2003 Buick Lesabre Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,388miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Buick Lesabre, 5% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,388 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving on a 40mph road, the engine spontaneously lost power - the power steering and brakes also ceased to function as a result. The radio and lights were still on. After guiding the stricken car to a safe area, I turned the engine back on and was able to drive as normal. The issue repeated roughly a week later at lower speed while going over a speed-hump in a shopping center parking lot. Note: the issue occurred following the addition of apartment and mail keys to the keyring. I separated the additional keys from the car's key following the second incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10617806, filed 2014-07, 75,200 miles“Intake manifold gaskets (both lower and upper) have failed resulting in coolant loss. Poorly designed plastic gaskets are no longer used but this should be a recall as it results in safety issue if coolant is completely depleted on the highway resulting in failure of vehicle to drive due to engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10597592, filed 2014-06, 76,000 miles“Well I've already put in one complaint so here's another..now I have to replace another valve cover gasket,,this will b the second one within a yr..its dripping all my oil out&actually caught fire. Im scared of the car now..I was already scared because of the dashboard is falling in or coming apart...yall might not deal its serious,, but I do last time yall wanted me to pay for Buick to look at my car&I feel that is wrong.. I seriously need someone to get in contact with me about this matter...”
NHTSA complaint #10631728, filed 2014-09“For the past several months, I have had a problem with a faulty with the gas cap. The alert I receive on the car states that the gas cap is loose, then the engine light goes on. I have had this issue thoroughly checked out by my mechanic and he is stumped as to how to fix this. We have replaced the gas cap several times, he has performed numerous checks to see if there is a leak in the gas tank or fuel lines, all to no avail. He cannot detect a leak. I have spent over $1000 trying to fix this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551380, filed 2013-11“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 concerned that the failure could lead to an engine compartment fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 136,776.”
NHTSA complaint #11418796, filed 2021-05, 136,776 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 5% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 6% |
| 2000 | 18 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
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 cooling
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