2003 Buick Lesabre
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Lesabre › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Buick Lesabre. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Buick Lesabre. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Owner complaints
164 complaints9 involved a crash4 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Steering · Unknown or other
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
- Steering
On [XXX] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed [XXX] at 141443 miles. That part failed [XXX] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed…
On [XXX] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed [XXX] at 141443 miles. That part failed [XXX] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed and was replaced at [XXX] 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 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 [XXX] and received a telephonic request for documentation [XXX] 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 -- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Tires
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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
- Suspension
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…
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 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.
- Power train
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.
- Power train
Buick 2003 lesabre tsb I need the service bulitons on the transmission for shudder ,harsh shifting while driving and heated up properly
- Power train
Transmission bumps some times
- Air bags · Unknown or other
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
- Unknown or other
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.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
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…
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 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
- Electrical system
Battery goes dead over night, took it to a mechanic he said the fuse box underback seat IS shorting out
- Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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…
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
- Structure
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
- Engine
"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…
"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 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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Structure › Body
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…
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 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.
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Air bags
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.
- Structure
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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Power train
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
Every Buick Lesabre model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.