general problems of the 2003 Buick Lesabre

Letter from congresswoman foxx on behalf of constituent re 2003 Buick Lesabre defect issues. The consumer stated the dashboard separated and raised about two inches.

The dash cover is separating ahead of the steering wheel. The dash is raising up starting to cause visibility issues. Very concerned that this may go across the dash into the airbag area and cause the airbags to deploy in normal driving conditions.

My 2003 buck Lesabre dash has buckled in front of the steering wheel and is slowly moving to the passenger side now. The buckle in front of the steering wheel is now so high that it is becoming a driving hazard. It is also pulling away in front of passenger side in front of passenger airbag. Started to read that alot of people are experiencing this same problem and the safety hazards involved so I thought I should file a complaint.

The dash pad has buckled between the steering wheel and windshield. Possible air bag problem.

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dash panel separated from the glove compartment where the air bag was housed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard had become fractured and the contact was concerned that the failure could cause the air bag not to deploy in the event of a crash. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure, nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 39,000 and the failure mileage was 35,000.

The dashboard has separated from the base at the windshield in front of the steering wheel and has popped up. It was about an inch long and up in December but has progressed to now half-way across the windshield and is sticking up about 4 inches. I have read others with this problem having a concern about it creating a problem with the air bags. The expense of repair has been quoted at about $1,200 parts and labor. That is too expensive. We are looking at other options. Possibly trade.

. . The dash pad on my 2003 Buick Lesabre is separating from the dash, so far is halfway across to passenger side. . . Afraid the passenger side airbag may deploy if it goes much further. . This is an expensive automobile, still runs good at 108m miles. . Understand this problem is prevalent throughout Buick Lesabres. . . Why is gm and Buick not acknowledging this problem as defect and recalling these vehicles. . As good as these cars are, I will never buy another gm or Buick automobile!!!!.

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. Please advise me of any pending action NHTSA may be considering to force gm to take responsibility for this defect, which has been has also been reported to you by several other Buick owners. I would like to know that you are serious about representing the public in vehicle defect matters.

The dash board is separating.

I have a 2003 Buick lasabre the dash board is seperating and raising up. It starts in front of steering wheel and goes half way to the passengers side of the car. It has came apart about two inches and is raised up about three inches ,and getting worse. The car is not left out side,so I dont think it is from the sun. If this seperation reaches on across the dash(and the way it is going,it will) the passenger air bag may deploy and cause serious injury to the person it hits, or cause me to have an accident. I have talked to many people that have had this same problem with this same model Buick, and that gm wont admit they have a design or workmanship problem and do the right thing and recall the cars for repair. Shame on you gm. I have owned gm cars since 1957 and they were great cars. Please own up to the fact that you have a problem and fix it .

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard separated from the windshield. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised her that the dashboard would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Dash pad is separating from the dash on passengers side near air bag deployment station.

2003 Buick Lesabre dash pad seperating from dash on drivers side and buckling.

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the instrumental panel pad was buckling up and peeling back from its housing. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who informed the contact that she would need to have the instrumental panel replaced. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. Updated 02/07/11 updated 02/11/11.

There is a continuously growing dashboard bubble (on top) on the driver side between the steering wheel and the windshield as a result of dashboard cover separation due to clip(s) failure - it has been spreading across the dash to the passenger side, and now there is concern about potential passenger airbag deployment issues.

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. . Read more...

The dash on Buick Lesabre model years 2000-2005 peels away starting at the windshield and sticks up and continues across . Concern when it gets to the right side the airbag might deploy. . Only solution is to replace dash. Have contacted Buick about this but they do not acknowledge a problem. Filed a formal complaint with NHTSA,was supposed to have received papers to fill out and return ,have not received them yet (4 weeks ago) spoke to Buick rep. 11-2-2010 and was told I would have to pay for repairs unless enough people filed a complaint to initiate a recall. Person sitting in passenger seat could be injured if the dash peeled away enough to accidentally deploy the dash started peeling up 16 months after purchase. (12-2-2002) 2003 Buick Lesabre custom. Has 38,000 miles on it.

Dash peeling . Started at the center and has spread about 50% across. Airbag light has flashed several times. Have contacted Buick several times about this. No results. Bought car 12-11-02. Started peeling in July 6 or August 6, 2003.

The consumer was unable to see the dashboard componets in the sunlight.