2003 Buick Lesabre

Routine

Owners filed 164 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Buick Lesabre years to avoid. Which Buick Lesabre years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

119 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Buick Lesabre problems

47 of the 164 complaints (29%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure · body and frame33
000
Air Bags · airbags14
101
Structure › Body · body and frame11
000
Electrical System9
010
Engine8
030
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls7
000
Unknown or Other7
100
Power Train · transmission7
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration5
302
Tires4
101

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed May 19, 2025WI

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
Filed Mar 25, 2024VA

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

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 19, 2023VA

215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.

Structure › Body › Trunk Lid1 injured
Filed Feb 7, 202260,000 milesCA

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.

EngineFire
Filed May 27, 2021136,776 milesFL

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
Filed Feb 29, 202080,000 milesMI

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
Filed Jan 13, 2020140,000 milesMA

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
Filed Jan 6, 2020116,000 milesWA

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
Filed Jun 5, 2019NY

BUICK 2003 LESABRE TSB I NEED THE SERVICE BULITONS ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR SHUDDER ,HARSH SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING AND HEATED UP PROPERLY

Power Train
Filed Jun 4, 201945,000 milesNY

TRANSMISSION BUMPS SOME TIMES

Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2019160,000 milesMO

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
Filed Mar 15, 201947,000 milesFL

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
Filed Sep 3, 2018MD

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
Filed Mar 26, 201860,000 milesIN

BATTERY GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC HE SAID THE FUSE BOX UNDERBACK SEAT IS SHORTING OUT

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 18, 2017DE

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
Filed Jul 25, 201770,000 milesNY

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
Filed Oct 6, 2016NC

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

EngineFire
Filed Feb 5, 2016184,000 milesGA

"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
Filed Dec 7, 201595,000 milesFL

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
Filed Nov 20, 2015CA

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
Filed Sep 14, 201571,449 milesWV

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
Filed Jun 24, 2015200,000 milesIN

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
Filed May 8, 201540,000 milesFL

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
Filed Mar 13, 201596,000 milesCT

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.

Power Train
Filed Jan 30, 2015102,225 milesFL

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

Electrical System
Filed Jan 12, 20152,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUCK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

Structure
Filed Jan 9, 201575,215 milesNC

THE DASH COVER HAS STARTED TO BUCKLE IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 201465,000 milesIN

AUTOATICE TRANSMISSION SLIPS

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 25, 2014150,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. AFTER CRASHING INTO A TREE STUMP, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE AND MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, FOOT, CHEST, NECK, BACK AND KNEE INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MIDDLE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRAIN AND KNEE INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Structure
Filed Nov 15, 201496,000 milesAL

2003 BUICK LESABRE DASH PAD DASH PAD IS BUCKLING FROM THE FRONT, AT THE WINDSHIELD EDGE OF THE PAD. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 27, 2014IN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN SEPARATING AND EXPANDING DOWN TO THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 2014DC

RECALL

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 20, 201431,500 milesME

BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED & WAS REPLACED. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 15, 20143,000 milesNY

THE DASH PAD HAS SEPARATED FROM THE DASHBOARD. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2014PA

WHEN THE LESABRE WAS RELIABLE; IT WAS RELIABLE. HOWEVER, WHEN ISSUES STARTED TO OCCUR, THEY WERE MASSIVE. AT APPROX 90K MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT WITH NO WARMING AND WAS INSTANTLY. AFTER THAT THE CAR STILL HAD ISSUES WITH THE DRIVE, TRANSMISSION AND GEARS. THE FUEL PUMP AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. AS OF 2014 I CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT CURRENTLY RUNS VERY HARD AND WHEN IDLE AND IN TRAFFIC (VERY SCARY) WILL RANDOMLY CUT OFF WITH ZERO WARNING OR EVEN BEGIN TO SMOKE. THERE IS THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL AND ANTIFREEZE. THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY SMOKE AS WELL. I HAVE BEEN TO THE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE MAIN ISSUE SO THAT IT CAN BE REPAIRED. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. ANYONE HAVE ANY SOLUTIONS? I KEEP READING PLENTY OF OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE(S) SO I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT GM/BUICK HAS NOT DONE A RECALL ON PARTS FOR THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, ETC. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 17, 201450,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER DASHBOARD COVERING SEPARATED AND EXTENDED TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG HOUSING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Sep 16, 201471,000 milesNC

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE REAR DRIVERS DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE GLASS WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED. THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. ADDITIONALLY, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WINDOWS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 12, 201488,000 milesCA

2003 BUICK LE SABRE. DASHBOARD IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL. ELECTRONIC PARTS ARE EXPOSED. AS A RESULT, AIRBAG AND OTHER SAFETY SENSORS AND WIRING IS EXPOSED. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE DASH IS PULLING AWAY TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIRBAG IS HOUSED. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF ISSUES ON THE INTERNET. THE DASH HAS PULLED AWAY OVER 2" IN THE CENTER. IT IS DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING AND IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS, IT WILL CREATE AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD BE HAPPY WITH A FIX, IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A REPLACEMENT. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Sep 8, 2014TX

WELL I'VE ALREADY PUT IN ONE COMPLAINT SO HERE'S ANOTHER..NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE ANOTHER VALVE COVER GASKET,,THIS WILL B THE SECOND ONE WITHIN A YR..ITS DRIPPING ALL MY OIL OUT&ACTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE. IM SCARED OF THE CAR NOW..I WAS ALREADY SCARED BECAUSE OF THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING IN OR COMING APART...YALL MIGHT NOT DEAL ITS SERIOUS,, BUT I DO LAST TIME YALL WANTED ME TO PAY FOR BUICK TO LOOK AT MY CAR&I FEEL THAT IS WRONG.. I SERIOUSLY NEED SOMEONE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH ME ABOUT THIS MATTER... *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 2014TX

I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD WAS COMING APART FROM THE WINDSHIELD TOWARDS THE DRIVERSIDE..I ALSO STARTED EXPERIENCING MY CAR CUTTING OFF,,&A WEIRD NOISE WHEN I PRESS MY BRAKES..MY CAR ALSO GETS HOT&SMELLS LIKE SOMETHINGS BURNING..I'VE REPLACED NUMEROUS THINGS,,BUT YET TO COME TO A RESOLUTION..I REALLY NEED HELP BECAUSE THIS IS SCARY..I'VE TALKED TO BUICK&YOU ALL WANNA CHARGE ME JUST TO LOOK AT MY CAR??THAT'S NOT HELP AT ALL... *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 7, 2014GA

USED BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM 2003 CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VOLT LIGHT APPEARS AND THEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF. THIS IS FRIGHTENING AND TRULY DANGEROUS. THE CAR WILL START BACK UP USUALLY AFTER THE FIRST ATTEMPT, BUT SOMETIMES IT TAKES ABOUT TWO ATTEMPTS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CAR COMPUTER WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE MECHANICS BELIEVED THAT TO BE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER THAT WAS DONE, THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN, SEVERAL TIMES, THE VERY SAME DAY. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND MULTIPLE TESTS WERE RUN AND WE WERE TOLD ABOUT A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS RANGING FROM THE COMPUTER TO THE SENSOR. AFTER ALL THE TESTS WERE RAN AND PARTS REPLACED (COMPUTER AND SENSOR), THE CAR DROVE FINE FOR TWO AFTERNOONS AND THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC AND THE LIGHT WAS RED. THE CAR TURNS BACK ON BUT THE FACT THAT IT SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM AND THE MECHANICS CANNOT TELL US THE REASON IS UNSETTLING. WE HAVE NO SOLUTIONS SO FAR BECAUSE THE EXACT CAUSE CANNOT BE PINPOINTED. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RECURRING EVER SINCE JUNE 27, 2014 AND HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY PROBLEMATIC. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 201475,200 milesCO

WHILE DRIVING ON A 40MPH ROAD, THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY LOST POWER - THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO CEASED TO FUNCTION AS A RESULT. THE RADIO AND LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. AFTER GUIDING THE STRICKEN CAR TO A SAFE AREA, I TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AS NORMAL. THE ISSUE REPEATED ROUGHLY A WEEK LATER AT LOWER SPEED WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED-HUMP IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. NOTE: THE ISSUE OCCURRED FOLLOWING THE ADDITION OF APARTMENT AND MAIL KEYS TO THE KEYRING. I SEPARATED THE ADDITIONAL KEYS FROM THE CAR'S KEY FOLLOWING THE SECOND INCIDENT. THE ISSUE HAS NOT REPEATED SINCE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 2014181,219 milesCO

ENTERED VEHICLE AND NOTICED DASHBOARD BUCKLING ON DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE. AFRAID TO START VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY. *TR

Structure
Filed Jul 9, 201460,125 milesWI

APPROX. APRIL 1, 2014 NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS "LIFTING" AWAY FROM THE BASE. SINCE THEN IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, LIFTING FROM LEFT HAND SIDE TOWARDS CENTER OF VEHICLE. BUICK TELLS ME IT IS NOT COVERED AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON IT, YET I'VE SEEN 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME THING ON THE INTERNET. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY OF AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYING AND IF IT KEEPS LIFTING THE WAY IT HAS SO FAR, VISIBILITY WILL BECOME A FACTOR. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST 2003. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 201489,000 milesFL

DASHBOARD HAS WARPED AND SEPARATED FROM UNDER THE WINDSHIELD. ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCED AUTO MECHANICS, DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL MOST LIKELY BE COMPROMISED. IT ALSO AFFECTS VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THESE BUICKS! WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? CHECK THIS WEBSITE AND YOU'LL SEE HOW PROLIFIC A PROBLEM THIS IS! HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-C5295_DS45613 NOT TO MENTION THE MONEY LOST BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO SELL THESE CARS. 2000-2005 BUICK OWNERS ARE IN DANGER. AND YOU'VE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT! DO YOUR JOB! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2014115,000 milesFL

MY FRONT DASHBOARD HAS BEEN GRADUALLY COMING UNATTACHED NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT IS HINDERING MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. IT IS ALSO A PROBLEM FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY HAZARD AND I CANNOT BELIEVE BUICK HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT WHICH IS AFFECTING SO MANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. I OWN TWO BUICK LESABRES AND IT HAPPENED TO BOTH OF THEM. *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 11, 201476,000 milesVA

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS (BOTH LOWER AND UPPER) HAVE FAILED RESULTING IN COOLANT LOSS. POORLY DESIGNED PLASTIC GASKETS ARE NO LONGER USED BUT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT RESULTS IN SAFETY ISSUE IF COOLANT IS COMPLETELY DEPLETED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN FAILURE OF VEHICLE TO DRIVE DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 201443,000 milesAZ

AT A LITTLE OVER 40,000 MILES, I NOTICE A HUMP IN THE DASH COVER IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SEPARATION AND LIFTING HAS NOW STRETCHED TO NEAR CENTER DASH. IF IT CONTINUES, I'M AFRAID IT MAY POSSIBLY EFFECT AIR BAG OPERATION OR PASSENGER SAFETY. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 12, 201440,000 milesVA

FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS DO NOT WEAR EVENLY. THE INBOARD PAD (ON BOTH WHEELS) WEARS FASTER THAN THE OUTBOARD PAD. PROBLEM IS, ONLY THE OUTBOARD PADS HAVE THE WEAR ALERTER. SO, IF YOU DON'T INSPECT YOUR FRONT BRAKES FREQUENTLY, THE INBOARD PAD LINING CAN WEAR COMPLETELY AWAY WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE, CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR AND REDUCE BRAKING TO AN UNSAFE LEVEL. I HAVE SEEN THIS CONDITION ON MORE THAN ONE BUICK LESABRE. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 17, 201410,000 milesSC

DASH PANEL IS SEPARATING FROM FRAME , STARTED IN FRONT OF DRIVER & PROGRESSING TOWARDS PASSENGER SIDE WHERE AIR BAG IS LOCATED WHICH IS A POSSIBLE SAFETY PROBLEM ,NOT TO MENTION RESALE OR TRADE IN. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 164, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20063000Routine
200577030Routine
2004162050Routine
2003 — this page164140Routine
20023102120Above average
20013280220High concern
20006695300High concern
19992092202Fatalities reported
19984001430High concern
19973942311Fatalities reported
199698200Routine
1995178130Routine
1994158060Routine
19931941210High concern
19921892230High concern
199130130Routine
199046100Routine

Compare every Lesabre year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 9, 2002. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.