Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. The ASE certified mechanic advised me that he had replaced many mechanical failures like mine (broken lug ends) before GM changed the design to one that could withstand the application (a solid forging as opposed to a sheet metal fabrication). …
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. Bad vibration in the car around June. Had all four tires replaced and new brakes and rotors. On August 4, 2011 vibration started again, then started a popping noise in the front end when starting and stopping. Car vibrates so bad you can not hold steering wheel at 45-50mph. …
UNKNOWN; The issues started around 6 months ago. Just casually driving like usual, and my steering wheel would lock up and be ridiculously hard to turn, which is scary because its happened while turning through lights and intersections and trying to even just park my car. And on some of those occations the trac and abs sensors would come on, but not all the time.
Driving thur ohio from mich ,hit large pot hole, did over one thousand dollars damage to the steering, could have been a lot worse, car must not be made properly to withstand hitting pot holes, this should be a safety issue there are hundreds of pot holes in all states . The state of ohio does not responsibility for there pot holes they are a drive at your risk state....
While in motion there was a thumping noise emmiting from the right front tire. The steering wheel locked and the key would not return it to it's normal postion. Also there is a problem with the brakes, also the gear would not shift out of park.
If vehicle hits the smallest pump in the road front of vehicle makes a noise like it has hit the road. Dealership indicated that this was caused by defective tie rod ends. Please provide more details. Ts..
Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 Buick Century custom and complained about the following problems: the lower intake manifold gasket, the thermostat, and water pump. These components had to be replaced because the vehicle was overheating. The rear brake shoes and a leaking cylinder also had to be replaced. The rear drums, and the switch on the driver's side for the power windows where replaced due to possible fire concerns. In addition, the right outer tie rod end on the passenger's side wheel was loose and had to be repaired. Since the vehicle was inherited in 2003 all the aforementioned failures had to be replaced or repaired starting in 2005. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, and they stated they would not reimburse the contact because there was no relationship established with the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. …
Tl* the contact owns 2000 Buick Century. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking violently and became extremely difficult to steer. The failure would occur while the contact was in drive, park or reverse. The contact also stated that there was a constant burning odor near the front end of the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id numbers: 09e005000 (steering), 07e021000 (fuel system, other) and 00V160000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM's letter to NHTSA dated December 11, 2003, expands its original recall (NHTSA 02V286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 Chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 Pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 Buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.GM determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion…
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Century years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (24), 1997 (15), 1999 (13), 2000 (11) and 2001 (11) model years. Steering complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Century steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Buick Century model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Century steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (21 mentions), followed by the steering wheel/handle bar (12).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.