CarBrief

NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on file for the 2003 LeSabre[1]. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on file for the 2003 LeSabre[1]. Structure is the largest group, and in the sample of complaints we read, in the structure complaints we read, nearly all describe a peeling dash pad[2].[2].

164owner complaints[1]
1recalls[3]
21MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 164 complaints for this model year[1]. Nine mention a crash, 4 a fire and 9 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints
Structure[2] 57
Air bags[5] 21
Power train[6] 18
Engine[7] 16
Electrical system[8] 15
Brakes[9] 14
Visibility[10] 12
Unknown or other[11] 11

Structure. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 11 describe the dash pad lifting, peeling or separating from the windshield. Owners worry about what happens near the passenger air bag[2]. The median mileage at failure is 60,062[2].

Engine. In a sample of 11 different complaint texts, 8 describe intake manifold or gasket leaks and coolant loss[7]. The group has 3 fires reported across its complaints[7].

Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe slipping, harsh shifting, shuddering or sudden transmission failure[6]. The median mileage at failure is 48,946[6].

Air bags. In a sample of 12 complaints, 6 describe the dash pad or dashboard separating, and 5 of those worry about the passenger air bag. 3 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[5]., and 3 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[5]. Three of the 21 air bag complaints mention a crash[5].

Brakes. There are 14 complaints, 3 of which mention a crash[9]. The median mileage at failure is 27,000[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[3].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 3.8L 6-cylinder, 4-speed automatic, front-wheel drive LeSabre at 17 mpg city, 27 highway and 21 combined on regular gas[4]. EPA estimates fuel at $3,200 a year, using its current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the car was new[4].

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not rated this car in its 5-Star program[13].

Size

These are Canadian-market specifications for the 4-door sedan Custom/Limited, so US cars can differ slightly[14].

Measure Value
Length[14] 200 in
Width[14] 74 in
Height[14] 57 in
Wheelbase[14] 112 in
Curb weight[14] 3,567 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

1995: 178 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 98 complaints, 2 recalls19961997: 394 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 400 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 209 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 669 complaints, 5 recalls20002001: 328 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 310 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 164 complaints, 1 recalls16420032004: 162 complaints, 0 recalls20042005: 77 complaints, 0 recalls2005
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each LeSabre model year. The 2003 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951781
1996982
19973942
19984001
19992092
20006695
20013280
20023102
20031641
20041620
2005770

The 2003 model year has 164 complaints and 1 recall[3]. Only 2004 (162), 1996 (98) and 2005 (77) have fewer complaints[3]. The 2000 model year has the most, with 669 complaints and 5 recalls[3]. The 2002 year has 310 complaints and 2 recalls[3]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2003 LeSabre?

The complaint count is on the lower side for this model's run, and the one recall covers a driver air bag inflator[3][12]. Check that the recall work was done. Look closely at the dash pad, ask about intake manifold and coolant leak repairs, and pay attention to how the transmission shifts, since owners describe these in our sample[2][7][6]. The car is not rated in NHTSA's crash tests, so there is no star rating to lean on[13]. Fuel economy of 21 mpg combined is the EPA figure to plan around[4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick LeSabre?
Structure is the largest complaint group with 57 of 164 complaints[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe a peeling dash pad[2]. Engine complaints in our sample often involve intake manifold leaks[7].
Has the 2003 Buick LeSabre been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists recall 02V222 for a driver air bag inflator that could crack[12].
What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick LeSabre get?
EPA rates it at 17 city, 27 highway and 21 combined mpg[4].
Is the 2003 LeSabre a better year than others?
Seven of the other ten LeSabre years listed have more complaints. 1996 (98), 2004 (162) and 2005 (77) have fewer[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Buick LeSabre (9 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 57 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,062). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick LeSabre model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for LeSabre, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 21 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,490). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,946). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 16 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 14 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 12 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 11 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 02V222, filed August 9, 2002: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  13. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LESABRE 4DR SEDAN CUSTOM/LIMITED: length 200 in, width 74 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,567 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.