2003 Buick Century Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 38%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,923miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Buick Century, 38% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,923 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When using turn signals car dies, all the dash lights flash and click. If I pull over and put the car in park it restarts and drives fine until I try the turn signal again then the same thing happens. I also had to disconnect the emergency brake sensor or else the same thing happens. Flashing, clicking and car dies. Now, whenever car is in gear, constant dinging and it will drive fine but I cannot use the turn signals.”
NHTSA complaint #10625827, filed 2014-08, 45,000 miles“While driving at night my headlights stopped working and then turned back on, this morning as I left for work the headlights did not come on at all, the brights only worked if I held the bar back as it would not stay on by clicking it. After reading all of the problems with this there needs to be a recall on this serious problem. What can be done to make sure this gets taken care of?”
NHTSA complaint #10382693, filed 2011-02, 196,000 miles“When driving at night head lights just shut off briefly. It seems to do this on dims or brights. I see a lot of similar complaints and I don't see any recalls. They come back on, but I can't seem to determine if they come back on from messing with the switch or if they just come back on by themselves. I'm not sure if the taillights go out as well but if they do that's a hazard for those coming up behind on highway at 65 MPH. This is clearly a safety hazard that needs to be addressed!”
NHTSA complaint #10872464, filed 2016-06, 55,000 miles“While driving home from work one evening recently, I attempted to dim my lights for an oncoming vehicle and was shocked to find I had no low beams. I only had highbeams. Had to replace the dimmer switch, which of course operates everything else. About a month ago, my lights went out for about 30 seconds, then no problems until I lost my low beams.”
NHTSA complaint #10213053, filed 2007-12, 121,000 miles“All lights (ext and control panel) will suddenly go out. If I quickly flick the light control lever they come back on. This is an intermittant problem but quite un nerving! I have seen no recall or service bulliten.”
NHTSA complaint #10519430, filed 2013-06, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 42% |
| 2004 | 11 | 28% |
| 2003 | 48 | 38% |
| 2002 | 24 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 24 | 10% |
| 1998 | 21 | 10% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buick Century
23 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Buick Century
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology