Recently, in Dec. 2008 my car had a suspension component part replaced. My 2004 Buick Century just 4 yrs. Old and 60,000 miles needed to have the front stabilizer bar replaced. It appears that a design defect may be the problem resulting in premature failure. The stabilizer bar actually cracked at both ends of the mounting plate. I did ask for the original part for future references. Most of us would agree that this suspension component should not have needed to be replaced at this point. My mechanic said "he has seen this before on these models" and is checking them during the safety inspection which is how mine was discovered. I do believe that general motors should issue a recall and that I should be reimbursed. This should not have to be replaced, at least not at such an early stage. Moreover, let me say this - with over 35 years of driving and owning many cars, I have never had to replace a stabilizer bar either at the front or rear of the car. And my last car had 180,000 miles before we traded it in. This Buick tubular stabilizer bar is insufficient and apparently will not hold up during regular driving by a 55 yr. Old driver. It is my hope that you will investigate this matter (you may call me) and determine why is this part prone to failure. I hope to hear from you soon.
The "swaybar" for steering broke. I brought it to my mechanic and he says he has seen this issue with Buick Centurys before. It cost approximately $825. 00 to fix.
While driving driver's side and passenger's side windows when rolled down or half way down a loud vibrating sound was heard coming from the rear. This caused pressure to the ears. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed consumer that a problem existed, but a solution had not been determined at this time. Consumer has a second address for the winter 108 pine place, wildwood, FL 34785, 352 748 0765. The violent vibration and pressure occurred when the rear window(s) were down and severely effected the consumer and passengers ears.
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). I wrote to the ceo of Buick/gm (see attached letter) to request an explanation as to why a known safety defect like the "sway bar" was not recalled when it was first discovered, resulting in a re-design of the "sway bar" for subsequent production models. I received a telephone response from the gm executive team, who called himself "debbie", at 1. 855. 880. 1500, extension 5917674, reference number 9-10348786083, on 26 July 2023. "debbie" refused to document gm's position on this issue in writing, and only emphasized that a safety recall with this know safety issue was never issued. It appears that gm has deceived the nthsa and gotten away with a cover-up. Regardless of the time that gm has kept this hidden from the NHTSA, gm should be required to recall all affected vehicles and repair them at their expense. Thank you. Ronald f. Laskowski pe.
tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick century. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to decelerate and jerk violently. the contact stated that it was difficult to maneuver the power steering when making a turn or approaching a traffic light. the vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer more than five times and the rack and pinion was replaced, but the failures persisted. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). the approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
recently, in dec. 2008 my car had a suspension component part replaced. my 2004 buick century just 4 yrs. old and 60,000 miles needed to have the front stabilizer bar replaced. it appears that a design defect may be the problem resulting in premature failure. the stabilizer bar actually cracked at both ends of the mounting plate. i did ask for the original part for future references. most of us would agree that this suspension component should not have needed to be replaced at this point. my mechanic said "he has seen this before on these models" and is checking them during the safety inspection which is how mine was discovered. i do believe that general motors should issue a recall and that i should be reimbursed. this should not have to be replaced, at least not at such an early stage. moreover, let me say this - with over 35 years of driving and owning many cars, i have never had to replace a stabilizer bar either at the front or rear of the car. and my last car had 180,000 miles before we traded it in. this buick tubular stabilizer bar is insufficient and apparently will not hold up during regular driving by a 55 yr. old driver. it is my hope that you will investigate this matter (you may call me) and determine why is this part prone to failure. i hope to hear from you soon. *tr
while performing maintenance (wheel bearing replacement) i discovered a through and through crack in the steering knuckle at the point of attachment of the tie rod end on the drivers side, the casting was split which would have allowed the tie rod to disconnect and potentially fatal consequences. the car is a 2002 buick century custom with 138,000 miles. *tr
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.... *tr
the "swaybar" for steering broke. i brought it to my mechanic and he says he has seen this issue with buick centurys before. it cost approximately $825.00 to fix.