Four problems related to steering have been reported for the 2003 Buick Century. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Buick Century based on all problems reported for the 2003 Century.
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 9-10348786083, 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 know 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. Ronald f. Laskowski pe.
The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
In January of this year my 2003 Buick Century began with panel lights flashing on and off at various times making the guages and speedometer impossible to read. Very expensive estimate to fix. Then in February was driving home at night and the abs light came on. Took to shop and they couldn't get it to do it. After third time had it repaired. Took whole driver side wheel assembley to get sensor $500. In March driver side window began going up and down by itself. Took it to shop and they are unable to find a problem. The car only does it when the panel lights flash on and off. Bad vibration in the car around June. Had all four tires replaced and new brakes and rotors. On August 4, 2011 vibration started again, then started a popping noise in the front end when starting and stopping. Car vibrates so bad you can not hold steering wheel at 45-50mph. This pop and vibration is now coming from front right side. Not sure what it is yet.
Leaking power steering rack, less than one year old, replaced by dealer under warranty. Dealer did not do a front end alignment causing severe premature tire wear. When tires replaced, examination showed alignment extremely out of specification. Had to have outside supplier do proper alignment.