2003 Buick Lesabre recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: 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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 LESABRE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V222000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-521-7300.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 02032. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2003 Buick Lesabre owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (57), Airbags (21), Transmission / drivetrain (18), Engine (18), Electrical system (16).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/19/2025 · Steering
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
03/25/2024 · Steering
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…
08/19/2023 · Wheels / tires · crash
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
02/07/2022 · Body / structure
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.
05/27/2021 · Engine · fire
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 con…
02/29/2020 · Unknown Or Other
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
01/13/2020 · Suspension
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…
01/06/2020 · Transmission / drivetrain
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.