Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Buick LeSabre, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 43 | 26% |
| Power train | 11 | 7% |
| Visibility | 10 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 5% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 5% |
| Air bags | 8 | 5% |
| Air bags | 8 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 8 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 4% |
| Tires | 5 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Steering
215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint: Tires
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 ma
NHTSA complaint: Structure
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 e
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
BUICK 2003 LESABRE TSB I NEED THE SERVICE BULITONS ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR SHUDDER ,HARSH SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING AND HEATED UP PROPERLY
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2003 Buick LeSabre. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
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 O
| Reliability raw | 68 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 54 | average |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 43 of them (26%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 68/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2003 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.