- The problem
- Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
- The risk
- Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Buick Lesabre Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 2003 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (58) and the airbags (21). Those complaints describe 9 crashes, 4 fires and 9 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in August 2002 for the frontal. For comparison, the 2002 has 322 and the 2004 has 162.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Lesabre year, for its age
#81 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 167
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 9
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Buick Lesabre problems
Share of all 167 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Buick Lesabre recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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167 complaints about the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
The transmission doesn't shift correctly even after it's warmed up it is erratic and rough while connecting the transmission gears and jerks very hard at most times. The power steering is not working correctly and makes it difficult to drive at all with the combined issues I'm very concerned about my and my family safely
On [[redacted]] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed [[redacted]] at 141443 miles. That part failed [[redacted]] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed and was replaced at [[redacted]] at 157999 miles with another NAPA remanufactured part. That part failed about July 2023 and has not been replaced . The repair garage that had been replacing this...
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rack and pinion stated they will no longer replace it since the outcome would be the same. The problem in all instances is that the hydraulic fluid leaks out of the unit through the rack and pinion which in turn affects the steering. The leak starts slowly and eventually increases to the point where the fluid will leak from the unit even when the car is not in use. I reported the problem to NAPA in writing [[redacted]] and received a telephonic request for documentation [[redacted]] which was furnished along with a statement that this matter was being looked into. I am not interested in any monetary refund but am only concerned about the safety of parts sold as "remanufactured" . The automobile repair shop is aware of my concern and supports my complaint. Both the repair shop and myself have documentation. I believe that based upon the number of times this part has failed indicates a potential problem in at the remanufactured automobile parts industry for at least this particular part and possibly others. I am willing to furnish any information I have. Thank you -- [[redacted]] [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that their trunk failed to remain in the open position when needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that after his friend drove the vehicle to his residence, there was a burning oil odor detected. The contact opened the hood and there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as a valve cover gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could lead to an engine compartment fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 136,776.
The dash pad is curling up from the windshield on the driver's side.There is a gap of several inches. Many people are experiencing this in my research. Will need to replace dash pad
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken for service at an independent mechanic, the mechanic noticed above the driver side rear spring suspension was corroded through. In addition due to the corrosion on the top of the spring, the vehicle does not have support causing the vehicle to swerve back and forth. The vehicle was taken to bob pion buick gmc dealer, (333 memorial dr, chicopee, ma 01020, (413) 598-8377) where they noticed the corrosion but did not...
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recommend to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the rust underneath were pristine and the spring leaning on the frame pushing the rear driver side tire. The contact stated that the vehicle lost all support, the spring was pre-floating at the top. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140.000.
When the vehicle gets warmer during transit, the transmission begins to slip. It gets worse and the duration of the slip begins to. Last longer.
Buick 2003 lesabre tsb I need the service bulitons on the transmission for shudder ,harsh shifting while driving and heated up properly
TRANSMISSION BUMPS SOME TIMES
The airbag light stays on and the dash is separating from the firewall of the motor. There is a gap between the windshield and the dash
In 2009 the dashboard began to lift up under the windshield. By 2011 the dashboard had lifted up almost completely across the dash across the windshield, by about 2 inches. I had my mechanic attempt to secure it back down on several occasions.
First electrical... My wipers stopped working during bad rain right after coming out the tunnel in heavy traffic no accident I knew road enough to pull over.. Got fixed replaced wiper motor 3 times and the wiper switch wipers still go without being turned on... Then my dash keeps getting dim and my abs,traction ,and brake lightsare on and I've had that fixed still keeps staying lit.... I get regular oil changes at walmart every 3000 miles theres fluid leaking from valve cover that I had replaced ...Things I...
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replaced on car should have never been inspected.. My dash was lifted when I purchased vehicle used also said it was fine mva made them reinspect car n its still lifted I also know it wont pass inspection lifted
Battery goes dead over night, took it to a mechanic he said the fuse box underback seat is shorting out
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. The contact noticed that the dashboard had inadvertently become unglued without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that no recall was associated with he vin. The contact was advised to call nhtsa. The failure mileage was unavailable.
I had traveled about 2 miles from home to a home depot and was driving at about 20 mph as I was about to turn into one of the parking lanes. Suddenly the car went into full speed as if I was full on the gas pedal. I nearly hit other cars trying to get control of my car. I tried shutting the engine off and then back on, but that did no good. My car only has about 70,000 actual miles on it as I am retired. Car is currently in a garage waiting for repairs.07242013
Letter from congresswoman foxx on behalf of constituent re 2003 buick lesabre defect issues. *Smd the consumer stated the dashboard separated and raised about two inches. *Jb
"Defective gaskets fire hazard" oil dripping from valve cover caught fire burning plug wires and 3800 v6 engine shroud'. I had parked the vehicle in my drive. I went inside home for 2 minutes. I came back outside to retrieve a soda when I discovered smoke billowing from under hood. When I released hood latch and raised hood flames shot out driving me to the ground. I quickly got a wash bucket nearby and was able to put out fire. I don't know the extent of damage. I found out that over 1300 gm vehicles have...
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caught fire due to this problem. I reported the incident to buick and was told a representative would contact me within 24 hours. 2 Days pass no call and car sits in drive. I'm lucky I caught it as it could have caused a house fire as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the passenger side dashboard detached, including the air bag housing area. The loosened dashaboard distorted the contact's vision when driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
The dashboard panel is separating at the front where it meets the defroster cowling. The separation is increasing along the front of the dash from driver to passenger side, and is starting to curl up considerably on the driver side. It is unknown how much further the separation/curling will continue, and is beginning to affect the vision of the driver just above the hood. I addition, other components under the dashboard are beginning to be exposed to sunlight. Further investigation suggests that this is an...
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extremely common failure with this model vehicle, with multiple complaints from consumers, ranging from obscured driver vision, to potential or possible airbag deployment due to exposed components. Investigation also suggests that general motors is not acknowledging the existence of the problem, nor providing adequate solutions for repair despite numerous customer complaints and concerns.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred on several occasions while driving at low speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the failure was unable to be determined; however, the gasket kit, a connector, and the maf sensor were replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,449.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated indicating that the air system was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dash panel separated from the glove compartment where the air bag was housed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard was peeling where the passenger side air bag was located. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
We bought the car december 29,2015, the car had 102,0215, and drove it to the doctor on our way back, the would make a "clunking" sound from trans-axles, and we notice that the dash board came up and it has hardware screws across the dash as if to hold it down. *Tr
Buick Lesabre: every year compared
All Lesabre years2003 Buick Lesabre vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Buick Lesabre | 167 | 1 | F | |
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 284 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Century | 130 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Regal | 104 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Park Avenue | 36 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Buick Truck | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Buick Lesabre: frontal (August 2002). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (58), airbags (21), engine & cooling (18).
How many complaints has the 2003 Buick Lesabre had?
167 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 8, 2003 and the latest on May 19, 2025. Of these, 9 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Buick Lesabre a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Buick Lesabre year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Lesabre years have the most complaints?
2000 (680), 1998 (410), 1997 (402). See every Buick Lesabre year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Buick Lesabre has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data