Buick · LeSabre · 2003
2003 Buick LeSabre
1
Recall
164
Complaints
N/A
NCAP overall
The 2003 Buick LeSabre has 1 recall and 164 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most frequent stored component label: structure (43 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2003 Buick LeSabre 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 4997
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Sep 14, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2003 Buick LeSabre page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is structure with 43 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2003 Buick LeSabre currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 164 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows no overall NHTSA safety rating in our current dataset.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are structure (43), power train (11), visibility (10).
- Vehicle
- 2003 Buick LeSabre
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 164
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- Not available in this dataset
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2003 Buick LeSabre 4-DR. w/SAB NCAP Vehicle ID: 4997
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
No overall score is available in our current dataset. The individual results below are not a combined safety rating; compare vehicles within the same test program and model year.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: OptionalForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 02V222000August 09, 2002
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Remedy Status
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 totalSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 19, 2025
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 v...
Preview excerpt
TIRES
CRASH1 injuryJul 24, 2023
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
ENGINE
FIREMay 1, 2021
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 ...
Preview excerpt
SUSPENSION
Jun 17, 2019
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,...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 1, 2019
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
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 2, 2019
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
POWER TRAIN
Jan 1, 2019
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.
STEERING
Dec 12, 2018
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 remanufacture...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Mar 12, 2018
BUICK 2003 LESABRE TSB I NEED THE SERVICE BULITONS ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR SHUDDER ,HARSH SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING AND HEATED UP PROPERLY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 20, 2018
BATTERY GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC HE SAID THE FUSE BOX UNDERBACK SEAT IS SHORTING OUT
Showing 10 recent complaints from 164 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2003 Buick models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
Quick Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick LeSabre have?
The 2003 Buick LeSabre has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2003 Buick LeSabre?
NHTSA has received 164 owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Buick LeSabre.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2003 Buick LeSabre?
An overall NHTSA safety rating is not available in our current dataset for the 2003 Buick LeSabre. Individual crash-test results may still be available.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick LeSabre?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2003 Buick LeSabre are structure (43 reports), power train (11 reports), visibility (10 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2003 Buick LeSabre have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2003 Buick LeSabre. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.