2003 Buick Century body problems

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Body, Steering · PA

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 federal safety agency, 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)

Filed Jan 22, 2016 · Acceleration, Body · 120,000 miles · CA · crash

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.

Filed May 23, 2012 · Body · 100,000 miles · MA

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

Filed Nov 7, 2011 · Body · 130,000 miles · MA

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

Filed May 24, 2009 · Body · 12,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Oct 9, 2008 · Body · 56,430 miles · TN

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Body · 72,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Body, Brakes · MI

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.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Body, Tires · MI

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

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Body · MI

Consumer noticed water running from the door frame after opening and closing the door.