2003 Buick Century Consumer Discussions

Buick Century

• Re: 2003 buick century - water in tail lights [deborah24]

  Written by: john575 on Feb 25, 2012 3:18:05 PM

  I have had the same problem. I think the water was condensation rather than a leak. There are small vents covered with beigh rubber caps. I removed the caps for more ventilation. I also drilled a 1/4" hole into the bottom of the backup light chamber to allow more ventilation, and less of a difference in temperature between the inside of the bulb chambers, and the outside. So far, no sign ... Read More

• By Buick Century 95 finally has been junked; looking at 2003-2005 models.?

  Written by: tlon7 on Feb 23, 2012 12:22:11 AM

  My 95 Buick Centry ran great; never had more than typical maintenance, but the repair costs now are more than the car's value. Does anyone have extra carfax credits or other car history report credits I can use so I don't have to pay the fee? Thanks. I'm going to assume the ride of the more recent models is as good as my old 95. It felt like I was coasting. ... Read More

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• instrument panel lights / tail lights out

  Written by: headrjo222 on Nov 6, 2011 10:13:19 AM

  I have a 2003 Buick century, which for the past couple weeks has been driving me crazy with blown bulbs. First was the back up lights, replaced those, then tail lights, replaced those (one by one), then brake light. I eventually replaced every bulb in the rear light cluster. Now instrument panel and all tail lights out, found the bad 15 amp fuse replaced it and still no lights. When everything ... Read More

2002 century A/C does not work

• A/C works on driver's but not passenger's side

  Written by: helz on Oct 5, 2011 12:21:15 PM

  Hi everyone, My 2003 Buick Century is experiencing a problem in the past few months: when I set the temperature to cold on both driver and passenger side, cold air comes out on driver's side and hot air comes out on passenger side in the summer. Then, in winter, when temperature is set to hot on both sides, hot air comes out on driver's side and cold air comes out on ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: one side heat,one side cold [jeffreyp]

  Written by: helz on Oct 5, 2011 12:18:15 PM

  Hi, Did you ever get an answer to this problem? My 2003 Buick Century is also experiencing the same problem: when I set the temperature to cold on both driver and passenger side, cold air comes out on driver's side and hot air comes out on passenger side in the summer. Then, in winter, when temperature is set to hot on both sides, hot air comes out on driver's side and ... Read More

Buick Century

• 2003 buick century - water in tail lights

  Written by: deborah24 on Sep 19, 2011 12:56:44 PM

  Hello - Does anyone have this problem and know what is causing it and how to correct it. My 2003 buick century keeps getting water inside the tail lights. There aren't any cracks or anything obvious like that. Why is this happening and should I be concerned??? Thanks for any advice, Deborah

2004 Buick Century - Reasonable cost for brake job?

• 2004 Buick Century - Reasonable cost for brake job?

  Written by: sbcraftsy on Sep 2, 2011 6:23:18 AM

  Hi all: My 70-year-old mom has a 2004 Buick Century with about 35,000 miles. She brought the car in to her regular mechanic for a routine oil change & he told her she needs front & rear brakes and is quoting her $600 for the job. As you can see, she is a very light driver, mostly just around town. She says the car does not feel like it needs a ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2003 Buick Century 4 Dr Sedan [tmbrett83]

  Written by: luckysofar on Aug 28, 2011 8:56:29 AM

  Mine also had that problem. When I told the mechanic that I had a coolant leak and couldn't find it, he knew right away what it was. Mine was both the external and the internal gaskets. Car had 154,000 miles on it when they were replaced and cost almost $800.00. Unfortunately the lawsuit had ended when mine happened. But on a good note, the mechanic said it will last a long ... Read More

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• 2003 buick century dash/tail lights out

  Written by: rareruby on Jul 12, 2011 9:56:56 AM

  Last time we needed to drive at night we realized that our dash lights were out, as well as our tail lights, and the courtesy lights for lock/window on the doors. Turned out that the stadium chairs we keep in our trunk were pushing on a bit of wiring that was poking out from the holes to access the tail lights. The wires were being pushed against the sharp metal edge ... Read More

Buick Century Rear End Rumble

• rear wheel bearing hub

  Written by: max104 on Jul 4, 2011 9:01:19 PM

  has anybody replaced a wheel bearing hub on the rear of a buick century? i have drums in the back. 2003. can anybody tell the step by step procedure. help greately appreciated

Buick Century

• Need Help Identifying a Part

  Written by: gabhanjacisa on Jun 18, 2011 1:04:09 PM

  2003 Buick Century: can anyone tell me what the lines are near the oil pan and transmission pan. They snake back and forth and run up near the transmission pan. Are they transmission lines, or power steering lines?

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Buick Century Heater/AC Control

  Written by: trailgypsy on Mar 8, 2011 12:32:46 PM

  I have a 2003 Century. When the heater/AC knob is turned from Max AC all the way to defrost there is no change. The AC comes on but the air flows out all the vents regardless where the knob is. When on defrost, heat, vent, ac or anything else it will come out the floor, dash, vent outlets etc... Anyone have an idea?

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• Buick Century Headlights

  Written by: trailgypsy on Mar 8, 2011 12:17:58 PM

  I have a 2003 Century and the right low beam light went out. The bulb is good and the fuse is good. Anyone have any idea on what to check next?

• '03 Buick Century Cluster lights?

  Written by: eedueck on Nov 2, 2010 9:54:22 AM

  The shifter indicator and kms. indicator lights for my 2003 Buick Century are out. What's involved to replace them?

Buick Century Transmission

• Re: 2003 and 2005 Century Transmission issue [blade_24k]

  Written by: johndominics on Jan 20, 2010 4:46:41 PM

  I have a 2003 buick century that I bought(for $475) with a known transmission slipping problem. It would not go into gear for several minutes after placing the shift selecter in drive. It slipped between gears and sometimes down shifted hard when coming to a stop and then pulling away. Most problems went away after it was driven for a while. The transmission shops quoted from 1600, 2200 and 4000 to ... Read More

• Re: 2003 and 2005 Century Transmission issue [jburchfield]

  Written by: blade_24k on Jan 6, 2010 1:22:57 AM

  I was havein the same porblem with my 2003, it would slowly accelerate up to about 35-40 and then when it goes to shift it would sit in nutral and the engine would just rev, and the next day when i drove it to the shop it drove fine and they drove it and nothing. Then eventually i carfaxed my car for the fun of it, and in it, it said ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2003 Buick Century - transmission? [ds4281]

  Written by: tmbrett83 on May 24, 2009 12:07:33 AM

  Based on what you've described, I had a similar problem recently. And sadly, it was the engine. I can't say for certain what the problem is with the car you're looking at, but the same symptoms in my car meant I had to replace the engine. I was not happy. We were coming up on 140,000 miles when it started to get real bad. After replacing the engine (there were metal ... Read More

• Re: 2003 Buick Century 4 Dr Sedan [skerr032006]

  Written by: tmbrett83 on May 23, 2009 11:56:34 PM

  GMC last year lost a class action suit having to do with its coolant and how it affected the gaskets on the engine. I don't understand all the details, but I know that I had to pay over $600 to replace the intake manifold gasket because of the coolant issue. Fortunately I got some of that money back after I joined the class action suit. I bought it with a little ... Read More

• 2003 Buick Century - transmission?

  Written by: ds4281 on May 3, 2009 9:01:11 PM

  I am looking at a 2003 Century with 60,000 miles on it and took it for a test drive. The car is in absolute perfect condition and is a "steal" for the price. The Engine sounds and feels great. I was about to go back and buy the car but then I went up a fairly steep hill. The car felt like it was misfiring but it was clearly not the ... Read More

• 2003 Buick Century 4 Dr Sedan

  Written by: skerr032006 on May 3, 2009 8:52:43 AM

  HELLO ALL AND THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY RESPONSES I GET ON THIS QUESTION!!.... I ABSOLUTLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT VEHICLES AND THAT IS BAD BECAUSE I NORMALLY END UP GETTING SCREWED WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING ONE. I FOUND THIS SITE AND HOPEFULLY YOU ALL WILL PREVENT MY NEXT BLUNDER...(IF IT IS ONE).... I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING AT A 2003 BUICK CENTURY 4 DR SEDAN, VERY NICE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR (NO ... Read More

• Low Speed Blower

  Written by: gabhanjacisa on Mar 16, 2009 7:28:57 AM

  2003 Buick Century. The low speed blower does not work (the 2 lowest settings). I checked all of the fuses, all are ok. There are some lights out on the face plate for the blower/ac, and there are some lights out on the radio. Not all of them, just a few. Is the problem likely under there somewhere? And, what would I be looking for? And, how hard is it to ... Read More

Buick Century Brakes

• Buick Century Brake Squeal

  Written by: achybraky on Oct 15, 2008 9:45:52 AM

  My 2003 Buick Century is perfect in every way otherwise, but damp weather makes the (rear, I think) brakes squeal terribly for the first few stops. The mechanic does not seem worried but the sound makes me cringe, I dread the sound and the looks I get from others who hear the gosh-awful noise. The other day I met someone with the same model and he has the same problem. Suggestions? ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: NHTSA [52132]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jun 21, 2008 10:21:53 AM

  That's still a NHSTA #, The Buick # is 03-05-25-008 Bulletin No.: 03-05-25-008 Date: October 01, 2003 TECHNICAL Subject: Intermittent/Constant ABS MIL Illuminated (Replace Both Front Wheel Speed Harnesses) Models: 2001-03 Buick Century, Regal 2001-03 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo 2001-02 Oldsmobile Intrigue 2001-04 Pontiac Grand Prix Condition Some customers may comment on an intermittent or constant ABS malfunction indicator light. Cause The front wheel speed sensor harness may wear or come ... Read More

• engine surges at higher rpms

  Written by: 1aviator on Jun 7, 2008 2:29:53 PM

  After replacing the intake gaskets on my 2003 Buick Century 3.1 liter V6, it surges at higher rpms and will not develop full power. Any thoughts?

• Re: Buick 2005 [hagp]

  Written by: igo2work on Feb 24, 2008 8:10:04 PM

  I have a Buick Century 2003. After getting my oil changed at a quick oil change place, they told me to turn the ignition key to the on position (without starting the engine), and flooring the gas pedal 3 times in quick sucession. The oil change soon light then starting blinking and went off. Apparently, this reset the computer. Hope this works in your case.

• 2003 Buick Cetury Heater Problem

  Written by: rogerrabbit481 on Jan 17, 2008 8:31:06 AM

  My daughters 2003 Buick Century is having heating problems. When she turns the heater on it will alternate between hot and cold air. Temp guage is in the correct operating range. Any ideas as to why it doesn't stay on hot?

Buick Century Electrical/Lights

• 2003 Buick Century stereo wiring

  Written by: bigdady1980 on Dec 25, 2007 9:13:41 AM

  I am installing a cd player in a 2003 Buick Century. Can anyone show me a wiring diagram or tell me what colors the wires for the stereo and speakers are.

Buick Century

• 2003 Buick Century

  Written by: angelo627 on Apr 30, 2007 1:06:44 PM

  I will be looking at a 2003 Buick Century with 59,000 miles this week. I have heard that the 3100 has a know problem with the Intake and Head Gaskets. I had a 1999 Malibu and had to replace both with cost over $2000.00. Is there a way to check if these gaskets are starting to go?

• Re: Used Century - recommendations? [barnee61]

  Written by: angelo627 on Apr 28, 2007 10:41:37 AM

  I will be looking at a 2003 Buick Century this week. The car has 58,000 and the dealer is asking $6995. I am concerned about the engine problems you mention. Is there a way to check visually if there is a problem with the gaskets?

Buick Century Rear End Rumble

• Rear End Rumble

  Written by: gabhanjacisa on Apr 25, 2007 9:19:00 AM

  2003 Buick Century, the rear end of the car has developed a rumbling/rattling sound when driving over rough pavement, especially at slower speeds. On smooth roads, there is no noise, and I don't notice the noise (as much) on rough roads at "non-slow" speeds. The driveability of the car is not affected. A mechanic lifted the car and did a visual inspection, nothing obvious jumped out to him (signs of rubbing, ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century [shebail]

  Written by: caroline2 on Apr 5, 2007 5:42:17 AM

  If Diesel engine, do not do this, or check approval for use if new diesel engine. May not be approved for rotary or diesel engines. Check owner manual first. Check it out first! I just want to say that we switched to all synthetic oil, and cannot believe the difference in the mileage and overall performance of our car (1996 Century.) I believe this applies to all vehicles, except diesels and ... Read More

• Re: When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century [redbird48]

  Written by: pops86 on Mar 12, 2007 9:38:29 AM

  I certainly have no problem with changing oil as often as anyone likes, but in my opinion 3000 miles for my vehicles is a little too soon. The oils and filters are so much better than they were back in the 60's and 70's. I change the oil in my vehicles as recommended by the maker, anywhere from 5000 to 7500 miles, changing the filter with the best filter, any of ... Read More

• Re: When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century [shebail]

  Written by: redbird48 on Mar 9, 2007 12:15:20 PM

  THE OIL CHANGE LIGHT IS SET TO COME ON AT 7500 MILES AND THAT IS IMOHO 4500 MILES TOO LATE. KEEP THE OIL CLEAN AND YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS.

• Re: When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century [pops86]

  Written by: redbird48 on Mar 9, 2007 12:09:07 PM

  I DON'T GET ON HERE MUCH ANYMORE BECAUSE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT BUICKS THAT ARE 10 TO 15 YEARS OLD AND SOME ELECTRICAL PARTS AND WINDOW PARTS JUST WEAR OUT WITH USE. THE ANSWER TO THE OIL CHANGE QUESTION IS HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO DRIVE YOUR CAR WITHOUT A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM ? IF YU LEAVE OIL...ANY OIL IN YOUR CAR FOR 16,000 MILES IT WILL HAVE ... Read More

• Re: When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century [shebail]

  Written by: pops86 on Mar 9, 2007 11:38:13 AM

  Your owners manual probably answers your question, but for my '01 it says under no circumstances go longer than 12 months or 16,000 miles, if I recall correctly. I say let the computer do its job.

• When to Change Oil Buick 2003 Century

  Written by: shebail on Mar 4, 2007 11:42:20 AM

  According to the book my vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the oil. Concern is I now have put 4,735 miles on my Buick 2003 that I bought about 6 months ago. Do I go ahead and do it or wait for this CHANGE OIL LIGHT to appear?

Buick Century

• Replace R headlight on 1998 Buick Century

  Written by: skeltonbm on Dec 12, 2006 10:00:08 AM

  I need to replace the right headlight on my 1998 Buick century. Actually I need to replace the bumper, right fender and a ton of other things too (car wreck ), but thats besides the point. My question is, what other Buicks can I get parts from? I've been looking on ebay for headlights and a lot of them say "Regal/Buick right headlight" etc. Specifically, I was wondering if I could ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• Re: power winodw problems [bobob5511]

  Written by: cyndsu on Jul 23, 2006 7:29:40 PM

  I also have a probem with the driver side window. It is posessed. It works fine for a few days, and then while i am driving it goes down on its own. I try to get the window up and it goes inch by inch. If it let it sit for a while it will finally go up. I have lived with this for a while, but it is a nusence ... Read More

• Air Conditioning

  Written by: crash313 on Jul 6, 2006 1:12:50 PM

  I have a 2003 Buick Century that has a A/C problem. This is what happens when I turn the A/C on: 1. The compressor kicks on, however, only hot air comes out. Almost like it's pulling air from the outside (like it was on Vent). 2. I put the A/C on MAX but still only hot air. I have done some troubleshooting and this is what I've done: 1. Made sure ... Read More

• 2003 Buick Century thermostat housing

  Written by: stevohawk on May 26, 2006 8:08:20 PM

  Hello all Stupid question: Where is the thermostat housing located? I can't find it!

• Buick name applique problem!

  Written by: baruch1 on Mar 21, 2006 1:02:02 PM

  I bought a new OEM rear lens for my cracked 2003 Century. I installed it myself. The part cost $300 if you believe it, at the dealer. A airline crack was allowing water seepage, shorting out the tail lamps. The problem is that the name of my car "Century" only appeared on that lens as a sticker. The name Century is no longer etched into the side moldings. The part I ... Read More

Buick Century

• Re: Used Century - recommendations? [barnee61]

  Written by: tsu670 on Dec 30, 2005 1:56:46 PM

  We have both the Century and the Regal in my family (I've got the Regal, of course!). The Regal is sportier and has more standard equipment, but if you find a Century Limited you'll have the same stuff with a softer ride. The Century is a solid car, no doubt about it. Be advised, however, that Buick has been "de-contenting" their cars over the last few years, so things you thought ... Read More

• coolant leak?

  Written by: jim169 on Mar 8, 2004 6:34:29 PM

  Hello, I bought a 2003 Buick Century with 24k miles last December. I like the comfortable ride and it runs pretty well so far. However this morning when I started the engine, the AC was left on and I could smell a strong odor coming out of the AC, it's like coolant got into the AC system as far as I can tell. I read a few recent posts here talking ... Read More

• Test Driving a 2003 Buick Century Custom

  Written by: avjens on Feb 16, 2004 5:04:22 PM

  We are currently test driving a 2003 Buick Century Custom. It has 17,000 miles on it and they want around $11,500 for it --- does that sound reasonable? They also have a 2003 Buick with 29,000 miles on it and they want $9,995 for it, that seems like a lot of miles for only being one year old. They also call it a program car. What is that? Please help.

• Buick Century: Intake Manifold Gasket/Coolant Leak

  Written by: nevamarie on Jan 23, 2004 5:01:29 PM

  Hi everyone! My 2000 Buick Century has developed a coolant leak at 114,000 kilometers Mechanic (non-dealer) says that intake manifold gasket must be replaced (and hopefully nothing more). GM put out a Technical Service Bulletin in March, 2003 for this problem recommending that "a new design intake manifold gasket" (different gasket material) be installed to replace leaky gasket. Has anyone been successful in getting GM to do repairs under warranty? Any ... Read More

Buick Century Maintenance and Repair

• 2003 Buick Century Odometer?

  Written by: jpz on Aug 23, 2004 5:24:07 AM

  Any other 2003 Buick Century owners having problems with an inaccurate odometer? Mine is running high.

Buick Century

• I bought a 2003 Century

  Written by: baruch1 on Oct 27, 2003 12:23:43 PM

  I bought a 2003 Cardinal Red Metallic Century two weeks ago for under $17.6K You can't beat that, especially since it was loaded, incl. P/S and traction control. I was a confirmed Camry driver but the price differential was substantial. With a bad back, the Century seats were winners. What comfort. The pedals are stiff but I prefer it to the mushy Camry and Subarus I am used to. Yes there ... Read More

• Buick-Pedal Placement Problems

  Written by: hardy7 on Oct 6, 2003 7:14:50 AM

  Has anyone else had problems with the pedal placement and angles on the Buick Century or other GM vehicles? Much to my horror, the change in the pedals on my new Buick 2003 has injured my right foot. (I have been driving a 91 Old Cutless with no trouble.) My foot has not stopped hurting since I bought the car. I have investigated various options including having the pedals repositioned which ... Read More