MYRModel Year Report

2003 Buick Lesabre

● Typical for this model
2003 Buick Lesabre
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:57:26.646Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Lesabre Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 44 complaints 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 30 complaints 1992: 191 complaints 1993: 196 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1996: 98 complaints 1997: 394 complaints 1998: 400 complaints 1998 1999: 209 complaints 2000: 669 complaints 2001: 328 complaints 2002: 310 complaints 2002 2003: 164 complaints 2003 2004: 162 complaints 2005: 77 complaints 2006: 3 complaints 2006
2003: 164 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19821
19831
19845
19855
198616
198744
198821
198927
199047
199130
1992191
1993196
1994168
1995178
199698
1997394
1998400
1999209
2000669
2001328
2002310
2003164
2004162
200577
20063

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STRUCTURE 35%

35% of complaints: structure — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and trunk lid.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220207

WHILE TAKING GROCERIES OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE TRUNK LID FELL AND HIT CONSUMER ON HEAD. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED PAIN,SWELLING AND SCABS ON THE CONSUMERS FOREHEAD AND NOSE. *AK *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030408

AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS HIT HEAD ON. MY VEHICLE A BUICK LESABRE 2003 AND THE VEHICLE WHICH HIT ME, A 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAG ON MY BUICK LESABRE DID NOT DEPLOY, THUS CAUSING ME PHYSICAL INJURIES. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20031205

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250519

Also filed under STEERING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20020815 — air bags

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: 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 O

Campaign 02V222000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (57 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V222000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 2000 ■ 1998 ■ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Buick Lesabre reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Buick Lesabre is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.