The Lemon Index
200220046th generation
Better than average · most complaints: brakes
39 owner complaints, first 3 years 21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Hyundai Accent 462003 Nissan Maxima 942003 Mitsubishi Galant 72
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 45,000 miles (17,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 39 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E005000 (steering) and 07E021000 (fuel system, other) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Do all the headlights, taillights and turn signals work?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Buick sent dealers 400 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “There are seat belt problems: difficulty latching and unlatching buckle”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 39 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 45K miles (17K to 72K km) on the car (22 of all 39 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Consumer complained about doors locking and unlocking while driving. The dealer inspected the vehicle several times but could not duplicate or correct the problems. The dashboard was also falling apart.
2003 Buick Century owner · NHTSA complaint 10071749
More owner reports
Upon applying the brakes there was a loud squeaking sound. Manufacturer was notified, and informed owner that this was the normal characteristic of that vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 10037905
When the brakes were applied the vehicle produced a loud grinding noise like metal to metal. The brake had been repaired twice but the problem still exits.
NHTSA complaint 10037718
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 400 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- There are seat belt problems: difficulty latching and unlatching buckle
- This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Steering · recall issued 2009
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIO…
- Fuel system, other · recall issued 2007
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.1L 6-cyl.
Every Buick Century year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2003 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-century/?y=2003" title="Buick Century reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-century/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Buick Century reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Buick Century reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 51; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Century year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2002.
What are the most common 2003 Buick Century problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (26%), lights (21%) and body structure (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Century have?
2 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick Century get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Buick Century problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 45,000 miles (17,000–72,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 39 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2003 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2003 Buick Century have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2003 Buick Century cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Buick Century have?
3.1L 6-cyl.
What Buick Century year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2002 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works