2003 Buick Century Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Buick Century, 6% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10325094, filed 2010-04, 2,000 miles“In january of this year my 2003 Buick Century began with panel lights flashing on and off at various times making the gauges 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 assembly 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10421081, filed 2011-08, 88,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11536728, filed 2023-08“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10617359, filed 2014-07, 40,000 miles“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 NHTSA campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10616986, filed 2014-07, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 6% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 11 | 6% |
| 1999 | 13 | 6% |
| 1998 | 24 | 11% |
| 1997 | 15 | 14% |
| 1996 | 10 | 13% |
| 1995 | 9 | 9% |
| 1994 | 8 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 6 | 38% |
| 1987 | 8 | 29% |
| 1986 | 5 | 23% |
| 1985 | 2 | 29% |
| 1984 | 4 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buick Century
48 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 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 28, 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