2003 Buick Lesabre: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2003 Buick Lesabre
On the 2003 Buick Lesabre, the failure owners report most often is other body or interior problem, and the reports cluster around 60,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other electrical problem, reported by a median of 40,000 miles. Overall it scores 68 out of 100, high risk for a 2003.
High risk for a 2003 — 171st riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. 209 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2003 Buick Lesabre
Owners have reported 41 named failure modes on the 2003 Buick Lesabre, and the three most-reported carry 39% of everything filed.
Other body or interior problem leads with 57 reports, about 15 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 40k to 90,000 miles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 13 reports, usually reported between 17k to 95,000 miles.
Other electrical problem follows with 12 reports, usually reported between 2k to 75,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (63), brakes (17) and transmission (15).
When these failures get reported
150 of the reports on the 2003 Buick Lesabre came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 50,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 50% by 50,000 miles, 85% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 15% of the dated reports.
35% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other electrical problem around 38k, other powertrain problem around 48k and other body or interior problem around 60k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 41. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 9 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.60, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other visibility problem at $150–$1,400. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
14% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other body or interior problem | body | 57 | 46 | 40k | 60k | 89k | 14.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 13 | 10 | 17k | 48k | 93k | 3.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 12 | 8 | 2k | 38k | 76k | 3.1 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 10 | 7 | — | 25k | — | 2.6 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 6 | 5 | — | 75k | — | 1.5 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 6 | 4 | — | 9k | — | 1.5 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 6 | 4 | — | 30k | — | 1.5 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Window regulator or power window failure | body | 5 | 2 | — | 54k | — | 1.3 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 5 | 3 | — | 27k | — | 1.3 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 4 | 2 | — | 76k | — | 1.0 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 4 | 4 | — | 11k | — | 1.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 4 | 1 | — | 2k | — | 1.0 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 4 | 4 | — | 26k | — | 1.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 4 | 2 | — | 140k | — | 1.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 23k | — | 0.8 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 36k | — | 0.8 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 3 | 3 | — | 160k | — | 0.8 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 3 | — | 17k | — | 0.8 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 3 | 2 | — | 57k | — | 0.8 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 3 | 2 | — | 52k | — | 0.8 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 2 | 1 | — | 32k | — | 0.5 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 2 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.5 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.5 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 137k | — | 0.3 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 46k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 0.3 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 111k | — | 0.3 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 10 | — | 0.3 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 73k | — | 0.3 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 71k | — | 0.3 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 1 | — | 140k | — | 0.3 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 67 | — | 0.3 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 25 | 20 | 46k | 65k | 89k | 6.4 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2003 Buick Lesabre draws about 53 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 96th percentile of complaint rates among 2003 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 3,918 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2003 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other body or interior problem
Both front seats have gotten wrinkles in the leather, the dealer said that there is nothing that they can do about the wrinkles. I believe that they can and I will not except that nothing can be done. *jb updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Instrument panel lights dim and brightened, dash replaced and continued to have the same problem. Driver's door locked all by itself while car was parked with no one inside, only the driver's door locks. *ak
Other powertrain problem
While driving at any speed the consumer felt a vibration in the steering wheel and the seat. After seven visits to the dealers, they replaced the front suspension. The consumer has had the tires balanced 8 times and has bought 7 new tires. *jb the vibrating continued. The vehicle had a driveline shimmy at higher speed that was inherent to the vehicle. The front left tire was out of balance and the front left rear wheel were out of alignment and was corrected, vibrations were still evident during subsequent road test and three tires were found out of balance. The consumer was told that the tires and wheels weren't the problem. *sc the consumer was told the vehicle had a driveline shimmy at a higher speed. *jb
Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out from a stop sign or stop light, going 10-15 MPH, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate. The vehicle eventually accelerated; sometimes taking 15-30 seconds and up to five minutes. The vehicle has been to the dealership five times. The dealership ran diagnostic tests and the tests failed to show any codes to indicate a problem. Updated 08/28/06. *jb
Other electrical problem
Instrument panel lights dim and brightened, dash replaced and continued to have the same problem. Driver's door locked all by itself while car was parked with no one inside, only the driver's door locks. *ak
I was driving and proceeded to slow down as I did I heard a loud noise I continued driving about 3 miles when I smelled something burning. I stopped for a red light and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood on the driver side. I pulled into a parking lot where the car proceeded to ignite on fire and burned before the fire department got there. I had no previous problems with car before this incident. *tr
Recalls on the 2003 model year
NHTSA has issued 1 recall campaign covering the 2003 Buick Lesabre, affecting an estimated 3,918 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
133,221 vehicles 2002-08-09- 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.
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2003 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2003 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2003 — 171st riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 10 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 59 and 2003 worst at 68, with 2003 itself at 68.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 2004, 2005 and 2001 score lower than 2003 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1996–2003 generation specifically, 1996 is the strongest year at 59 and 2003 the weakest at 68.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1996-2003 generation, 1996 Buick Lesabre scores best at 59 and 2003 Buick Lesabre worst at 68.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other electrical problem from about 2k, other powertrain problem from about 17k and other body or interior problem from about 40k.
On a 2003 Buick Lesabre with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other electrical problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
What this page cannot tell you
209 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 209 reports, 150 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 72% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported failures are other body or interior problem (57 reports, median 60,000 miles), other powertrain problem (13 reports, median 50,000 miles) and other electrical problem (12 reports, median 40,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2003 Buick Lesabre problems start?
Other electrical problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 40,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 1,800 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 50,000 miles.
Is the 2003 Buick Lesabre reliable?
It scores 68 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 171st riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2003 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Buick Lesabre is best?
Within the 1996–2003 generation, 1996 scores best at 59 out of 100 and 2003 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed