Buick Century loss of power problems

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · SC

I purchased the car from family auto easley sc, ive had several repairs on this car that didnt help, radiators, thermastat, water pump, hoses replace, alternator, coolant recovery tank has brown sludge inside, the windows didnt work, its moist inside from the floor being wet had a heating core put in didnt help, the carpet on the inside is damaged, the paint is coming off, had a alternator put in , run hot all the time, dosnt matter, buy coolant, oil put water in it, manifold gasket is bad in it ive lost power several times, the last time I did it was on nov 6 this year on the way to work lost power while driving ran into a gurad gate right beside a dumpster, I had to get it towed, its in the shop getting the bumper fixed, I had to get a rental car, I had to get my car refinance with dilco of greenville sc he couldnt believe how much I was charge for this car over 13,000.00 dollars, so I was over charged and sold a lemon and its not fair to me and this car is not safe for me or anyone to drive, I want to be able to drive a car without being afriad if im going to make it or not or get stranded

Filed Jan 2, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 131,000 miles · WA

Bought 2000 buick century and like many other complaints on the list I have repaired the manifold, water pump, fuel filter at 83,000. I have experienced the whinning and hard shifting the entire time I owned the car. I had intermittent dash light failure which is real dangerous since you can't see the speedometer or anything on the dash. My brakes have failed to brake and I went out into traffic - luckily no accident and there was a median I could steer into! I haven't had a working gas gauge for years. Last night going 70 MPH I felt 3 chugs and lost power. Again luckily I was at a freeway exit and could coast off the freeway. So my 3 most expensive bills (and none of the problems have been solved -$1800. For brake calipers, rotors and pads. $1100 for wire set, manifold set, fuel filter and water pump. $350 for headlamp switch and dash light problems. I am putting no more money into this car and up until last night I was looking for a buick but never again. I didn't put the mileage down when these incidents happened because the symptoms are ongoing!!! It looks like 1000's of complaints have been ignored through the years and the brake issue as well as shutting down going 70 MPH are both safety issues which should have been addressed in a recall many years ago!!! I am devastated by the facts I learned researching the computer last night. I am on a fixed income and now without a car too. What reports do I believe when shopping for a new car?????? Down below where you date the incident luckily I can say no to all of the questions (but by the grace of god!)

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · MI

While driving vehicle (1999 gm buick century ,120,000 miles) on at least 10 different occasions in the past 2 years the vehicle engine has stalled and all electrical power is lost. This has happened on the freeway while driving at 70 MPH, it has happened on city streets at 45 MPH.after the vehicle stops it can be restarted. There are no warning indicators displayed before or after. Initially the check engine light did not come on and there were no code diagnostics indicating a problem. The vehicle has been serviced 3 times. The gas cap, crank sensor have been replaced and the computer reflashed. The vehicle now maintains a constant small evap leak warning code and the check engine light is always on although the service mechanics cannot find any associated leak problem and the car drives perfect except for the intermittent and sudden engine stall and sudden loss of all electrical power . The vehicle has stalled on 2 occasions since the last service encounter. My internet searches indicate this is a big problem that few buick owners have been able to resolve for many years. I think the sudden loss of engine power and electrical power for steering, brakes, lights at any speed without warning warrants investigation. When this occurs at night on the road - suddenly no one can see you stopped in the middle of the road.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Steering · 51,000 miles · FL

While driving less than 5 MPH and turning left into a parking space, the vehicle lost power. This made it hard to steer and turn the vehicle. Once the vehicle was inspected, the consumer was informed that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. *ak *sc

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · OH

The vehicle suddenly lost power steering when making a left turn. As a result, the steering became difficult. There was a recall for this issue but the VIN and model year was outside the remedy scope. #03v457000. *jb

Filed Jan 21, 2004 · Steering · 104,990 miles · OH

1997 buick century, while driving to a soccer game I began to experience an intermittent loss of power steering. After the game I turned left to exit my parking spot and while turning at low speed I heard a clicking noise and the steering wheel became locked. It took all my strength to turn the wheel straight. I took the vehicle to my friend whom is a certified mechanic (but no longer works for gm) and he advised me that the lower pinion was destroyed which caused damage to the entire gear assemble and power steering pump. I had him replace the defective parts at a cost of $800 plus dollars. Subsequent to this time I am now again experiencing intermittent loss of steering. My mechanic advised its possible that the rebuilt steering gear placed in my repair contains the same defective pinion bearing because gm may not have communicated the faulty problem to the part suppliers whom rebuild the gear assemblies. In light of the recent news about gm steering gear problems and pending recalls for car models other that the buick century I wish to file a complaint with gm to reimburse me for the initial repair and the subsequent follow-up repairs that I will need.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · OH

The vehicle suddenly lost power steering while making a left turn. There's a recall for this issue but the VIN number and model year is outside the remedy scope (recall # 03v457000).

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering · 16,215 miles · OH

The vehicle lost power steering when making a left turn in the driveway. This was caused by a failure in the steering rack and pinion.

Filed May 25, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · MN

Engine check light started flashing on dashboard. Consumer parked vehicle, and dealership determined that 5th fuel injector was defective, and a spark plug was inoperative. On second occurrence, while traveling at approximately 50 MPH, engine started misfiring, and engine check light came on. Then, engine suddenly died, causing consumer to lose power steering capabilities. Dealership examined vehicle, and found 4th fuel injector to be defective. Had to change oil because fuel leaked into t crank case. *ak

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Engine · MI

When driving at any speed without prior warning vehicle cuts off, causing loss of all power. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of problem. Please provide any further details.