The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration when shifted. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb and continued down a lawn. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front axel and the muffler fractured. In addition, a piece of the transmission detached and oil leaked from under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000. Updated 03/16/16 the consumer stated the electronic control system malfunctioned.

- Houston, TX, USA

I had driven my 2003 Buick Century at least halfway into a parking space in a parking lot when it suddenly lurched forward like a bat out of hell, leaping up over a curb on an upward slope, swiping a cement lightpost on the left, crashing into another car across its left front, bumping down over a curb, then crashing up and over two more curbs. With divine help I was able to avoid other cars and steer it to a stop, then drive gingerly into the original parking space. Since I was originally in the process of slowing to a stop, my right foot was on the brake at all times. I had never heard of many automakers' infamous "sudden unintended acceleration" manufacturing defect and had no idea what was happening as the car went from 1 or 2 mph to full throttle instantly. With both hands grasping the steering wheel while the car jerked violently, I was unable to shift into neutral, as I was attempting to avoid other parked vehicles. I emerged with no broken bones, but the car was totaled. Because I am a "little old lady, " the insurance company deems me "L00% responsible, " in spite of my clean driving record. But "sudden unintended acceleration" fits my scenario to a tee.

- Sonora, CA, USA

2003 Buick Century. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration. The consumer stated for the past 1 1/2 years the vehicle has accelerated on its own at a very high speed. It would accelerate up to 60 mph, even when her foot was not on the accelerator. Also, the vehicle would idle very high, when the acceleration occurred.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

The car will speed up on its own while the foot is off the pedal. Also, when I have my foot on the brake at a light, the car will start revving up as if I had my foot on both brake and accelerator. I have taken the car to different mechanics to get the problem fixed to no avail. What could these be? I am afraid that one day I will get in an accident do to this problem.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. While driving at approximately 50 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact turned off the cruise control but the vehicle continued to accelerate until the brakes were applied. The failure continued to occur intermittently whether the cruise control was engaged or not. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. The current mileage was approximately 76,400.

- Georgiana, AL, USA