VehicleVerdict

2003 Buick LeSabre problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 209 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.3 times the median LeSabre year — the 2003 model ranks #12 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 57 reports (27% of the total).

209

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other LeSabre years?

LeSabre NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted849 complaints1967: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 7 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 20 complaints1987: 53 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 35 complaints1990: 75 complaints1991: 46 complaints1992: 245 complaints1993: 264 complaints1994: 220 complaints1995: 235 complaints1996: 121 complaints1997: 514 complaints1998: 518 complaints1999: 268 complaints2000: 849 complaints2001: 460 complaints2002: 380 complaints2003: 209 complaints2004: 212 complaints2005: 95 complaints2006: 4 complaints
LeSabre NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeSabre years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Buick LeSabre problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure5727%
Airbags2110%
Transmission189%
Engine178%
Electrical System168%
Visibility & Wipers157%
Brakes157%
Other115%
Suspension73%
Tires & Wheels73%
Fuel System63%
Lighting52%
Steering52%
Speed Control52%
Seats31%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2003 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V222000AirbagsAugust 9, 2002 · 133,221 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“RE: 2003 BUICK LASABRE LIMITED. DASH BOARD HAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT IS ALL BUCKLED UP AND COULD POSE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG IF IT PULLS AWAY ANY FARTHER. HUNDREDS OF BUICK LASABRE OWNERS HAVE FILED THE SAME COMPLAINT AS MINE. WHAT HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE BUICK ISSUES A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 1, 2010

“CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AN AVIS RENTAL ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE WAS NOTICED AROUND THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL LINE ON THE ENGINE RUBBED TOGETHER WITH THE TRANSMISSION CABLE CAUSING A HOLE IN ONE OF THE HOSES, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION CABLE RUBBED A HOLE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2006

“WELL I'VE ALREADY PUT IN ONE COMPLAINT SO HERE'S ANOTHER..NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE ANOTHER VALVE COVER GASKET,,THIS WILL B THE SECOND ONE WITHIN A YR..ITS DRIPPING ALL MY OIL OUT&ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE. IM SCARED OF THE CAR NOW..I WAS ALREADY SCARED BECAUSE OF THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING IN OR COMING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2014 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING AND PROCEEDED TO SLOW DOWN AS I DID I HEARD A LOUD NOISE I CONTINUED DRIVING ABOUT 3 MILES WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR PROCEEDED TO IGNITE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 16, 2008 · fire

2003 Buick LeSabre — common questions

Is the 2003 Buick LeSabre reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 209 complaints put the 2003 model at #12 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 LeSabre problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (57 complaints), airbags (21 complaints), transmission (18 complaints).

Does the 2003 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LeSabre years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 1997, 2001, 2002, 1999, 1993, 1992, 1995, 1994, 2004, 2003, 1996, 2005, 1990, 1987, 1991. The cleanest record among LeSabre years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.