Owners have filed 170 complaints
about the 2003 Buick Century with NHTSA between 2003 and 2023.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the Buick Century. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
65.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
108.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2621.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2520.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2319.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2319.0%
150,000+ miles
65.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2003peak 15Aug 2023
Recalls on the 2003 Buick Century
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E005000
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.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 52,000 milesHouston, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10823428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSonora, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSonora, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSonora, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesScottsdale, AZFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #10251831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burley, ID1 injured
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10215009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Yardley, PA
STEERING
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)
NHTSA complaint #11536728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yardley, PA
SUSPENSION
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)
NHTSA complaint #11536728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yardley, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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)
NHTSA complaint #11536728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11405509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11405509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11405509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11403916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11403916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11403916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesST Petersburg, FL, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11362671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesST Petersburg, FL, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11362671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,846 milesLouisville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRIGHT LIGHTS WON'T STAY ON.
NHTSA complaint #11153248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMilltown, MT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11140588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,846 milesLouisville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11096874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,704 milesRutherfordton, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11021460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSparks, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10965991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,782 milesOtho, IA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,782 milesOtho, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,782 milesOtho, IA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesStone Mountain, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10892161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,300 milesPapillion, NE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PURCHASED ON 2004, USED, THE 2003 VEHICLE HAS CONSISTENTLY HAD THE HEAD LAMPS GO OUT WHEN IN HIGHBEAMS ARE ACTIVATED. THE DEALER SAID THIS IS A SHORT AND SAID IT WOULD COST ME TO FIX THEM AND THIS HAPPENS TO MANY OF THESE VEHICLES. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE LIGHTS GO OUT. CLICKING THE LOW BEAMS ON TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON. SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE, WHY IS THERE. TO A RECALL ON THIS? THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT ALL SPEEDS. (ONLY IN THE DARK, SINCE THIS IS WHEN THE HIGH BEA,S ARE USED!)
NHTSA complaint #10875487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesAlamosa, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS JUST SHUT OFF BRIEFLY. IT SEEMS TO DO THIS ON DIMS OR BRIGHTS. I SEE A LOT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND I DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS. THEY COME BACK ON, BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO DETERMINE IF THEY COME BACK ON FROM MESSING WITH THE SWITCH OR IF THEY JUST COME BACK ON BY THEMSELVES. I'M NOT SURE IF THE TAILLIGHTS GO OUT AS WELL BUT IF THEY DO THAT'S A HAZARD FOR THOSE COMING UP BEHIND ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!
NHTSA complaint #10872464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesChina Grove, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS WERE ACTIVATED, BUT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #10850174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesPeculiar, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ALL LIGHTS GO OUT, INTERIOR AND DRIVING LIGHTS, RESUMING WHEN CLICKING BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH. DRIVING AT 65 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10825311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesPeculiar, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ALL LIGHTS GO OUT, INTERIOR AND DRIVING LIGHTS, RESUMING WHEN CLICKING BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH. DRIVING AT 65 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10825311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.