICK KNOWS ABOUT THIS AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER AND I RARELY HAVE ANY PASSENGERS. I AM ON A LIMITED INCOME AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE SWITCHES ON WINDOWS OR AFRAID THAT IF I OPEN THE WINDOW AND IT WON'T CLOSE WHEN NEED BE OR IF I HAVE TO OPEN IT FOR AN EMERGENCY AND IT WON'T OPEN. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM.

May 25, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THEY WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY AND WOULD REMAIN ON ONE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT HE WOULD NEED TO HAVE THEM TIGHTENED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. UPDATED 2/22/11 *CN UPDATED 04/22/11*JB

Jan 14, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE REAR PASSENGER AUTOMATIC WINDOW WOULD RELEASE DOWNWARD APPROXIMATELY FIVE INCHES WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE AUTOMATIC WINDOW MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. RECENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW EXHIBITED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. UPDATED 03/08/11*JB

Jan 03, 2011

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED IS A DEFECTIVE VISIBILITY AND GMC SAID IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK *CB

Jul 24, 2003

THE CONTROLS FOR THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ARE HARD TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Jul 17, 2003

SEATS

3 complaints

2003 BUICK CENTURY UNDER SEAT BRACKET INJURED THE CHILD. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER DAUGHTER CUT 90% OF HER ACHILLES TENDON ON THE BRACKET. SHE WAS SHOCKED TO FIND SUCH A SHARP AND DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT IN HER VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HAD TO HAVE SURGERY THE SAME DAY OF THE INCIDENT. *JB

Jan 11, 2008

Injuries: 1

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED DUE TO FAULTY WIRING UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNALS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *AK

Sep 13, 2006

Fire: 1

THE DRIVERS POWER SEAT WILL SOMETIMES MOVE FORWARD WHEN INITIALLY OCCUPIED, THIS HAPPENS WITH-OUT THE CONTROL BUTTON BEING ACTIVATED. *NM

Sep 12, 2005

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Sep 14, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE FRONT/ LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, UPON IMPACT NONEOF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE.*JB

Nov 24, 2003

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT 10-20 MPH FRONT PASSENGER TIRE HIT A CURB AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AIR BAG COVER EXPLODED IN THE AIR, AND LODGED ITSELF INTO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD.*AK

Aug 27, 2003

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE PARK, REVERSE, DRIVE HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR YEARS MY 84 YEAR OLD UNCLE NEVER NEW WHAT GEAR HE WAS IN AND HE GAVE ME THE CAR IN 09 AND WE CALL ON IT AND THEY TOLD US THEIR WAS NO RECALL AND 9 MONTH AGO IT FINALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY WE HAVE TO COUNT SO WE KNOW WHAT GEAR WE ARE IN AND YOU CAN'T SEE THE MILEAGE I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE OLDER PEOPLE. *TR

Oct 31, 2014

2003 BUICK CENTURY HAS 90,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD ON ACCELERATION/DECELERATION. OBD II REPORTS DTC OF P0742 - TORQUE CONVERTER CIRCUIT STUCK ON. TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, AND INTERNET SEARCH INDICATE COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TYPE OF GM TRANSMISSIONS. ESTIMATE TO FIX $1900 TO $2400. IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, SHOULDN'T GM RESOLVE AT NO OR NOMINAL COST TO OWNER OF CAR? *NM

Oct 10, 2005

STEERING

2 complaints

2003 BUICK CENTURY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIE ROD ENDS RECALL INFORMATION. *SMD THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED AND ADJUSTED THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD. UPDATED 10/28/13

Aug 26, 2013

LEAKING POWER STEERING RACK, LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD, REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER DID NOT DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT CAUSING SEVERE PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. WHEN TIRES REPLACED, EXAMINATION SHOWED ALIGNMENT EXTREMELY OUT OF SPECIFICATION. HAD TO HAVE OUTSIDE SUPPLIER DO PROPER ALIGNMENT. *TR

Apr 12, 2010

TIRES

2 complaints

FIRESTONE FR710 TIRES PURCHASED IN 2011 ARE EXPERIENCING TREAD SEPARATION AROUND THE SHOULDER OF THE TIRE STARTING WITH RIGHT FRONT TIRE. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 30000 MILES OF MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. ALL TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED EVERY 6000 MILES OR LESS AND ALL OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS SUSPENSION, TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS, AND ALIGNMENT ARE ALL WITHIN SPEC PER. TOOK SAID VEHICLE TO TWO OTHER TIRE SHOPS TO CONFIRM TIRE SHOULDER SEPARATION. *TR

Mar 17, 2012

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE, PULLED OFF THE ROAD, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DISCOVERED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS ON THE GROUND. THE TREAD WAS COMPLETELY G0NE.*AK

Sep 02, 2004

EQUIPMENT

2 complaints

MY 2003 BUICK CENTURY DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEREIN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS ENERGIZE AT VERY ODD TIMES; I.E. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED (LOW SPEED IN RESIDENTIAL AREA), WHEN SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN OR TO STOP BUT BEFORE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM MYSTERIOUSLY ACTIVATED AS THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED, MORE DISTANCE WAS USED TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. A MR GOODWRENCH SHOP TRIED TO FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AT THE SAME TIME THIS WAS HAPPENING, THREE DASH LIGHTS WOULD SOMETIMES COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE THREE LIGHTS WERE CHECK VEHICLE SOON, ANTI-LOCK, AND TRAC OFF. THESE SAME LIGHTS ALSO CAME ONE AND STAYED ON WHEN THE BRAKES SYSTEM WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE SHOP COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM WITH THIS EITHER. INCLUDING PUTTING ON NEW FRONT AND REAR BRAKES (INCLUDING FRONT ROTORS, I SPENT JUST OVER $900.00. THE ONLY THING I REALLY GOT WAS NEW BRAKES WHICH DO NOT NORMALLY COST ANYWHERE NEAR $ 900.00. I HAVE SINCE REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS OKAY EXCEPT THAT I NOW HAVE TWO LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME (ANTI-LOCK AND TRAC OFF). ALTHOUGH I SHOW AN INCIDENT DATE BELOW, THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR AT LEAST THREE MONTHS. *TR

Jul 01, 2007

ON3/25/05 I WENT TO THE [XXX], OFFICE TO REGISTER MY COLORADO TITLED AND REGISTERED 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE AGENTS SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND MY SECOND VIN # FOR VERIFICATION AND I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND PAY $20 FOR A SPECIAL VIN # , I DID. ONMAY 24 I PAID THE $20 AND A REGISTRATION WAS PROCESSED WITH PAYMENT OF $500.51 BY CHECK. AN ARIZONA TITLE WAS ISSUED AND NEGLIGENTLY I DID NOT DOUBLE CHECK THE VIN # THEY ISSUED ON IT AS [XXX]. MY INSURANCE NOTIFIED ME THAT THE # DID NOT CORRESPOND TO THE VIN THEY HAD ON RECORD FROM MY COLORADO ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE NEW FROM MIKE SHAW BUICK IN COLORADO SPRINGS AND SUBSEQUENT POLICIES ISSUED ON THAT VEHICLE. NOW WHEN I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT LIBERTY BUICK IN GLENDALE THE SERVICE MANAGER POINTED OUT THE TWO OBVIOUS VIN NUMBERS POSTED...ONE ON DRIVER'S SIDE ON THE DASH UNDER THE WINDSHIELD AND THE OTHER ON THE TRUNK LID. I JUST VERIFIED BOTH THOSE AS [XXX]. THIS CONFLICT PRESENTS A GENUINE PROBLEM IN MY PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASED NEW. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jul 01, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES

2 complaints

ANTI LOCK BRAKES , DECEMBER 2006. I NOTICED THE BRAKES WERE SPONGY, AND A LOUD GROWLING TYPE NOISE WHEN I TURNED . I TOOK IT TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC, WHO DID AN INSPECTION, AND SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE. BRAKE PADS WERE IN GOOD SHAPE,ETC . I DROVE HOME, ANTI LOCK LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO REPAIR SHOP FOR TEST DRIVE. THEY DROVE IT FOR SEVERAL HOURS NO NOISES OR SPONGY BRAKING. MY DAUGHTER CALLED ME & REPORTED SEEING THE CAR FLYING DOWN THE ROAD.. I TOLD REPAIR SHOP I WASN'T DRIVING 55 OR GREATER WHEN PROBLEM OCCURRED. I WAS DOING BETWEEN 10- 40 MPH. THEY DROVE IT AGAIN AT MUCH SLOWER SPEEDS AND RECREATED THE PROBLEMS. THEY RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE ABS SENSOR AND RIGHT/LEFT WHEEL CYLINDERS . I DID, IT AT GREAT EXPENSE. THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES WENT OUT. I DROVE HOME, PARKED THE CAR, AND THE NEXT MORNING ROVE TO WORK, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE WARNING LIGHT WAS BACK ON . TOOK IT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE. THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE PROBLEMS. BUT, RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO THREAD SEPARATION. ANOTHER CUSTOMER THERE WITH THIS CAR, ALSO A 2003 BUICK CENTURY THAT WAS HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON FOR THE SAME REASON. THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING. BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED , WHY? PERHAPS LIKE ME, MOST PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO REPORT SUCH PROBLEMS, THEY JUST REPLACED THEM LIKE I DID. *AK

May 08, 2007

UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE WAS A LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED OWNER THAT THIS WAS THE NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THAT VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT BECAUSE OF THE MATERIAL THE PADS ARE MADE OF, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSUMER RECEIVED A LOANER 2003 CENTURY AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED PRIOR TO THE CONSUMER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. *PH *NLM

Oct 10, 2003

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

My vehicle was receiving a PA state required annual mechanical safety inspection by an ASE certified mechanic. I was informed that the "sway bar" which stabilizes the steering system had failed, and as a critical part of the steering operation, the vehicle could not pass a PA state mechanical safety inspection. I had the "sway bar" replaced with the GM re-designed part at considerable expense to pass the PA state safety inspection. The ASE certified mechanic advised me that he had replaced many mechanical failures like mine (broken lug ends) before GM changed the design to one that could withstand the application (a solid forging as opposed to a sheet metal fabrication). I wrote to the CEO of Buick/GM (see attached letter) to request an explanation as to why a known safety defect like the "sway bar" was not recalled when it was first discovered, resulting in a re-design of the "sway bar" for subsequent production models. I received a telephone response from the GM Executive Team, who called himself "Debbie", at 1.855.880.1500, extension 5917674, Reference Number [XXX], on 26 July 2023. "Debbie" refused to document GM's position on this issue in writing, and only emphasized that a safety recall with this known safety issue was never issued. It appears that GM has deceived the NTHSA and gotten away with a cover-up. Regardless of the time that GM has kept this hidden from the NHTSA, GM should be required to recall all affected vehicles and repair them at their expense. Thank you. [XXX] PE INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 06, 2023

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS LIGHT CAME ON. CODE READ AT AUTOZONE INDICATED PO135- OXYGEN SENSOR. TWO DAYS LATER, BOTH CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON, SECURITY, BATTERY AND GAS LIGHTS. EVEN REVVED UP AND HAD OTHER ISSUES WITH FUEL ECONOMY AND COMPRESSOR KICKING ON AND FAILING TO START. OTHER ISSUES, POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A LOYALYTY CERTIFICATE A LEASED VEHUCLE OR A POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT OF 500.00 FOR REPAIRS. NEITHER OF THE REMEDIES SATISFIED THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT NO COST OR BE REIMBURSED 3,500.

Mar 30, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK WON'T HOLD MUCH AND CLICKS AS IF FULL. ALSO, WHEN ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT OR GROUND, THE ⛽ GAS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, EVEN AFTER GAS WAS JUST PUT IN. IN ADDITION, AT TIMES I SMELL A "BURNING ELECTRICAL" SMELL AND THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, THE BRIGHTS FAIL TO "CLICK" ON OR GOES OFF BY ITSELF. THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS HAVE TO BE TURNED MANUALLY TO BLINK. ALL TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE BACK TURN SIGNALS WORK AND LIGHT UP, BUT NOT THE FRONT & BLINK AT A FASTER RATE. EVEN ONE SIDE HEADLIGHT ENGAGEMENT WAS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST.

Mar 19, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

HORN BUTTON IS PART OF AIR BAG. THE HORN BUTTON SHORTS OUT AND THE HORN BLOWS ALL THE TIME. HAVE TO REMOVE FUSE TO STOP HORN BLOWING. HAD TO REPLACE AIR BAG TO FIX. IN A FEW MONTHS THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED. ITS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AIR BAGS SO I AM LEFT WITHOUT A HORN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. CAN THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDE A FIX? THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF GM CARS.

Oct 04, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WAS DRIVING UP A GRADE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT TO CLIMB THE GRADE PROPERLY ON THE FREEWAY SO REMAINED AT 60 MPH WHILE IN DRIVE. VEHICLE ALSO SEEMED TO ACCELERATE UNDER ITS OWN POWER WHERE I HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BRAKE SAFELY ALMOST AS IF I WAS BRAKING AS THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING. I WAS AT 55 MPH ON A FLAT SERVICE WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. I DID NOTICE HIGHER RPMS WHILE IN NEUTRAL. I DID TAKE IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND MY FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THE VEHICLE WASN'T THROWING ANY CODES EITHER. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS WITNESSED THIS ISSUE AND I'M SURE THE MECHANIC I TOOK IT TO DID HIS JOB PROPERLY IN ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE HOWEVER IT JUST COULDN'T BE DUPLICATED. NOT ABOUT TO PAY DIAGNOSTIC FEES AT DIFFERENT PLACES IF I'M CHASING AFTER A GHOST. ANY FEEDBACK IS TRULY HELPFUL BUT NOW MY WIFE IS LEFT DRIVING A CAR SUBJECTED TO HAVING THAT SAME ISSUE IN THE NEAR FUTURE QUITE POSSIBLY AND WE JUST HAD A GARAGE SIGN OFF ON NOT BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS.

Mar 14, 2017

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TURN BRIGHTS ON AND RADIO/CLOCK LIGHT GOES OFF. NO HEADLIGHTS ON DURING DAY DRIVING, RADIO/CLOCK LIGHT RANDOMLY GOES ON AND BACK OFF. HEAD LIGHTS BRIEFLY GONE OFF DURING NIGHT DRIVING 3 DIFFERENT TIMES ONLY FOR MAYBE 5 SECONDS, BUT IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND FOR A DEER OR OBJECT TO APPEAR AT NIGHT OR A CAR AHEAD BRAKING SUDDENLY. SPEEDOMETER BACK LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. TRAC OFF AND ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY STAY ON, I HAVE HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS OF OWNING THE CAR SINCE OCTOBER 2007 AND THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT RESET THEMSELVES AS THEY SHOULD, THEY CONTINUOUSLY STAY ON SINCE 2009. I AM TIRED OF DEALING WITH ALL OF THESE ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTENING ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND GM RECALL FOR THESE PROBLEMS. PLEASE TELL ME WHERE AND HOW I CAN HAVE THESE DEFECTS FIXED.

Sep 16, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I HAD DRIVEN MY 2003 BUICK CENTURY AT LEAST HALFWAY INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL, LEAPING UP OVER A CURB ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, SWIPING A CEMENT LIGHTPOST ON THE LEFT, CRASHING INTO ANOTHER CAR ACROSS ITS LEFT FRONT, BUMPING DOWN OVER A CURB, THEN CRASHING UP AND OVER TWO MORE CURBS. WITH DIVINE HELP I WAS ABLE TO AVOID OTHER CARS AND STEER IT TO A STOP, THEN DRIVE GINGERLY INTO THE ORIGINAL PARKING SPACE. SINCE I WAS ORIGINALLY IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING TO A STOP, MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AT ALL TIMES. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF MANY AUTOMAKERS' INFAMOUS "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING AS THE CAR WENT FROM 1 OR 2 MPH TO FULL THROTTLE INSTANTLY. WITH BOTH HANDS GRASPING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY, I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. I EMERGED WITH NO BROKEN BONES, BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALED. BECAUSE I AM A "LITTLE OLD LADY," THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMS ME "L00% RESPONSIBLE," IN SPITE OF MY CLEAN DRIVING RECORD. BUT "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" FITS MY SCENARIO TO A TEE.

Jan 22, 2016

Crash: 1

ENGINE

1 complaint

VECHICLE SHUTS OFF WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN AFTER TAKING IT 3 TIMES TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS INCLUDING THE DEALER- KING PONTIAC, MD, NO ONE IS ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T IDENTIFY DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND IDENTIFY THE CODE TO FIX THE CAR

Sep 03, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

EVERY BUICK OWNER, I HAVE TALKED TO AT ABOUT 80,000 TO 100,000 MILES HAS TO REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND BOLTS. THIS IS ABOUT A $1200.00 JOB, GASKETS AND BOLTS SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER. *TR

Jan 22, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Sep 25, 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

WHEN USING TURN SIGNALS CAR DIES, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS FLASH AND CLICK. IF I PULL OVER AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT RESTARTS AND DRIVES FINE UNTIL I TRY THE TURN SIGNAL AGAIN THEN THE SAME THING HAPPENS. I ALSO HAD TO DISCONNECT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSOR OR ELSE THE SAME THING HAPPENS. FLASHING, CLICKING AND CAR DIES. NOW, WHENEVER CAR IS IN GEAR, CONSTANT DINGING AND IT WILL DRIVE FINE BUT I CANNOT USE THE TURN SIGNALS. *TR

Aug 17, 2014

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Jul 29, 2014

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A TURN OR APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09E005000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Jul 28, 2014

STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, BOTH HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS STILL DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS HAD TO BE USED WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,300. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Dec 14, 2012

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR MY 2003 BUICK CENTURY BEGAN WITH PANEL LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF AT VARIOUS TIMES MAKING THE GAUGES AND SPEEDOMETER IMPOSSIBLE TO READ. VERY EXPENSIVE ESTIMATE TO FIX. THEN IN FEBRUARY WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO DO IT. AFTER THIRD TIME HAD IT REPAIRED. TOOK WHOLE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO GET SENSOR $500. IN MARCH DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BEGAN GOING UP AND DOWN BY ITSELF. TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. THE CAR ONLY DOES IT WHEN THE PANEL LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF. BAD VIBRATION IN THE CAR AROUND JUNE. HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED AND NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS. ON AUGUST 4, 2011 VIBRATION STARTED AGAIN, THEN STARTED A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING. CAR VIBRATES SO BAD YOU CAN NOT HOLD STEERING WHEEL AT 45-50MPH. THIS POP AND VIBRATION IS NOW COMING FROM FRONT RIGHT SIDE. NOT SURE WHAT IT IS YET. *TR

Aug 22, 2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON 2003 BUICK CENTURY DOESN'T WORK , I UNDERSTAND THIS IS COMMON ON THIS CAR AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I FEEL GM SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE. ALSO, THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN I WAS TOLD BY A GARAGE THAT IT WAS THE TYPE OF COOLANT THEY USED AND ALSO VERY COMMON ON THESE CARS. THESE ARE CLEARLY DEFECTS IN THEIR PRODUCT AND THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. I HAVE BOUGHT AMERICAN CARS ALL MY LIFE BUT I,M DONE WITH THEM ,THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR

Dec 02, 2010

SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS IN ACTIVATION. SUDDENLY, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN ALSO, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/31/11

Nov 15, 2010

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

ALMOST EVERY TIME THE HEADLIGHTS ARE CHANGED FROM HIGH TO LOW BEAMS THE LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF COMPLEATLY AND I WILL HAVE NO HEADLIGTS AT ALL, I HAVE GONE OUT AND PURCHASED A NEW TURNSIGNAL SWITCH AND PLAN TO PUT IT IN AS SOON AS POSIBLE AND I WILL HAVE THE OLD PART STILL. THE FRONT DRIVE ASSEMBELY WILL GRIND ANY TIME A TIRE LOSES TRACTION AND SPINS IN EITHER THE RAIN OR SNOW ON PAVEMENT OR OFF THE ROAD IN A DRIVEWAY SO MY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING IN ONE WHEEL DRIVE INSTEAD OF TWO WHEEL DRIVE, I HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO GO AND BUY A NEW DRIVE AXEL ASSEMBELY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

Mar 24, 2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE 2003 HAS A NUMBER OF ISSUES. 1. THE LIGHTS TURN OFF AT RANDOM IN THE DARK. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. 2. THE BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED ROUGHLY EVERY 8 MONTHS. MY MECHANIC SAID THE BUICK CENTURY HAS BRAKES THAT ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. COSTLY! 3. OIL SYSTEM LEAKS, COMPLETE BREAKDOWN. $1200 TO REPLACE THE SYSTEM. 4. THE DIALS ON THE TEMP CONTROL COME OFF. I AM TRADING THIS POS OFF BEFORE IT COSTS ME MORE MONEY! *TR

Dec 14, 2007

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 BUICK CENTURY WITH 50000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 55 MPH AND GOING AROUND A SOFT LEFT CURVE THE FRONT WHEELS TURNED, BUT THE BACK WHEELS LOST TRACTION. THE VEHICLE WENT SIDEWAYS AND HIT A POLE AT 55 MPH ,AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. *AK

Feb 22, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STRUCTURE,TIRES

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER NOTICED WATER RUNNING FROM THE DOOR FRAME AFTER OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR. *AK THE TIRE WAS FOUND CUT AT THE DEALER. *SC *JB

Jul 30, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO LOCK FROM USING THE REMOTE KEY ENTRY DEVICE. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE LOCK BUTTON FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK INSPECTOR VERIFIED THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE ODOMETER OPERATED NORMALLY. TRUNK POPPED OPEN ONCE WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKES APPLIED AND RELEASED AS DESIGNED; AND THE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HELD THE VEHICLE PROPERLY AND APPEARED TO BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED. *TT

Jul 30, 2004

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED A GAS ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN IN ORDER FOR THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE.*AK *NM

Jul 30, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEMS. THE DASHBOARD WAS ALSO FALLING APART. *AK *NM THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN, THE BRAKES WERE INOPEATIVE, THERE WAS A FUME SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/13/05. *JB

Jul 30, 2004

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

AFTER BEING DRIVEN AND THEN PARKED TRUCK LID POPPED OPEN ONCE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. *AK

Apr 28, 2004

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

VEHICLE CREEP FROM SIDE TO SIDE ON THE ROADWAY WHILE BEING DRIVEN. *PH THE VEHICLE WOULD WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION REQUIRED THE DRIVER TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE VEHICLE'S STEERING. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT CONSIDERED THE CONDITION NORMAL. *NM

Jan 23, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES GRABBING. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. THE CONSUMER FELT THE BRAKES WERE STILL UNSAFE. *AK THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO BACK. THERE WAS A WHINE COMING FROM THE ENGINE UPON DEACCELERATION SITTING AND STOPPING AND THEN WENT AWAY AS SOON AS THE GAS WAS DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATE THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. (IDLE WAS ROUGH) THE BRAKES SQUEAKED AND MADE NOISE WHEN WHEN APPLIED IN THE MORNING. *SCC *JB

Sep 12, 2003

2003 BUICK Century Problems & Complaints

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