2003 Buick Lesabre recalls and problems

The 2003 Buick Lesabre has 1 safety recall and 164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

164

Crashes / fires

9 / 4

Injuries / deaths

9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Buick Lesabre vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Buick Lesabre recalls

Recall 02V-222: Air Bags

Reported Aug 9, 2002 · 133,221 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

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.

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.

2003 Buick Lesabre problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	57
Air Bags	21
Power Train	18
Electrical System	15
Visibility	12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	11
Unknown or Other	11
Engine and Engine Cooling	9
Engine	8
Tires	7
Suspension	7
Exterior Lighting	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 15
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 3
Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Buick Lesabre complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported 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 very concerned about my and my family safely

Steering · reported Mar 25, 2024

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…

Structure · at 60,000 miles · reported Feb 7, 2022

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 · at 136,776 miles · reported May 27, 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 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 · at 80,000 miles · reported Feb 29, 2020

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

Other Buick Lesabre years

2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Buick Lesabre years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Buick Lesabre: 02V-222 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?

Owners report structure problems most often (57 reports), followed by air bags (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.