Model year guide

2003 Buick LeSabre

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Buick LeSabre is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 90 on record.

2003 Buick LeSabre — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Buick LeSabre at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints167
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$2,490

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Buick LeSabre recalls 1

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #02V222000 · 09/08/2002

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.

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 ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CO…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Buick LeSabre common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2003 Buick LeSabre MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Buick LeSabre worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$2,490
High
$4,400

From 83 comparable 2003 Buick LeSabre listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Buick LeSabre costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,550
Total$16,300
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,490) with the same model 5 model-years older ($932), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Buick LeSabre trims & engines on record

Trims
Custom · Limited
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

2003 Buick LeSabre vehicles on record

Other Buick LeSabre model years

2003 Buick LeSabre — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Buick LeSabre have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick LeSabre?

Based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, steering, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick LeSabre get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Buick LeSabre at about 21 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2003 Buick LeSabre worth?

Comparable 2003 Buick LeSabre listings run roughly $800–$4,400, typically around $2,490 (from 83 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.