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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Buick > LESABRE

2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used BUICK.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 4 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 5 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   A
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville were redesigned for the 2000 model year, and the Oldsmobile Aurora was redesigned for 2001. All 2000 and later Buick LeSabre models manufactured after April 1999 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. All Bonneville and Aurora models include these same improvements (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a LeSabre with the structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.</p> <p>The Oldsmobile Aurora was dropped after the 2003 model year, and the Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville were dropped after the 2005 model year. The LeSabre was replaced by the Buick Lucerne.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the shoulder belt housing. Measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Head acceleration from the shoulder belt housing hit was low. 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom 4-door 3558 front seat-mounted torso airbags 112 200 74 3.8 L V6 19 30

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 55 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 62 Substantially better than average
Theft Index 11 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 08-09-2002
Units potentially affected: 133,221
NHTSA campaign number: 02V222000
Defective part or component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSENGER RESTRAINTS:AIR BAG:FRONTAL
Description: 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. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver. 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 contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.


This 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3 of 5
  Performance Rating 3.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3 of 5
  Style Rating 2.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid, the 2-3 Shift Solenoid and the Transmission Valve Body. A sticking valve in the Transmission Valve Body or a faulty solenoid can cause erratic shifting or the Check Engine Light to come on. The Transmission Valve Body can become dirty and plugged. The cost to replace the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid is estimated at $40.09 for parts and $312.00 for labor or $ 331.50 for labor on vehicles with California emissions. The cost to remove and clean the Transmission Valve Body and replace the 2-3 Shift Solenoid is estimated to be $27.80 for parts and $487.50 for labor or $507.00 for labor on vehicles with California emissions. All prices are estimated based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 BUICK LESABRE reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    LeSabre Custom 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $14,247
Financing $3,296
Insurance $5,810
State Fees $457
Fuel $3,953
Maintenance $2,172
Repairs $832
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $30,767

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Basic warranty includes surface corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years 36,000 miles.  

This 2003 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Celebration now, c'mon!
By John Rettie, NewCarTestDrive.com

Buick prides itself as a maker of premium American cars. For not much more than the price of a mid-size car, the LeSabre delivers room for five or six and many luxury conveniences. Its ride is as comfortable as you'd expect and the friendly interior make being in the Buick LeSabre a pleasant experience.

Overview:

The Buick LeSabre is America's best-selling full-size car in and has been for the past 10 years. For 2003, Buick is celebrating this market dominance with a special edition of the LeSabre called (what else?) the Celebration Edition. Distinguished by body-colored trim and a two-tone leather interior, the Celebration Edition comes loaded with luxury and safety features.

But for car buyers with traditional tastes, any LeSabre is cause for celebration. LeSabre offers a big, roomy interior, a comfortable ride, a big trunk, and it's packed with safety features. In short, the LeSabre brings all the traditional Buick virtues into a new era of fuel-conscious practicality.

XM Satellite Radio is now available for Limited and Celebration Edition LeSabres. New 16-inch aluminum wheels are available with the Gran Touring package and all LeSabres are available in new metallic colors. Other changes for 2003 are minimal.

Read the complete 2003 Buick LeSabre review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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