2003 Buick Century
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Century › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Buick Century. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Buick Century. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
127 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering · Structure › Body · 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…
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)
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · 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.
- Exterior lighting
Bright lights won't stay on.
- 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*jb
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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!)
- 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…
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!
- 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.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
When driving at night all lights go out, interior and driving lights, resuming when clicking bright light switch. Driving at 65 mph.
- 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…
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
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · 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…
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.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 buick century. While driving 55 mph, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who suggested that replacing the demo switch from the column may remedy the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the turn signal failed to signal. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 buick century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the headlights suddenly failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine
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
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
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
- Electrical system
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.
- Power train
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
- Service brakes
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Exterior lighting
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…
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This 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, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This 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, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This 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 question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle 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.
- 11006421GM 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 careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This 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 carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical 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 carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This 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, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This 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 by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
Every Buick Century model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.