Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting — runs 5.8× the fleet median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.
127Complaints
2Recalls
4Crashes
2Fires
2Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting (29.1% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Exterior Lighting complaints here are 5.8× the median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 127 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK CENTURY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…”NHTSA complaint 10763118 — filed 09/11/2015 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“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…”NHTSA complaint 10625827 — filed 08/17/2014 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“PULLED OUT OF GAS STATION TO ENTER STREET AND NOTICED HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. PULLED OUT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I PULLED…”NHTSA complaint 10617431 — filed 07/29/2014 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Century?
Exterior lighting issues are the most-reported category, cited in 37 of 127 NHTSA complaints (29.1%), followed by electrical system (20), service brakes, hydraulic (8), exterior lighting:headlights:high/low beam dimmer switch (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2003 Buick Century have?
127 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2003 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 09E005000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2003 Buick Century's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.