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
The worst 2003 Buick Lesabre problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body57
- Airbags21
- Transmission18
- Engine16
- Electrical15
- Visibility15
- Brakes14
- Suspension7
- Tires7
- Fuel system6
- Acceleration5
- Lights5
- Steering5
- Seats3
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Recalls 1
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 02V222000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Buick Lesabre 449
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
2003 Buick Lesabre fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 21 |
What 2003 Buick Lesabre owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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)
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Buick 2003 lesabre tsb I need the service bulitons on the transmission for shudder ,harsh shifting while driving and heated up properly
Transmission bumps some times
Compare the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Other model years
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006
Questions about the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Is the 2003 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 2003 Buick Lesabre, close to a typical Lesabre model year.
What is the 2003 Buick Lesabre year score?
The 2003 Buick Lesabre scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Lesabre: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?
Body and structure, with 57 complaints, typically around 60,125 miles. Next is airbags (21).
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick Lesabre get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Buick Lesabre range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Buick Lesabre?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history