2003 Buick Century

2003 Buick Century

The 2003 Buick Century is a midsize sedan that was available with two engine options: a 3.1L V6 and a 3.8L V6. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Century was known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, but it also had some common issues that affected its reliability.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and oil consumption. The fix involves replacing the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000. Recalls: None Found.
• EGR Valve Failure: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can fail, causing a decrease in engine performance and an increase in emissions. Symptoms include a rough idle, hesitation, and reduced fuel economy. The fix involves replacing the EGR valve. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure: The camshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to run rough or stall. Symptoms include a Check Engine light, difficulty starting the engine, and reduced engine performance. The fix involves replacing the camshaft position sensor. Estimated cost to fix: $150 - $300. Recalls: None Found.

3.8L V6

• Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: The lower intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include overheating, coolant loss, and oil consumption. The fix involves replacing the lower intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200. Recalls: None Found.
• Ignition Coil Failure: The ignition coils can fail, causing a misfire. Symptoms include a rough idle, loss of power, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the failed ignition coil. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200 per coil. Recalls: None Found.
• Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. Symptoms include coolant loss, a squealing noise from the engine, and overheating. The fix involves replacing the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found.

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoids can fail, causing transmission problems such as delayed or hard shifting. Symptoms include rough shifting, slipping gears, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the failed shift solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found.
• Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission fluid pan gasket can fail, causing a transmission fluid leak. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the transmission fluid pan gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200. Recalls: None Found.
• Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing transmission problems such as shuddering, slipping, or overheating. Symptoms include a rough idle, vibration, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000. Recalls: None Found.

Suspension

• Strut Mounts Failure: The front strut mounts can fail, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The fix involves replacing the front strut mounts. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found.
• Lower Control Arm Bushings Wear: The lower control arm bushings can wear out, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front or rear of the vehicle, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The fix involves replacing the worn lower control arm bushings. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found.

Electrical

• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine or a complete lack of response when turning the key. The fix involves replacing the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found.
• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a dim or flickering headlights, a dead battery, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800. Recalls: None Found.
• Battery Failure: The battery can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a weak or dead battery, a slow crank when starting the engine, and a Check Engine light. The fix involves replacing the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200. Recalls: None Found.

Exterior

• Headlight Switch Failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not work. Symptoms include dim or flickering headlights, no headlights, or a stuck headlight switch. The fix involves replacing the headlight switch. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found.
• Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, a stuck door lock, or a door lock that randomly opens or closes. The fix involves replacing the failed door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400 per door. Recalls: None Found.

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure: The power window switches can fail, causing the windows to not operate. Symptoms include inoperable windows, slow window operation, or a stuck window. The fix involves replacing the failed power window switch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200 per switch. Recalls: None Found.
• Climate Control Panel Failure: The climate control panel can fail, causing the heating or cooling system to not work properly. Symptoms include inoperable climate controls, incorrect temperature readings, or a stuck blower motor. The fix involves replacing the climate control panel. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found.

Summary

The 2003 Buick Century is a comfortable and spacious sedan, but it has some common issues that can affect its reliability. The most severe and expensive issues are related to engine and transmission failures, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair. However, many of the other issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Century is a reliable vehicle for its age, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.