How to decode a 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, providing crucial information about the vehicle, such as where it was built and by whom. The WMI forms the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique identifier for every vehicle. For instance, the 2003 Buick LeSabre, manufactured by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States, begins its VIN with the WMI “1G4”. This indicates that it is not only a passenger car but also confirms its origins in the United States, manufactured by General Motors. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI can offer vital details about its manufacturing history and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Buick LeSabre

WMI: 1G4

Model Years Covered: 1982-2005
Example VIN: 1G4HP52K034103003
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2003 Buick LeSabre:

Known VDS for a 2003 Buick LeSabre
HP52K	HR54K	HP54K

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Buick LeSabre Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
4	Orion	Michigan	United States	Na-Gm Corp	1G4HP52K034103003
U	Hamtramck	Michigan	United States	Na-Gm Corp	1G4HP52K03U105592

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Buick LeSabre

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Buick LeSabre’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2003 Buick LeSabre’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Buick LeSabre is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2003 Buick LeSabre. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. There should be a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
Inspect the engine block. The VIN might also be stamped onto the engine itself.
Look at the frame of the vehicle. The VIN can sometimes be found on the chassis under the hood or within the trunk area. 5. Review your Buick LeSabre’s vehicle registration documents, insurance card, or title/ownership documents which should list the vehicle’s VIN.
Consult the owner’s manual - it may identify additional locations where the VIN is affixed within the vehicle or how to locate it.

What info can a 2003 Buick LeSabre VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that the Buick LeSabre Custom is from the year 2003, offering insights into its age and potential market value.
Plant Information: Information from the VIN indicates that the vehicle was assembled in Orion, Michigan, United States, by NA-GM Corp, possibly reflecting its origin.
Vehicle Specifications: The Buick LeSabre Custom model is reported to have a V-Shaped engine configuration by GMPTG Flint, possibly indicating a 3.8L (3800.0 CC) engine with sequential fuel injection system, providing insights into the power source.
Safety Features: The VIN possibly signifies the presence of front and side airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, indicating a commitment to safety.
Engine Details: The VIN potentially indicates that the vehicle has a 6-cylinder engine with an overhead valve (OHV) design and the engine model L36, providing insights into the vehicle’s mechanical blueprint.
Body Class and Amenities: The VIN details suggest a Sedan/Saloon body class with 4 doors and windows, indicating common features for comfort and accessibility.
Unique Vehicle Identifiers: Specific elements like the vehicle descriptor and sample VIN (1G4HP54K034172495) may provide a unique identity to the vehicle, enabling detailed history checks and verifications.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Buick LeSabre

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	3800.0
Displacement (CI)	231.89022755998
Displacement (L)	3.8
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	GMPTG Flint
Engine Model	L36
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Model	LeSabre
Model Year	2003
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick
Plant City	Orion
Plant Company Name	NA-GM Corp
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Custom
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Valve Train Design	Overhead Valve (OHV)
Vehicle Descriptor	1G4HP54K*34
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G4HP54K034172495