2003 Buick Lesabre Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 11%of 164 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,946miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Buick Lesabre, 11% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,946 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We bought the car december 29,2015, the car had 102,0215, and drove it to the doctor on our way back, the would make a clunking sound from trans-axles, and we notice that the dash board came up and it has hardware screws across the dash as if to hold it down.”
NHTSA complaint #10679870, filed 2015-01, 102,225 miles“While driving on i95 in georgia on the way to florida 12-28-08 my 2003 Buick Lesabre transmission started bucking and jolting car as it shifted. Took to garage and it was determined that the torque converter locked up, this car had the transmission oil replaced at recommended 50,000 miles, besides the 2200 dollars to replace transmission we had to get hotel room, meals and a rental car to continue trip as the replacement transmission could not be delivered right away.”
NHTSA complaint #10255107, filed 2009-01, 111,000 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“This incident is regarding a sudden transmission failure on a 2003 Buick Lesabre, purchased in may of 2003. In january of 2008, with 47,692 miles on the car, the transmission suddenly failed while the vehicle was in use. There was no warning before the incident - the vehicle lurched, bucked, rapidly picked up speed and rapidly lost speed without warning. This situation was incredibly dangerous to both myself, passengers and other motorists. My remedy was to immediately pull over and turn off the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217822, filed 2008-02, 47,692 miles“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 it difficult to drive at all with the combined issues I'm very concerned about my and my family safely”
NHTSA complaint #11661927, filed 2025-05Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 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…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 7% |
| 2003 | 18 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 9% |
| 2000 | 24 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 7% |
| 1998 | 20 | 5% |
| 1997 | 33 | 8% |
| 1996 | 6 | 6% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 33 | 17% |
| 1992 | 20 | 11% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buick Lesabre
57 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine
8 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 29, 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