FaultScore

FaultScore report

2003 Buick Lesabre problems

Owners have filed 209 complaints about the 2003 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA between 2003 and 2025. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 13 worst.

C

FaultScore 45/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Buick Lesabre.

How this is worked out

The numbers

209

Complaints

12

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

7

Injuries reported

49,996 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

35%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 31 vs 50 Severity 59 vs 50 Early failure 59 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Buick Lesabre. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 59
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2003 compares with every other Buick Lesabre

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2003 Buick Lesabre

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 57 27.3%

Median failure at 60,062 miles

Airbags 21 10.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 73,490 mi

Median failure at 48,946 miles

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 69,100 mi

Median failure at 26,450 miles

Brakes 15 7.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 62,000 mi

Tires 7 3.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,500 mi

Suspension 7 3.3%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 2.9%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,675 mi

Lights 5 2.4%

Median failure at 25,033 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 2.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 130,000 mi

Steering 5 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,000 mi

Seats 3 1.4%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.5%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.5%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 15 34.9%
Power Window Devices AND Controls 7 16.3%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 5 11.6%
Automatic Transmission 4 9.3%
Cooling System 3 7.0%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 3 7.0%
Headlights 3 7.0%
Frontal 3 7.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 6 4.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 16 10.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 15 10.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 38 25.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 27 18.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 25 16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 16 10.7%
150,000+ miles 7 4.7%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2003 Buick LeSabre 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2003 Buick LeSabre 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2003 Buick LeSabre 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2003 peak 8 May 2025

Recalls on the 2003 Buick Lesabre

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2002151 14,654 units in Canada

Airbag

Certain vehicles may have a driver's side airbag inflator that could fracture at a weld during a deployment. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the airbag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capacity of the bag to protect the driver. Correction: Dealers are to inspect and if necessary replace the driver side airbag module assembly.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Marion, VA Crash 1 injured

TIRES

215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11539531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Glendale, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that their trunk failed to remain in the open position when needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11450822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,776 miles Homosassa, FL Fire

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Stone Mountain, GA Fire

ENGINE

"DEFECTIVE GASKETS FIRE HAZARD" OIL DRIPPING FROM VALVE COVER CAUGHT FIRE BURNING PLUG WIRES AND 3800 V6 ENGINE SHROUD'. I HAD PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVE. I WENT INSIDE HOME FOR 2 MINUTES. I CAME BACK OUTSIDE TO RETRIEVE A SODA WHEN I DISCOVERED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER HOOD. WHEN I RELEASED HOOD LATCH AND RAISED HOOD FLAMES SHOT OUT DRIVING ME TO THE GROUND. I QUICKLY GOT A WASH BUCKET NEARBY AND WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE. I DON'T KNOW THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE. I FOUND OUT THAT OVER 1300 GM VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO BUICK AND WAS TOLD A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN 24 HOURS. 2 DAYS PASS NO CALL AND CAR SITS IN DRIVE. I'M LUCKY I CAUGHT IT AS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A HOUSE FIRE AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10824589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Springfield, PA Crash 2 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. AFTER CRASHING INTO A TREE STUMP, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE AND MOVE THE VEHICLE FORWARD WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, FOOT, CHEST, NECK, BACK AND KNEE INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MIDDLE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRAIN AND KNEE INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10660853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX Fire

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

La Valle, WI

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

La Valle, WI

STEERING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

La Valle, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vienna, VA

STEERING

On [XXX] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed [XXX] at 141443 miles. That part failed [XXX] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed and was replaced at [XXX] at 157999 miles with another NAPA remanufactured part. That part failed about July 2023 and has not been replaced . The repair garage that had been replacing this rack and pinion stated they will no longer replace it since the outcome would be the same. The problem in all instances is that the hydraulic fluid leaks out of the unit through the rack and pinion which in turn affects the steering. The leak starts slowly and eventually increases to the point where the fluid will leak from the unit even when the car is not in use. I reported the problem to NAPA in writing [XXX] and received a telephonic request for documentation [XXX] which was furnished along with a statement that this matter was being looked into. I am not interested in any monetary refund but am only concerned about the safety of parts sold as "remanufactured" . The automobile repair shop is aware of my concern and supports my complaint. Both the repair shop and myself have documentation. I believe that based upon the number of times this part has failed indicates a potential problem in at the remanufactured automobile parts industry for at least this particular part and possibly others. I am willing to furnish any information I have. Thank you -- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11579289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, VA Crash 1 injured

TIRES

215/70R15 98T Tire purchased 10 days prior blew-out , resulting in total loss of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11539531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Glendale, CA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that their trunk failed to remain in the open position when needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11450822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,776 miles Homosassa, FL Fire

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Harrison Township, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DASH PAD IS CURLING UP FROM THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.THERE IS A GAP OF SEVERAL INCHES. MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS IN MY RESEARCH. WILL NEED TO REPLACE DASH PAD

NHTSA complaint #11312273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Ware, MA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC NOTICED ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SPRING SUSPENSION WAS CORRODED THROUGH. IN ADDITION DUE TO THE CORROSION ON THE TOP OF THE SPRING, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE SUPPORT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB PION BUICK GMC DEALER, (333 MEMORIAL DR, CHICOPEE, MA 01020, (413) 598-8377) WHERE THEY NOTICED THE CORROSION BUT DID NOT RECOMMEND TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RUST UNDERNEATH WERE PRISTINE AND THE SPRING LEANING ON THE FRAME PUSHING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST ALL SUPPORT, THE SPRING WAS PRE-FLOATING AT THE TOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140.000.

NHTSA complaint #11299054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,000 miles Tacoma, WA

POWER TRAIN

WHEN THE VEHICLE GETS WARMER DURING TRANSIT, THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO SLIP. IT GETS WORSE AND THE DURATION OF THE SLIP BEGINS TO. LAST LONGER.

NHTSA complaint #11297290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Calverton, NY

POWER TRAIN

BUICK 2003 LESABRE TSB I NEED THE SERVICE BULITONS ON THE TRANSMISSION FOR SHUDDER ,HARSH SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING AND HEATED UP PROPERLY

NHTSA complaint #11218010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Calverton, NY

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION BUMPS SOME TIMES

NHTSA complaint #11217974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Sedalia, MO

AIR BAGS

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE DASH IS SEPARATING FROM THE FIREWALL OF THE MOTOR. THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE DASH

NHTSA complaint #11202723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Sedalia, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE DASH IS SEPARATING FROM THE FIREWALL OF THE MOTOR. THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE DASH

NHTSA complaint #11202723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Winter Park, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IN 2009 THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO LIFT UP UNDER THE WINDSHIELD. BY 2011 THE DASHBOARD HAD LIFTED UP ALMOST COMPLETELY ACROSS THE DASH ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD, BY ABOUT 2 INCHES. I HAD MY MECHANIC ATTEMPT TO SECURE IT BACK DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

NHTSA complaint #11187094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FIRST ELECTRICAL... MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING BAD RAIN RIGHT AFTER COMING OUT THE TUNNEL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC NO ACCIDENT I KNEW ROAD ENOUGH TO PULL OVER.. GOT FIXED REPLACED WIPER MOTOR 3 TIMES AND THE WIPER SWITCH WIPERS STILL GO WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON... THEN MY DASH KEEPS GETTING DIM AND MY ABS,TRACTION ,AND BRAKE LIGHTSARE ON AND I'VE HAD THAT FIXED STILL KEEPS STAYING LIT.... I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT WALMART EVERY 3000 MILES THERES FLUID LEAKING FROM VALVE COVER THAT I HAD REPLACED ...THINGS I REPLACED ON CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN INSPECTED.. MY DASH WAS LIFTED WHEN I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED ALSO SAID IT WAS FINE MVA MADE THEM REINSPECT CAR N ITS STILL LIFTED I ALSO KNOW IT WONT PASS INSPECTION LIFTED

NHTSA complaint #11124147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FIRST ELECTRICAL... MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING BAD RAIN RIGHT AFTER COMING OUT THE TUNNEL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC NO ACCIDENT I KNEW ROAD ENOUGH TO PULL OVER.. GOT FIXED REPLACED WIPER MOTOR 3 TIMES AND THE WIPER SWITCH WIPERS STILL GO WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON... THEN MY DASH KEEPS GETTING DIM AND MY ABS,TRACTION ,AND BRAKE LIGHTSARE ON AND I'VE HAD THAT FIXED STILL KEEPS STAYING LIT.... I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT WALMART EVERY 3000 MILES THERES FLUID LEAKING FROM VALVE COVER THAT I HAD REPLACED ...THINGS I REPLACED ON CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN INSPECTED.. MY DASH WAS LIFTED WHEN I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED ALSO SAID IT WAS FINE MVA MADE THEM REINSPECT CAR N ITS STILL LIFTED I ALSO KNOW IT WONT PASS INSPECTION LIFTED

NHTSA complaint #11124147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

FIRST ELECTRICAL... MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING BAD RAIN RIGHT AFTER COMING OUT THE TUNNEL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC NO ACCIDENT I KNEW ROAD ENOUGH TO PULL OVER.. GOT FIXED REPLACED WIPER MOTOR 3 TIMES AND THE WIPER SWITCH WIPERS STILL GO WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON... THEN MY DASH KEEPS GETTING DIM AND MY ABS,TRACTION ,AND BRAKE LIGHTSARE ON AND I'VE HAD THAT FIXED STILL KEEPS STAYING LIT.... I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT WALMART EVERY 3000 MILES THERES FLUID LEAKING FROM VALVE COVER THAT I HAD REPLACED ...THINGS I REPLACED ON CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN INSPECTED.. MY DASH WAS LIFTED WHEN I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED ALSO SAID IT WAS FINE MVA MADE THEM REINSPECT CAR N ITS STILL LIFTED I ALSO KNOW IT WONT PASS INSPECTION LIFTED

NHTSA complaint #11124147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Sullivan,, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC HE SAID THE FUSE BOX UNDERBACK SEAT IS SHORTING OUT

NHTSA complaint #11081308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rehoboth Beach, DE

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD INADVERTENTLY BECOME UNGLUED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT NO RECALL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH HE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11034336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Watertown, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 2 MILES FROM HOME TO A HOME DEPOT AND WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO ONE OF THE PARKING LANES. SUDDENLY THE CAR WENT INTO FULL SPEED AS IF I WAS FULL ON THE GAS PEDAL. I NEARLY HIT OTHER CARS TRYING TO GET CONTROL OF MY CAR. I TRIED SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN BACK ON, BUT THAT DID NO GOOD. MY CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 70,000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT AS I AM RETIRED. CAR IS CURRENTLY IN A GARAGE WAITING FOR REPAIRS.07242013

NHTSA complaint #11010558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union Grove, NC

STRUCTURE

LETTER FROM CONGRESSWOMAN FOXX ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2003 BUICK LESABRE DEFECT ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD SEPARATED AND RAISED ABOUT TWO INCHES.

NHTSA complaint #10914693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 184,000 miles Stone Mountain, GA Fire

ENGINE

"DEFECTIVE GASKETS FIRE HAZARD" OIL DRIPPING FROM VALVE COVER CAUGHT FIRE BURNING PLUG WIRES AND 3800 V6 ENGINE SHROUD'. I HAD PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY DRIVE. I WENT INSIDE HOME FOR 2 MINUTES. I CAME BACK OUTSIDE TO RETRIEVE A SODA WHEN I DISCOVERED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER HOOD. WHEN I RELEASED HOOD LATCH AND RAISED HOOD FLAMES SHOT OUT DRIVING ME TO THE GROUND. I QUICKLY GOT A WASH BUCKET NEARBY AND WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE. I DON'T KNOW THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE. I FOUND OUT THAT OVER 1300 GM VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO BUICK AND WAS TOLD A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN 24 HOURS. 2 DAYS PASS NO CALL AND CAR SITS IN DRIVE. I'M LUCKY I CAUGHT IT AS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A HOUSE FIRE AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10824589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Treasure Island, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD DETACHED, INCLUDING THE AIR BAG HOUSING AREA. THE LOOSENED DASHABOARD DISTORTED THE CONTACT'S VISION WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10808707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE DASHBOARD PANEL IS SEPARATING AT THE FRONT WHERE IT MEETS THE DEFROSTER COWLING. THE SEPARATION IS INCREASING ALONG THE FRONT OF THE DASH FROM DRIVER TO PASSENGER SIDE, AND IS STARTING TO CURL UP CONSIDERABLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE. IT IS UNKNOWN HOW MUCH FURTHER THE SEPARATION/CURLING WILL CONTINUE, AND IS BEGINNING TO AFFECT THE VISION OF THE DRIVER JUST ABOVE THE HOOD. I ADDITION, OTHER COMPONENTS UNDER THE DASHBOARD ARE BEGINNING TO BE EXPOSED TO SUNLIGHT. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SUGGESTS THAT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE, WITH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS, RANGING FROM OBSCURED DRIVER VISION, TO POTENTIAL OR POSSIBLE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DUE TO EXPOSED COMPONENTS. INVESTIGATION ALSO SUGGESTS THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM, NOR PROVIDING ADEQUATE SOLUTIONS FOR REPAIR DESPITE NUMEROUS CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS.

NHTSA complaint #10795073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.