2001 Buick Lesabre

High concern

Owners filed 328 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Buick Lesabre years to avoid. Which Buick Lesabre years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
61,000 milesMedian miles at failure

201 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Buick Lesabre problems

86 of the 328 complaints (26%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls68
000
Structure · body and frame25
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission19
000
Engine17
0120
Electrical System16
010
Air Bags · airbags16
304
Unknown or Other13
020
Structure › Body · body and frame10
000
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000

2001 Buick Lesabre visibility problems

26% of all complaints

86 of the 328 complaints are about the visibility.

Share of the 86 visibility complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
57,330 mi
median of 58 reports
Peak year of filing
2007
23 visibility complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the visibility
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the window regulators failed to close or open the side windows in the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently. The dealer stated that the window regulators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 66,386.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 2, 2014 at 66,386 miles
“Another very common defect with multiple year buicks besides the window regulators that buick refuses to admit fault and refuses to do anything about them. This is about the dash covering pulling away from the windshield and likely cause air bag to discharge and soon will obstruct vision through the windshield. Both of these items are very costly to repair and gn/buick has offered nothing as far as I know to anyone.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 15, 2012 at 110,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 3 complaints, 1 about the visibility'002001: 23 complaints, 3 about the visibility2002: 24 complaints, 1 about the visibility'022003: 26 complaints, 0 about the visibility2004: 32 complaints, 5 about the visibility'042005: 19 complaints, 8 about the visibility2006: 18 complaints, 12 about the visibility'062007: 34 complaints, 23 about the visibility2008: 23 complaints, 17 about the visibility'082009: 8 complaints, 3 about the visibility2010: 17 complaints, 7 about the visibility'102011: 23 complaints, 4 about the visibility2012: 16 complaints, 1 about the visibility'122013: 10 complaints, 0 about the visibility2014: 18 complaints, 1 about the visibility'142015: 13 complaints, 0 about the visibility2016: 9 complaints, 0 about the visibility'162017: 5 complaints, 0 about the visibility2018: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'182019: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'202021: 3 complaints, 0 about the visibility2022: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'22NHTSA investigation EA02030
All complaintsAbout the visibilityRecall (red: the visibility)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2001 Lesabre peaked in 2007, with 34 filed that year. No recall on file covers the visibility, the subject of 26% of the complaints. In 2022 owners filed 1 so far.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2001 Lesabre.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEngineering analysis EA02030Closed
Opened Oct 22, 2002Closed Mar 9, 2004Led to recall 04V090000fuel system

Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the …

Technical service bulletins

386 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Lesabre. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 113engine 71electrical system 62transmission 22body and frame 18visibility 11wheels 10equipment adaptive/mobility 10
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

03019Service campaignJul 18, 2003engine

ENGINE COOLANT MAY LEAK AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD THROTTLE BODY GASKET, OR AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A LOW ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AND HIGHER ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURES. *TT THIS IS A PARTS BULLETIN AND REFERS TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM BULLETIN #03034. *TT

PIT5099GService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 26, 2023visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIP5540JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 15, 2022visibility

This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.

PIT5099FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 13, 2022visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099EService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 27, 2020visibility

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

030848006JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 11, 2014visibility

This informational bulletin provide information for the technicians to repair the rear window defroster contact or tabs.

3483Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 7, 2005visibility

POWER WINDOW INOPERATIVE, NOISY OR GLASS DROPS. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 11 bulletins about the visibility, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Feb 8, 2022MO

Turned the key in ignition just past click and heard a loud bang in engine under hood. I looked under the car and seen flames. Within 18 minutes the whole car was in totally on fire. The volunteer fire department came and put it out. We did a search on the internet and discovered we are not the only ones to experience this.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 22, 2021191,900 milesNY

The contact owned a 2001 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact stated that a black smoke began to emit from the engine as he was able to pull into an independent mechanic shop. The contact immediately exited the vehicle as flames began to emit from the vehicle's engine. Employees from the independent mechanic attempted to assist with the fire as the fire department was called to the scene. Police and fire arrived at the scene as the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and the contact was given a police report number(#C221CR384628). No injuries were reported and no medical assistance was needed. The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was eventually towed to an independent junk yard and destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,900.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 9, 2021120,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE SAW SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WAS UP IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND COULD EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTIFIED A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 19, 2021133,060 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HER HUSBAND TURNED THE IGNITION ON, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACTS HUSBAND NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WHEN HE LIFT THE HOOD, IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACTS HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FRACTURED AND THAT THE COVER HAD BLOWN OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,060.*DT*JB

EngineFire
Filed Apr 24, 2020131,348 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS, WHEN HIS FATHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO JUMP START THE BATTERY WHEN ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT AND HIS FATHER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED. A DEALER HAD NOT BEEN AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,348.

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Feb 22, 201970,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FIRE IGNITED WITHOUT WARNING UNDER THE HOOD AFTER THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE COVER FOR THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY AND FUEL SYSTEM HAD FLOWN OFF. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA02030 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURES AS THE RECALL AND NHTSA INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TT *TR

EngineFire
Filed Jan 7, 2018103,297 milesCA

THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. WHEN THE KEY WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED ON, A LARGE EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, SAW THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE SO PUT IT OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. REALLY HEAVY GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CAR TODAY (1 DAY LATER)

EngineFire
Filed Oct 25, 2017203,000 milesIL

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 3800 SERIES ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE. FAMILY MEMBER OWNED A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA WITH IDENTICAL ENGINE WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING HOME FOR WORK. GM SETTLED WITH THEM FOR A RECALL THAT WAS PLACED ON THE ENGINE. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS ENGINE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 2017190,000 milesMA

I BOUGHT A CAR ON JUNE 17TH I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR SO I TOLD THE WOMAN I BOUGHT IT FROM I WANTED IT INSPECTED BEFORE I MADE A DECISION TO BUY IT TO MAKE SURE IT WAS SAFE SHE BROUGHT IT TO HER INSPECTION STATION IN IT GOT IN INSPECTION STICKER STATING THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AS I DROVE IT HOME I NOTICED THAT IT WAS BOUNCING UP AND DOWN IN THAT THE FRONT-END AND BACK-END WOULD HIT THE GROUND I HAD A FRIEND LOOK AT IT THAT KNOWS ABOUT CARS AND TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT AND BACK STRUTS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND IT ALSO HAD FOR BALD TIRES AND THERE IS OIL SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE ENGINE I CONTACTED THE WOMAN I BOUGHT IT FROM AND SHE WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS AND WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH GIVING ME MY MONEY BACK I ALSO WENT BACK TO THE INSPECTION STATION AND ASKED HOW THE HECK DID THIS CAR GET IN INSPECTION STICKER I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE I NEED ADVICE AND WHERE I SHOULD GO FROM HERE

EngineFire
Filed Mar 26, 2017145,000 milesPA

I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR TO GO TO WORK AND I HEARD A BACKFIRE, MY HUSBAND CAME OUT WONDERING WHAT THAT BANG WAS. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD. HE POPPED THE HOOD TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND FLAMES CAME SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE CLOSED THE HOOD TO SMOTHER THE FIRE, WE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT' TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. NOW WE ARE WITHOUT A CAR. NOW WHAT!!!! THIS CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND GREAT WORKING ORDER BEFORE THIS HAPPENED.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 9, 2017KS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE IT MADE A POPPING SOUND AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. MOMENTARILY THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ UPDATED 08/11/2017*JS

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 201770,000 milesCT

REAR WINDOW FALLS DOWN. KNOWN PROBLEM IN BUCKS. VERY COSTLY TEMPORARY FIX AS WINDOW WILL NOT STAY UP FOR LONG AND WILL FALL DOWN AGAIN. MY DAUGHTER HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME FROM SCHOOL IN 10 DEGREE WEATHER AFTER THE WINDOW FELL DOWN. BUICK AND GOVERNMENT PROTECTION AGENCY SHOULD BE ASHAMED.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2016206,889 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,889.

EngineFire
Filed Nov 4, 2016144,000 milesPA

THERE WAS AN OIL SMELL WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DEFROST STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE AND IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THIS LEAK WAS FIXED. I LEFT THE CAR AT HIS SHOP WHILE THE PARTS WERE ORDERED. I LEARNED OF THE GM RECALL OF THE 3800 SERIES ENGINE (OIL SEEPING THROUGH VALVE COVER GASKETS AND CAUSING ENGINE FIRES) AND ASKED MY MECHANIC IF THIS WAS THE SAME OIL LEAKING PROBLEM AND WHY WASN'T THE MODEL, THE 2001 BUICK LESABRE, PUT ON THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE IT HAS THE 3800 SERIES ENGINE IN IT. HE DID NOT KNOW, SO I CALLED GM AND ASK WHY THIS MODEL WASN'T LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE GM SUPPORT STAFF SEARCHED MY VIN NUMBER AND SAID THAT THIS MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I DECIDED TO CONTINUE WITH THE REPAIR OF THE OIL LEAK, AND MY MECHANIC ORDERED NEW VALVE COVER AND GASKET PARTS. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE RECALL AND THERE WOULD BE A WAITING PERIOD. AFTER A FEW WEEKS MY MECHANIC CALLED AND SAID THAT THE PARTS WERE IN AND THAT HE WOULD START THE WORK THE NEXT DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY MECHANIC THAT AS THEY STARTED THE CAR TO MOVE IT FROM PARKING LOT INTO THE WORK BAY THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEY LIFTED THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE SO THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH FIRE SUPPRESSION IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFIED ME. I CALLED THE GM SUPPORT STAF

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 8, 2016167,000 milesAZ

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. SEVERE HESITATION AND LOSS OF POWER. I HAVE REPLACED THE 3 IGNITION COILS, THE IGNITION MODULE, NEW SPARK PLUGS, AND A WIRE SET. I HAVE BEEN READING ALOT ABOUT FIRES ON THIS SITE. YESTERDAY 7/7/16 WHEN I CAME HOME THERE WAS A LOUD WEERING SOUND, AND ONCE I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE THEIR WAS A LOUD PIERCING WHISTLE AS IF BUILT UP PRESSURE WAS BEING RELIEVED UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. TODAY AGAIN A LACK OF POWER, FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, AND NO POWER. I AFRAID THE ENGINE MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE AS IN OTHER POSTINGS ON THIS SITE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 15, 2016FL

REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND SENDER BECAUSE OF ERRATIC LEVELS 6 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM ARROSE

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 15, 2016FL

DASH PEELING UP AT WINDSHIELD ON DRIVERS SIDE ABOUT HALF WAY TO PASSENGERS SIDE

EngineFire
Filed Feb 18, 2016250,000 milesGA

OUR BUICK HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE, BUT WENT TO MOVE IT ONE MORNING. WITH A COLD ENGINE, AS SOON AS WE HIT THE STARTER, THE ENGINE EXPLODED VERY LOUDLY AND STARTED BURNING. AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE INTAKE MANIFOLD, ALONG WITH THE FUEL LINES HAD EXPLODED IN MANY PIECES. FROM INTERNET RESEARCH, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR HAD A RECALL FOR VEHICLE YEARS '98-'00, WHICH THESE MODELS HAD THE SAME CONDITION. HAD I HAD THE HOOD OPEN AT THE TIME, I'D PROBABLY BEEN HURT BY FLYING CHUNKS FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED BODILY HARM, EVEN FROM FIRE TO THE PASSENGERS INSIDE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 2, 201693,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/14/16.*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 29, 2016167,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS LIFTING INDEPENDENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLINER WAS TEARING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jan 24, 20169,999,999 milesOK

MY DAUGHTER, SON-IN-LAW, AND GRANDSON STOPPED AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE FOR JUST A FEW MIN. THEN THEY WERE GOING TO DRIVE ON TO MY HOUSE. WE ALL LIVE WITHIN 5 MILES OF EACH OTHER. THEY WERE ALL INSIDE MY MOM'S HOUSE WHEN THEY HEARD AND EXPLOSION. AFTER LOOKING OUTSIDE, THEY SEEN THE CAR ON FIRE. THEY ARE LUCKY TO BE HERE. ITS A MIRACLE. YOUR COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO COMPENSATE THEM FOR MALFUNCTIONING PARTS.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 12, 2015102,000 milesNH

CAR HAS TWICE SHUTOFF DURING DRIVING. LAST TIME IN MIDDLE OF TURN, SON RAN OFF ROAD BECAUSE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY GM RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL. DEALER HAS NO IDEA HOW TO REPAIR EXCEPT TO 'TRY' THINGS. PROBLEM IS, IF GUESS IS WRONG AND PROBLEM PERSISTS, SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAPPEN.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 201570,000 milesTX

THE DASH PAD IS PEELING AND WARPING AND I FOUND A SITE THAT TOLD ME TO REPORT IT HERE AS A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH SEVERAL YEARS OF THE LESABRE.

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2015137,463 milesVA

THE GAS HAND SAID IT WAS FULL, WHEN I DROVE OFF THE PARKING LOT.. I DIDN'T GET OFF THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS. CARS BLOWING HORNS.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 21, 2015100,000 milesCA

SEVERAL TIMES BEGINNING IN APPROXIMATELY MARCH 2015, MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL WHILE AT SIGNAL. ONE TIME THE CAR QUIT WHILE DRIVING. THE IGNITION DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, SOMETIMES IT WILL TURN THE CAR OVER TO START, OTHER TIMES IT WILL NOT. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. I PURCHASED MY BUICK AT A LIEN SALE. I AM WORRIED THE CAR MAY HAVE THE PROBLEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL. I HAD TWO MECHANICS CHECK THE BATTERY (REPLACED) ALTERNATOR (TESTED GOOD) AND THEY CHECKED FUEL INJECTION AND AIR INTAKE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. I WOULD SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT IF A GENERAL MOTORS DEALER COULD PLEASE CHECK MY CAR. *TR

Engine
Filed May 24, 201572,000 milesWI

ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF UPON EXELLERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 - 55MPH. AND BECAME MORE FREQUENT OVER TIME AT LOWER SPEEDS. WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE AFTER SITTING A COUPLE OF MINUTES FROM THE START OF THE PROBLEM. BUT OVER TIME, IT BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND HARDER TO RESTART WITH EACH INCIDENT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO 1-DEALER AND 2-SHOPS FOR DIAGNOSTIC BUT, THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. I PARKED THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. WENT OUT TO START IT ONE MORNING AND IT BACK FIRED WITH LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ALWAYS STAYED ON MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND THE CAR RUNS LIKE A CHAMP! WHEN ITS RUNNING.

Air Bags
Filed May 20, 2015FL

THE DASH BOARD IS MELTING AWAY AN IT HAS LIFTED UP THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAD AN I THINK THATS A SAFEY HAZARD CAUSE IF I WAS TO GET INTO A FINDER BENDER OR A BAD CAR WRECK THE PASSENGER AIR WILL NOT COME OUT. AN I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON OTHER MAKE AN MODELS JUST LIKE MINES

Air Bags
Filed May 13, 201570,000 milesFL

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW MOTORS, THE DASH IS COMING APART AND IS RAISED BLOCKING SOME VISIBILITY AND POTENTIALLY AFFECTING THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN AN ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT BRAKING VIBRATION / PULSATION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON ALL FIVE OF MY BUICK LESABRES

Structure
Filed Apr 14, 2015AL

THE DASH BOARD PEELED UP. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS IN THE AREA WHERE PARTS ARE LOOSE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM IN THE BUICK LASABRE. I AM VERY CONCERNED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CANNOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED WITH THE DASH SITUATION. THE DATE HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER IS NOW DECEASED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 201565,000 milesSC

ALL 4 WINDOWS HAVE FAILED. ONE OF THEM TWICE! MY DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING EXACTLY THE SAME WAY MANY OTHERS HAVE DESCRIBED THEIRS. I INITIALLY HAD MAJOR BATTERY ISSUES (BATTERY IS LOCATED UNDER BACK SEAT ON DRIVER'S SIDE - HOW WEIRD IS THAT?). I WOULD DRIVE MY CAR TO THE STORE, COME OUT, AND IT WOULD NOT START. ONE TIME, I OPENED THE TRUNK TO GET MY JUMPER CABLES AND WHEN I SLAMMED THE TRUNK LID, THE RADIO CAME ON! THEN, OF COURSE, THE CAR STARTED JUST FINE. AFTER OWNING THIS POSSESSED CAR WITH MAJOR RELIABILITY ISSUES FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, WE FOUND AN ELECTRICAL MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED A LOSE WIRE IN THE MANUFACTURERS ELECTRICAL WORK WHICH WAS SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY. MY GAS GAUGE HASN'T WORKED IN YEARS. I AM ALWAYS AT 3/4 TO A FULL TANK. THIS IS OTHERWISE A GREAT CAR, BUT I AM SERIOUSLY DISAPPOINTED THAT BUICK WILL NOT STAND BEHIND SOME OF THESE REPEAT PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY THE ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR THE WINDOWS AND THAT HORRIBLE PLASTIC PART THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK. SOMEBODY FROM BUICK SHOULD READ THESE COMPLAINTS AND DO SOMETHING. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Mar 6, 2015140,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON, A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Mar 6, 2015147,000 milesVA

I TRY TO START THE CAR AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND THEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN THEN I HEARD A BIG LOUD SOUND FROM THE ENGINE A BOOB SOUND. I NOTICE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE HOOD. MY BROTHER WAS OUTSIDE WHEN THE LOUD SOUND WENT OFF. MY BROTHER AND I MOVE THE OTHER VEHICLES OUT OF THE WAY SO IT WOULDN'T CATCH ON FIRE. WENT BACK OVER TO THE CAR MY BROTHER TRIED TO PURSUE WITH THE MATTER AND HE NOTICE HE WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE ENGINE IT WAS TO MUCH FOR HIM TO HANDLE SO HE TOLD ME TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND DID THAT. ENGINE WAS ON FIRE SPREADING LARGER SURROUNDING THE TIRES ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. THE POLICE CAME AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVE A COUPLES MINUTES AFTER THAT. THEY SPREAD IT DOWN WITH FIRE HOSES AND THAT WAS IT. IT NOT FIXABLE AND IT SCARED VERY BAD THIS IS REALLY BAD SO THAT'S WHY I'M WRITING THIS TO SOLVE THIS MATTER . *TR

Structure
Filed Feb 26, 2015FL

2001 BUICK LASABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DASH BOARD SEPARATION PROBLEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASHBOARD CAME APART ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND CURLED UP ABOUT FOUR INCHES. THE DASHBOARD SEPARATION HAS SINCE MOVED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE FRONT AIR BAG. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jan 15, 2015200,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND FIRE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 6, 201475,000 milesFL

FRONT / TOP OF DASHBOARD SEPARATING AND DELAMINATING FROM THE INTERIOR CABIN OF VEHICLE AND EXPENDING TO A POINT WERE THE ONE PIECE EXPOSING OPEN VOID SPACE AND SETTING OFF SENSORS ON AIR BAGS BY PINCHING AND SENDING A MESSAGE THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SEEN NO OF SAME MODEL BUICKS WITH SIMILAR DEFECTS AND PROBLEMS FROM 2000 TO 2004 AND NEWER MODELS ON THE ROAD. WHEN REQUESTED FOR EVALUATION FROM TWO BUICK / GM DEALERS THEY HAD NO SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE OR OFFER A SOLUTION TO THE SAFETY ISSUE. REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION TO GM FOR SOLUTION AND NOTICE TO THE OWNERS OF SIMILAR CARS TO REPORT SAME OR SIM. PROBLEMS. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Nov 19, 2014240,000 milesMI

ENGINE OF MY 2001 BUICK LE SABRE, V6, 3800 ENGINE, CAUGHT FIRE AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AND SHORT DRIVE HOME. AUTHORIZED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS ENGINE OIL LEAKED OUT OF GASKET AND ON TOP OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD, TRIGGERING A FIRE THAT QUICKLY MELTED THE PLASTIC WIRE HARNESS COVER AND STARTED BURNING THROUGH THE WIRES. I CAUGHT THE FIRE EARLY AS IT WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT FIRE WAS SPREADING QUICKLY. I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIRS. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 10, 2014154,000 milesDC

ALL POWER WINDOWS HAVE FAILED.

Steering
Filed Sep 30, 2014MI

2001 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE TIRES . *TGW ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT WERE REPLACED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE SEPARATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/08/15*JB UPDATED 04/19/16*LJ THE CONSUMER ONLY PROVIDED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE, TBC CORP. HOWEVER, DID NOT PROVIDE THE TIRE LINE/BRAND OF TIRE. UPDATED 05/04/16. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 201463,000 milesPA

WHEN I TRY TO START SOME TIMES IT WONT START I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE KEY FOR 10 MIN I DON'T GET ANY POWER AT ALL I CAN HERE THE FUEL PUMP TURN ON AND NOTHING HAPPENS THEN STARTS I PLAY WITH IT STARTS RIGHT UP THEN THE OTHER THING I NOTICE IS WHEN IT RAINS IT MAKES AN AWFUL SQUEALING NOISE. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 16, 2014NC

ONE DAY I NOTICED A SMALL SEPARATION OF THE DASH BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. OVER TIME THE SEPARATION GREW AND GREW UNTIL ITS UP SEVERAL INCHES RIGHT IN MY SIGHT LINE AND HAS SPREAD ALMOST THE LENGTH OF THE DASH TO PASSENGER SIDE CREATING A HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF THE AIRBAG BEING EXPOSED. THERE IS A CHAT FORUM WITH MANY MANY BUICK LESABRE OWNERS WITH SAME CONDITION AND WE CAN NOT GET ANY HELP/RESPONSE FROM GM OTHER THAT REPLACING THE DASH AND A HIGH COST. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2014123,092 milesCA

CAR WENT INTO CRUISE CONTROL ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT DIS-ENGAGE. FOUND OUT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CLIP BROKE. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 1, 201488,592 milesNY

FUEL GAUGE BECAME ERRATIC AND NO LONGER REFLECTED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK NOTE: I HAVE TWO 2001 BUICK LESABRES. MY OTHER ONE (VIN [XXX]) DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM AROUND DECEMBER 2012 - MILEAGE: 64,447. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 16, 2014109,243 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,243. UPDATED 10/8/14*CN UPDATED 05/18/2015 *JS

Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2014140,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Jul 2, 201467,055 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT IMMEDIATELY BECAME ABNORMALLY HOT WHEN THE SEAT WARMER WAS ACTIVATED. THE TEMPERATURE BEGAN TO DECREASE AND THEN THE SEAT WARMER SHUT OFF; HOWEVER, THE HEAT SEAT INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE HEAT REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DRIVER SIDE HEAT REGULATOR WAS REPAIRED ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,055.

Structure
Filed Jul 2, 201424,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DETACHED FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD WAS EXPOSED AND THE DIRECTIONAL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES WERE SHIFTED TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD AND MOUNTING BRACKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 2, 201466,386 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED TO CLOSE OR OPEN THE SIDE WINDOWS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,386.

Power Train
Filed Jun 10, 2014200,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS DISCOVERED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THERE WAS A TEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE CAUSED BY THE LINE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE INNER FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 201475,000 milesVA

DASHBOARD TOP IS SEPARATING AND BUCKLING IN AREA BETWEEN STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. IT STARTED SLOWLY WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE WITH TIME. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. I'M WORRIED THAT AS THE DASHBOARD SEPARATION GETS WORSE, IT WILL AFFECT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND/OR VEHICLE ELECTRONICS IN THE DASHBOARD AREA LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 201475,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOP PORTION OF THE DASHBOARD PAD DETACHED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. ..UPDATED 08/11/14 *BF UPDATED 08/19/2014 *JS

Complaints 1-50 of 328, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20063000Routine
200577030Routine
2004162050Routine
2003164140Routine
20023102120Above average
2001 — this page3280220High concern
20006695300High concern
19992092202Fatalities reported
19984001430High concern
19973942311Fatalities reported
199698200Routine
1995178130Routine
1994158060Routine
19931941210High concern
19921892230High concern
199130130Routine
199046100Routine

Compare every Lesabre year →

2001 Buick Lesabre: questions buyers ask

Is the 2001 Buick Lesabre a good car?

It is not among the Lesabre years to avoid. Owners filed 328 complaints, against about 184 for a typical Lesabre year. The most common complaint is about the visibility (26%).

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Buick Lesabre?

The visibility: 86 of the 328 complaints (26%) are about it. The typical report comes at 57,330 miles.

At what mileage do 2001 Buick Lesabre problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 61,000 miles. For the visibility the midpoint is 57,330 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Buick Lesabre?

Yes, once. EA02030 ("ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES") was opened Oct 22, 2002 and closed Mar 9, 2004.

Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Buick Lesabre?

The manufacturer filed 386 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (71), the electrical system (62) and the transmission (22). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.