2003 Buick Lesabre Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Buick Lesabre, 5% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Occasionally smelled anti-freeze after careful inspection could not determine where leak was. Had to add anti-freeze on two occasions. Took car to GM dealership for oil change and was told of the problem. He showed me the leak and advised I should get it repaired asap. Estimated repair cost at this point is in excess of $1,000. It was also advised that if not repaired this could result in antifreeze in the oil which would ruin the motor. This problem is related to the gasket they used, which is plastic and has since been changed.”
NHTSA complaint #10177623, filed 2007-01, 56,500 miles“Upper intake manifold leaking externally at 50,400 miles on 2003 Buick Lesabre. Same occurred on my 1997 Buick Lesabre at 85,000 miles. Replaced upper intake manifold and gasket with after market assembly on 1997 now at 103,000 miles. 2003 Buick currently at dealers for repair pending.”
NHTSA complaint #10186904, filed 2007-04, 50,400 miles“2003 Buick Lesabre. Consumer states problem with intake manifold gasket failure the consumer stated the intake gasket developed a leak, which allowed coolant to get into the oil. The consumer had to replace the upper intake manifold gasket at 46,333 miles and the lower intake manifold gasket at 71,193 miles. The cause of the problem was alleged to be an incompatibility between the GM dex-cool coolant which was introduced in 1995 and the intake manifold gasket material which could cause the engine to overheat and/or seize while driving on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10404798, filed 2011-06, 46,333 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall sporadically without warning when driving at least 60 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and a local independent mechanic for diagnostic testing but no failure codes would generate. The contact replaced the ignition key but it did not remedy the failure. The contact had concerns that the vehicle stalling in traffic could cause a major crash and did not feel safe operating the vehicle. The failure mileage was 76,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10362698, filed 2010-10, 76,000 miles“Vehicle's intake manifold failed. Consumer received a recall notice for problems with intake manifold failure on 2003 Buick Lesabre. Consumer stated this failure occurred with his 1998 Buick Lesabre also.”
NHTSA complaint #10040224, filed 2003-09Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 5% |
| 2002 | 18 | 6% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 69 | 33% |
| 1998 | 196 | 49% |
| 1997 | 110 | 28% |
| 1996 | 18 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 36 | 23% |
| 1993 | 25 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 14% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 5 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 2 | 10% |
| 1987 | 6 | 15% |
| 1986 | 6 | 38% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buick Lesabre
57 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Buick Lesabre
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology