Does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Buick Lesabre, the most recent reported on August 9, 2002 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (57 complaints), followed by air bags (21).

How many 2003 Buick Lesabre complaints mention a crash or fire?

9 of 164 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Buick Lesabre recalls and problems

1 recall and 164 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Buick Lesabre.

recalls

164

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Buick Lesabre recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 02V222000 · reported August 9, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 133,221 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Structure57
Air bags21
Power train18
Electrical system15
Visibility12
Unknown or other11
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Engine8
Engine and engine cooling8
Suspension7

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 19, 2025 · Power train
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…

Mar 25, 2024 · Steering
On […] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed […] at 141443 miles. That part failed […] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed and was replaced at […] at…

Aug 19, 2023 · Tires · crash reported
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.

Feb 7, 2022 · Structure · 60,000 miles
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.

May 27, 2021 · Engine · 136,776 miles · fire reported
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…

Lesabre model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	669	26	30
2001	0	328	10	22
2002	2	310	15	12
2003	1	164	9	4
2004	0	162	4	5
2005	0	77	6	3
2006	0	3	0	0

Across all years, the 2000 Lesabre has the most complaints (669). All Buick Lesabre years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Buick Lesabre, the most recent reported on August 9, 2002 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?: Owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (57 complaints), followed by air bags (21).
How many 2003 Buick Lesabre complaints mention a crash or fire?: 9 of 164 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 19, 2025.