There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Buick Century, but owners have filed 127 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Buick Century problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 49 | |
| Electrical System | 23 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 13 | |
| Structure | 13 | |
| Steering | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Power Train | 6 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch — 8
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Structure › Body — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
- Structure › Frame and Members — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,092 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Buick Century complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 30, 2021
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…
Electrical System · reported Mar 19, 2021
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…
Electrical System · at 62,000 miles · reported Oct 4, 2020
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 · at 98,000 miles · reported Oct 16, 2018
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.
Exterior Lighting · at 79,846 miles · reported May 19, 2018
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Buick Century have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Buick Century as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Century?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (49 reports), followed by electrical system (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,092 miles.
Are Buick recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.