Buick Century jerking problems

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 18, 2015 · Transmission · 63,334 miles · FL

We purchased this car (as is) for our grandson. On our way home from the dealer, as soon as the transmission warmed up (4-5 miles), the shifting was hard and jerking with a whine coming from the transmission. Took the car to a garage which found the computer code of p1811 and were told a complete rebuild would be necessary. Went online and discovered many others had complaints of the same nature. Would hope gm would come forward with reimbursement since its transmission in this model was incorrectly designed. The rebuilding garage owner even had to go to a special school to learn how to correct this problem in the buick century. After paying $1,757.25 to queens transmission, inc., in bradenton, fl (941‑746‑7480), the shifting is now normal.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 37,000 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

Filed Mar 10, 2014 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick century. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle starting jerking and would not accelerate. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed May 30, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 83,249 miles · OH

Vehicle exhibited hard transmission shifts and jerking while shifting in traffic. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with code p1811, which indicates high transmission fluid pressure and solenoid problems.

Filed May 10, 2012 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 buick century. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission would shift hard and cause the vehicle to jerk abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the pressure control solenoid was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 69,102....updated 07/06/12 *bf updated 08/06/12

Filed May 21, 2011 · Steering · 150 miles · NJ

Vehicle has 150,000 miles. Suddenly the car has difficulty making left hand turns. Now when turning left the power assist fails, and it feels as if the steering wheel is locked up, but you can force the wheel further left if you try, but it is very hard to do. If you aren't prepared for it you could easily get into an accident. But sometime as you force the wheel left, the resistance will suddenly disappear and the car will jerk to the left. Turning right immediately returns normal power assist, until a left turn is attempted. No fluid is leaking.

Filed May 12, 2008 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · NY

Automatic transmission jerks and clunks when shifting gears.

Filed Feb 26, 2008 · Transmission · 59,970 miles · NC

Transmission problem, car was lurching into gear. Mechanic said bad tran. Codes. Shift solenoid bad and something else. Had to replace transmission and car only has 60,000 miles. Work done at aaa car care center.

Filed Oct 31, 2007 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 buick century. While driving 2-20 MPH, the vehicle jerked extremely hard when shifting from one gear to another. The mechanic stated that the solenoid valve was defective. As of october 31, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 01-10-08. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle fails to shift out of gear on the consistent basis. Updated 12/31/07