2003 BUICK CENTURY — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

170

Owner Complaints

6 Crashes 2 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

The 2003 BUICK CENTURY has received a total of 170 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Exterior Lighting (37 complaints), Electrical System (20 complaints), and Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch (8 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY, potentially affecting up to 1,721 vehicles.

Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

170 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 37
Electrical System
Complaints: 20 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 7
Steering
Complaints: 6
Structure
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Structurebody
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Air Bags
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Engine
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionlubricant
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury

Most Recent Complaints

#11536728 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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)
#11536728 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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)
#11536728 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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)
#11405509 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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.
#11405509 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
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.

View all Exterior Lighting complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 BUICK CENTURY in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

General Motors, LLC has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

01684 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CHANGE OIL SOON INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON TOO SOON. SIT BULLETIN 1442093. *TT

01679 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3.1L LG8 ENGINE CHANGE OIL LIGHT COMES ON TOO SOON.*MR

01614 — STRUCTURE

RUSTY OR CORRODED APPEARANCE ON UNDERCARRIAGE COMPONENTS.*MR

030235004 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

REDUCED POWER STEERING ASSIST, EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT, RUBBING, EXCESSIVE NOISE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT

011403 — STEERING

INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 BUICK CENTURY

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK CENTURY

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Other BUICK Models

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