Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
3125–50K
2550–75K
1775–100K
13100–150K
6150K+
119 reports with mileage · 45 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Structure. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
164 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2003
Electrical System
THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN WAS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE AND THE PLASTIC MATERIAL USED TO MANUFACTURER THE HORN MADE IT HARD TO PUSH DOWN. *NLM A GM REPRESENTATIVE WITNESSED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO BLOW THE HORN AND IN AN EMERGENCY IT MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CONSUMERS WIFE HAD ARTHRITIS AND…
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THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN WAS DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE AND THE PLASTIC MATERIAL USED TO MANUFACTURER THE HORN MADE IT HARD TO PUSH DOWN. *NLM A GM REPRESENTATIVE WITNESSED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE CONSUMER TO BLOW THE HORN AND IN AN EMERGENCY IT MAY BECOME IMPOSSIBLE. THE CONSUMERS WIFE HAD ARTHRITIS AND WAS UNABLE TO BLOW THE HORN UNDER MOST CIRCUMSTANCES. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10025110
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2003
Exterior Lighting
THE OWNER HAD DIFFICULTY WITH PROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE OWNER DESCRIBED THE DIFFICULTY AS A " SHADOW ", WHICH CONSTANTLY DISTRACTED HIM WHILE DRIVING. THE SERVICE MANAGER WROTE TO THE COMPANY ABOUT THE ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. *NLM THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM CA…
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THE OWNER HAD DIFFICULTY WITH PROPER ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE OWNER DESCRIBED THE DIFFICULTY AS A " SHADOW ", WHICH CONSTANTLY DISTRACTED HIM WHILE DRIVING. THE SERVICE MANAGER WROTE TO THE COMPANY ABOUT THE ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. *NLM THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE FIXED. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10019901
800 miles · May 30, 2003
Power Train
WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE OR DRIVEN THERE IS NO INDICATION IN WHAT GEAR YOUR IN. THE LETTER DOESN'T LIGHT UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10021963
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2003
StructureInjury
WHILE TAKING GROCERIES OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE TRUNK LID FELL AND HIT CONSUMER ON HEAD. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED PAIN,SWELLING AND SCABS ON THE CONSUMERS FOREHEAD AND NOSE. *AK *NLM
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2003 Buick Lesabre Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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