Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving, the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. This caused lost of braking power. The consumer placed both feet on the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop. Consequently the vehicle collided with another vehicle. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic advised the consumer that a representative would come down to determine the cause of the problem.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated indicating that the air system was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
I was hit head on. My vehicle a Buick Lesabre 2003 and the vehicle which hit me, a 2000 Chevrolet malibu was totaled. The airbag on my Buick Lesabre did not deploy, thus causing me physical injuries.
The upper dash pad is peeling from its backing, opening a 1" gap approximately a foot across, in front of the top of the steering wheel and directly behind the defroster grille housing. I have filed a complaint with GM, requesting financial assistance with repairs. GM created a case file (#71-969127956) and I was denied any assistance. I then requested to speak with the GM district rep, who also denied any assistance and would not acknowledge knowing of Buick having a problem with this component. The repair estimate I obtained is $1080.20. I first observed the problem when the vehicle had 47,000 miles. The passenger side air bag is enclosed in this pad and I am concerned that if the split in the dash extends far enough, it could cause the air bag to deploy. The vehicle now has 48,000 miles and aside from this problem, is in immaculate condition. …
Dashboard has warped and separated from under the windshield. According to experienced auto mechanic friends of mine, deployment of the air bag system will most likely be compromised. This is a serious safety issue affecting hundreds, if not thousands of these buicks! When are you going to do something about this? Check this website and you'll see how prolific a problem this is! Http://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-c5295_ds45613 not to mention the money lost because of the inability to sell these lemons. 2000-2005 Buick owners are in danger. And you've done nothing about it! If this was Toyota, you would have recalled every car they make and fined them another 50 million dollars. Stop the hypocrisy. Intelligent americans see through this selective punishment. Do your job!
Dashboard has warped and separated from under the windshield. According to experienced auto mechanics, deployment of the air bag system will most likely be compromised. It also affects visibility for the driver. This is a serious safety issue affecting hundreds, if not thousands of these buicks! When are you going to do something about this? Check this website and you'll see how prolific a problem this is! Http://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-c5295_ds45613 not to mention the money lost because of the inability to sell these cars. 2000-2005 Buick owners are in danger. And you've done nothing about it! Do your job!
2003 Buick le sabre. Dashboard is pulling away from the firewall. Electronic parts are exposed. As a result, airbag and other safety sensors and wiring is exposed. There have been reports of airbag deployment. The dash is pulling away toward the passenger side where the airbag is housed. There are many reports of issues on the internet. The dash has pulled away over 2" in the center. It is distracting while driving and if the air bag deploys, it will create an accident. At this point, I would be happy with a fix, it does not have to be a replacement.
Air bag light came on for no apparent reason. Air bag light was not covered in ge auto warranty services 4 star plus contract. I took the car to the dealer of which I purchased it from and found out it was diagnosed as a faulty crash sensor but not covered, cost was $95 for a 5 min diagnostic, error code reading taken off the control computer for the airbag. Safety feature failure is not covered by manufacturer, dealer or warranty. Have not at this time corrected failure, price for repair was $300 on top of $95 diagnostic.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the inflater device in the steering column needed to be replaced. She stated that in the event of a crash, the air bag would not deploy. She has had the part replaced, but Buick does not feel that this is a safety issue. The contact hears an occasional squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 17,000 and current mileage was 20,000.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Airbag complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2003 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Buick Lesabre, 13% of the model year's 164 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Lesabre airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-222 (frontal, Aug 9, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Buick Lesabre airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.