2002 Buick Lesabre

Above average

Owners filed 310 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 2 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

218 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Buick Lesabre problems

108 of the 310 complaints (35%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls81
000
Structure · body and frame25
000
Air Bags · airbags21
502
Visibility16
000
Engine10
060
Unknown or Other9
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission7
000
Electrical System7
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
000

2002 Buick Lesabre visibility problems

35% of all complaints

108 of the 310 complaints are about the visibility.

Share of the 108 visibility complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
53,000 mi
median of 81 reports
Peak year of filing
2006
22 visibility complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the visibility
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. While driving approximately 40 MPH with the heating system activated, cold air emitted from the vents of the vehicle. In addition, there was an unknown substance leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 14, 2015 at 68,000 miles
“Window motors on all windows in the vehicle have been replaced multiple times. If a crash had occurred I would be unable to open window to escape if unable to open door. Talked to buick and they refuse to acknowledge the problems with the window motors, I have been in contact with other buick lesabre owners (at least 100) and they have had the same issues with the window motors failing and needing replacement …”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 28, 2014 at 4,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'012002: 13 complaints, 2 about the visibility2003: 37 complaints, 3 about the visibility2004: 12 complaints, 2 about the visibility2005: 13 complaints, 3 about the visibility'052006: 36 complaints, 22 about the visibility2007: 28 complaints, 20 about the visibility2008: 30 complaints, 22 about the visibility2009: 17 complaints, 14 about the visibility'092010: 25 complaints, 14 about the visibility2011: 17 complaints, 3 about the visibility2012: 19 complaints, 1 about the visibility2013: 6 complaints, 0 about the visibility'132014: 13 complaints, 1 about the visibility2015: 16 complaints, 1 about the visibility2016: 10 complaints, 0 about the visibility2017: 4 complaints, 0 about the visibility'172018: 5 complaints, 0 about the visibility2019: 3 complaints, 0 about the visibility2020: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2024: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibilityRecall 02V067000 (steering)Recall 02V222000 (airbags)
All complaintsAbout the visibilityRecall (red: the visibility)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Lesabre peaked in 2003, with 37 filed that year. No recall on file covers the visibility, the subject of 35% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)02V067000
Filed Mar 6, 2002249 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.

Risk. IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 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 OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

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 2002 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

412 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Lesabre. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 141electrical system 70engine 65body and frame 19transmission 14equipment adaptive/mobility 14fuel system 12wheels 11
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 10 bulletins about the visibility, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Aug 19, 2026OH

On May 2, 2026, I received a letter by mail from Kumho Tires regarding a set of tires that I purchased, in December 2023; DOT # 2222 and 2223, size, 225/60 R16 98T. In their letter they state that tires with DOT #'s ranging from 0421-0523 were recalled. They go on to state the following: tires ranging with DOT #'s 0421-0523 were "non compliant" and "it is possible that an affected tire could fail in a manner that may lead to a loss of control that could increase the risk of a crash without warning". They then concluded by stating I was entitled to a full refund given that I responded to their letter in 180 days, which I did. However, despite various attempts to contact Kumho tires, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a refund from them or Tire Choice, which is the company I received the tires from, directly.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 15, 2021200,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THE ENGINE VALVE COVER WAS FAULTY AND OIL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE LOCAL DEALER WALLINGFORD BUICK LOCATED AT 1122 OLD NORTH COLONY RD, WALLINGFORD, CT 06492 AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 27, 2020100,000 milesIL

THE FRAME OF MY CAR FELL OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH WAY AFTER I HAD ALREADY REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND HAD BEEN DENIED SERVICES TO GET IT FIXED.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 20, 2020200,000 milesMD

WHEN I WAS GETTING READY TO STOP, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND WAS MOVING MY FOOT OVER TO THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY SPEED UP; I HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKE EXTRA HARD TO STOP IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME MORE THAN ONCE. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. I HAD ONE PARKING LOT ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed May 15, 2019NY

CPSC: THE HEATED SEAT IN MY VEHICLE HAS BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 26, 2019230,000 milesIA

IN A SMALL TOWN, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT THE HIGHWAY CROSSROAD WITH 2-3 VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND STARTED BRAKING. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED, I MOVED MY FOOT TO TRY TO RAISE THE ACCELERATOR AND IT WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; IT WOULD NOT RAISE. I IMMEDIATELY PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND AS PULLING AS CLOSE TO CURB AS POSSIBLE, I SHUT THE IGNITION OFF, THEN PLACED IN PARK. IT HAD TO BE TOWED BACK HOME UNTIL WE CAN DEAL WITH IT. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO ACT QUICKLY ENOUGH TO PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON.

SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Jan 11, 2019210,000 milesNY

THE HEATED SEATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS BURNING A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Dec 6, 2018MS

WAS DRIVING AND AS I PULLED TO REDLIGHT VEHICLE SMELLED OF GAS BUT BURST INTO FLAMES FROM THE MOTOR

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 24, 201855,000 milesKY

WINDOW MOTOR HAS GONE OUT NUMEROUS TIMES ON FRONT 2 WINDOWS AND HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED.LAST TIME DRIVERS SIDE WAS REPAIRED WAS 4-17-2014.THAT WAS 3RD REPAIR .HAS SINCE BROKEN AGAIN BUT I DID NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN. BACK DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL OPEN WHILE ON INTERSTATE 2 YEARS AGO. MY CAR IS GARAGE KEPT WITH AROUND 60,000 MILES.THESE ISSUES STARTED WITHIN 3 OR 4 YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED IT NEW. THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE I TAKE MY CAR SAYS THEY HAVE SEEN MANY LESABRES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.GM DOESN'T SEEM TO FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM.I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAVE WRITTEN AND CALLED THEM SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT MY CONCERNS.JUST WISH THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR POOR ENGINEERING.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 11, 2018900,000 milesSD

DROVE CAR 0.2 MILES PARKED CAR WENT INTO WALMART CAR WAS SEEN SMOKING IN PARKING LOT ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE FIRE DEPT CAME TALKED TO AUTO SHOP THEY SAID IT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS YEAR OF VEHICLE MANY TIMES DUE TO A MANUFACTURER ISSUE

Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 9, 2018200,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND A RIGHT KNEE INJURY, WHICH POPPED OUT OF PLACE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEAT BELT, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ULTIMATE TOWING AND RECOVERY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jan 19, 2018116,098 milesWY

ON STARTUP THE INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED BREAKING THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE AND CATCHING THE ENGINE ON FIRE

Steering
Filed Jul 9, 2017CO

12-1-10 86587M, BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. 1-21-15 119486M, RIGHT FRONT OUTER TIE ROD REPLACED.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 14, 2017WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, FRACTURED EYE SOCKETS, AND HEAD INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2017165,000 milesOH

GOT. INTO A. ACCIDENT ON 6 /9/2017 I WAS TRAVELING 35 TO37 MLS. PER HOUR A DARK BLUE VAN TRIED TO GO BEFORE ME COMING THE OPPOSITE WAY COMING TOWARDS ME SHE TURN IN FOUNT OF ME I HIT HER ON PASSAGE SIDE OF VAN IT WAS A MAJOR ACCIDENT NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. WE WERE ON PERKINS ST OF AKRON OHIO. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2017175,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2016118,000 milesOK

SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - WARMING UP AT IDLE - IN 4 DEGREE F OUTSIDE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE - HAVING BEEN IN HIGH WIND CONTAINING SANDY DIRT PARTICLES OVERNIGHT - VEHICLE UNOCCUPIED - STATIONARY IN RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 2016144,000 milesOK

CAR PARKED IN HOME DRIVEWAY UNOCCUPIED, SITTING STILL, RUNNING TO WARM UP IN VERY COLD AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE (5 DEGREES F. SIDE AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED DAMAGING THE SEATS AND INTERIOR TRIM.

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2016108,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL AND COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 01/23/2017*CT *CN

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 4, 2016115,000 milesFL

DRIVING VEHICLE ON ROAD IN SUBDIVISION WHEN GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL STRIKING A GARAGE DOOR AND WALL WITH GREAT IMPACT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES. CAR WAS TOTALED. NO ELSE IN CAR. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 3, 2016125,000 milesVA

MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE BUICK WAS TOTALED BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HE WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND AN SUV MADE A SHORT LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF HIM AND HER DRIVERS SIDE COLLIDED WITH HIS ENTIRE FRONT END.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 23, 201672,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE PANEL TO RAISE AND OBSCURE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ *TR

Tires
Filed Sep 3, 2016190,746 milesFL

TWO KUMHO TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN AUGUST 2015 AT 178,000 MILES. IN AUGUST OF 2016 AT 190,000 MILES VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. RETURNED TO TIRE DEALER AND WAS TOLD ONE OF THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING AND NEEDED REPLACED. TIRES HAVE 12,000 MILES ON THEM. NO REASON TO BELIEVE THE OTHER ONE WILL NOT DO THE SAME THING. MADE IN CHINA.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 201699,000 milesIL

MY 'AIR-BAG' LIGHT, FOR THE PAST YEAR, STAYS ON CONSTANTLY. READING OTHER MESSAGES ON LINE, OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THIS?

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 1, 2016178,000 milesDC

I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE'S OIL LEAKING THEN BURNING/SMOKING OFF MY CAR. THIS ISSUE IS ON MY ENGINE'S MANIFOLD & HASN'T BEEN RECALLED EVEN THOUGH THE SAME ENGINE IS RECALLED ON OTHER GM MODELS. THE ENGINE ON MY LESABRE IS THE SAME 3.8 LITER V6 3800 ENGINE THAT WAS RECALLED TWICE BY GM IN THE PAST 6 YEARS. MY ENGINE HAD MINIMAL FIRE IN THE INCIDENTS I EXPERIENCED BUT QUITE A BIT OF SMOKE FROM THE AREA THE OIL LEAKS. ONCE I KILL THE ENGINE THE SMOKE STOPS. GM WANTS TO CHARGE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK & WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE ON THE VERY SAME ENGINE, VIEWING IT AS JUST A VEHICLE NOT RECALLED EVEN IF IT HAS THE SAME FAULTY PART. IT CAUSED MY CAR'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO FAIL AS IT BURNED THROUGH. A FIX IS COSTLY, SO I WENT TO MY OWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO SAVE MYSELF MONEY SINCE GM DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE CARE OF ISSUES THAT THEY RECALLED. BELOW ARE THE 2 RECALLS THAT SHOULD APPLY TO MY CAR & ALSO THE PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AS WELL SINCE THEY ARE BOTH BUILT ON THE SAME CHASSIS, PREMISE, & ENGINE AS THE OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE. BOTH LESABRES & BONNEVILLES HAVE THE 3.8 V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 3800 ENGINE THAT RUNS IN THE RECALLED INTRIGUE. ENGINE OIL DRIPPING ON MANIFOLD MAY CAUSE FIRE NTHSA RECALL NUMBER: 15V701000 REPORT RECEIVED DATE: 10/26/2015 GENERAL MOTORS LLC (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA AND OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, 1997-2004 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, 2000-2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA, AND 1998-2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO VEHICLES. ENGINE C

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 20, 2016MI

2002 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEVERE OIL LEAK ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKET HAD A LEAK. GM ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT WAS FOR A DIFFERENT MODEL. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 31, 201559,290 milesAR

TRIP CHECK SHOWED: FUEL LEAK UNDER ENGINE COVER, FRONT WHEEL DRIVE SHAFT OIL LEAKING FLUID, POWER STEERING LEAKING FLUID. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE HORN WAS HIT HARD, AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES IT WENT OF, TECHNICIAN COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 201543,000 milesDE

THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE HAS THE SAME ENGINE AS THE 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, WHICH IS COVERED IN THE RECENT RECALL 15V701. THIS RECALL COVERS OIL LEAKING FROM THE MANIFOLD ONTO THE REST OF THE ENGINE, LEADING TO A RISK OF FIRE. THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE IS, HOWEVER, NOT OFFICIALLY COVERED IN RECALL 15V701, EVEN THOUGH MINE DEFINITELY SHOWS ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF THE RECALL. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP ONCE TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. IF NOT, PLEASE OUTLINE WHY. ALSO, WHAT IS THE EXACT FIX FOR THE OTHER CARS THAT ARE COVERED (BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THAT INFORMATION WHEN I TAKE THE CAR TO THE SHOP AGAIN TO TRY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE; I AGAIN HAVE OIL LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE)?

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 17, 2015WI

2002 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NON-ACCIDENT RELATED ENGINE FIRES AND IS CONCERNED. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH DIFFERENT VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD

EngineFire
Filed Nov 1, 2015100,000 milesNY

VALVE COVERS ARE LEAKING OIL RIGHT ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FIRE THIS ENGINE WAS RECALLED IN OTHER CARS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT BUICK LESABRE

Tires
Filed Oct 26, 2015VA

ON AUGUST 30,2015 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TREADING ON MY TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE I WAS GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SOMEHOW I MANAGED TO KEEP CALM AND NOT PANIC AND I MANAGED TO PULL THE CAR OVER TO THE EMERGENCY PULL OFF WITHOUT SPINNING OUT OR CRASHING OR MAKING CONTACT WITH THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC I HAD JUST PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 8/28/2015 AND THE VEHICLE INSPECTION WAS DATED FOR 8/28/2015 AS WELL. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TIRE WAS A BAD TIRE I CONTACTED THE STATE POLICE AND AFTER AN INVESTIGATION THEY TOLD ME THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR BRAND TIRE AND THEY STATED THAT AN RECALL WOULD NEED TO BE ISSUED. I'M WRITING THIS BECAUSE THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE COST ME MY LIFE IF I HAD NOT REMAINED CLAM OR KEPT CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE I WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE AND TIRE TO BE INVESTIGATED/RECALLED BECAUSE I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE WHILE DRIVING I HAVE FLASHBACKS OF THIS INCIDENT AND HAVE PROBLEMS SWITCHING LANES CROSSINGS INTERSECTIONS AND THINGS THAT WAS NORMAL FOR ME PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE TREADING FROM THE TIRE WENT UNDER MY CAR WHILE DRIVING SO MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT DUE TO THIS INCIDENT. AMERICAN GENERAL TIRE SIZE 21570R15 DOT NUMBER A3M344H4399

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 8, 2015230,711 milesAZ

BEGINNING ABOUT AUGUST OF 2015 UNTIL NOW, OCT 2015, THE ENGINE OF MY BUICK LE SABRE HAS BEGUN TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THAT OCCURS I LOSE MY POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. TONIGHT (OCT 7, 2015) IT HAPPENED FOUR TIMES ON THE WAY HOME. I MADE IT HOME SAFELY FORTUNATELY BUT I WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN UNTIL IT IS FIXED. LAST WEEK I HAD BOTH A MOBILE MECHANIC AND AN AUTO SHOP (PURCELL) LOOK AT IT AND THEY CAN NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY CALL IT AN INTERMITTENT DEFECT. WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTOMOBILES THAT GM HAS RECALLED, ALTHOUGH MY YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL ARE NOT ON THE LIST THAT I FOUND ON THE INTERNET. MY EXPERIENCE IS SO SIMILAR THAT I WANT MY IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED BY GM BEFORE I WILL DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS.

Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2015NJ

TRANSMISSION SHIFT SOL AND PRESSURE SENSORS ARE MELTING ON VALVE BODY TRANNY HEAT IS FRING THE CONNECTORS AND DAMAGING THE TRANNY . U CAN SMELL THE PLASTIC BURNIGBURNING

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Aug 23, 201538,100 milesNJ

JUST FIXING EVENING PHONE # ON COMPLAINT # 10758654 ALL WINDOW REGULATERS GOING BAD IF NOT MAKE A RECALL FOR USING CHEAP PLASTIC PARTS WILL BE FILING A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AT $ 500.00 A WINDOW THAT MORE MONEY THAN MY LOAN AND CAR INSURANCE COMBINED TAKE A LOOK AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND YOU WILL SEE ITS THE # 1 PROBLEM WITH THE CAR WE BOUGHT A NEW BUICK VERANO PREMIUM TURBO TWO WILL TAKE CAR BACK IF PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED.LOYAL BUICK OWNER! WE MEAN WINDOW REGULATERS ON 2002 BUICK LESABRE NOT THE NEW VERANO!

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Aug 23, 201538,100 milesNJ

ALL WINDOW REGULATERS GOING BAD AFTER JUST BUYING CAR WITH ONLY 38,100 MILES ON IT IT IS COSTING ME MORE MONEY TO REPAIR THIS THAN MY LOAN AND CAR INSURANCE LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS TAKE A LOOK AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND YOU WILL FIND THIS IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH CAR. USING PLASTIC PARTS FOR WINDOW REGULATERS WAS BIG MISTAKE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR I AM TRYING TO GET EVERYBODY TOGETHER TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. THANKS LOYAL BUICK OWNER.HAVE A 2013 BUICK VERANO PREMIUM TURBO TWO NO PROBLEMS. HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME!

Visibility
Filed Aug 14, 201568,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE HEATING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, COLD AIR EMITTED FROM THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 26, 201524,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE CHECKING THE WINDOW MOTOR, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING INSIDE THE DOOR WAS POORLY ASSEMBLED. EVERY TIME IT RAINED, THE WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 9/23/15 *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 4, 2015110,000 milesVT

TWO BRAKE LINES IN BACK OF MY CAR RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU LEAVING ME WITH LITTLE BRAKE. ALSO IN 2-4-13 TWO FRONT BRAKE LINES RUSTED, ONE THRU. ALSO IN 8-7 14 I HAD TO REPLACE TWO PARKING BRAKE CABLES FROZEN UP BY RUST. ALSO IN 3-20-15 I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND FOOT PEDAL.THE CAR HAS ALMOST NO RUST AND THE FRAME UNDERNEATH IS FINE. ALL THESE CABLES AND LINES WERE HIDDEN WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO BUY CAR. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE A CAR WITH SO LITTLE RUST HAVING HUGE BRAKE LINE AND CABLE PROBLEMS. IF I WAS DRIVING FAST WHEN THE REAR BRAKE LINE GAVE OUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS.IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR RUST PROOF BRAKE LINES? *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 20157,200 milesNV

THE ENGINE KEEPS STALLING AND SHUTTING OFF IN TRAFFIC AFTER LURCHING FORWARD. DEFECTIVE ENGINE BURNED PART OF ENGINE HOOD, AND SEVERED ABS BRAKE LINES BURNED OFF BY HEAT, GM MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Feb 20, 2015136,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE VALVE DID NOT CLOSE AND IGNITED THE FUEL GOING INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Structure
Filed Jan 25, 201562,000 milesMD

1. DASHBOARD SEPARATING FROM WINDSHIELD AND CAUSING 3" GAP CAUSING PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION. NOW IS SEPARATING MORE AT DRIVERS' SIDE NEAR STEERING WHEEL, AND ABOUT 75% PULLED AWAY AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY AND INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR. CANNOT FIX EASILY AND CONSIDER IT CRITICAL DEFECT AND INFERIOR WORKMANSHIP. NOT ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR OR ABLE TO SELL IT! 2. ELECTRIC WINDOWS IN BACK PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED. $$ 3. LIGHT SWITCH CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS AND RECENTLY STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION. HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO TURN OFF. THIS JUST HAPPENED LAST NIGHT AND WAS INCONVENIENCED GREATLY !! 4. HEADLINER FALLING DOWN AND WAS REPAIRED TWICE. NOW IS FALLING DOWN WHERE IT WAS NOT REPAIRED!

Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2015150,000 milesPA

MY CAR WILL START THEN STALLS IMMEDIATELY. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 201480,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 1/21/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS A TEMPERATURE RELATED PROBLEM. UPDATED 01/26/15*JB

EngineFire
Filed Nov 29, 201436,000 milesIL

MY SON WAS DRIVING THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE FROM HIS APARTMENT (LESS THAN A MILE) AND ARRIVED AT SCHOOL (XAVIER UNIVERSITY-CINCINNATI, OH). HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE CABIN. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND JUMP OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED TO DOUSE THE FIRE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 2014134,000 milesWI

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND CHIMES SOUND AT START UP AND STAY ON AT ALL TIMES.I PULLED FUSE OUT OF CONCERN THE AIR BAGS MAY DEPLOY WHEN NOT NEEDED. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 4, 2014111,400 milesNY

DASHBOARD MATERIAL APPEARS TO BE FAULTY, AND DASHBOARD IS NOW RAISED IN THE AIR ON DRIVERS SIDE (NEAR WINDSHIELD), PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTING VIEW. IF THE COMPLETE DASHBOARD COMES LOOSE AND SEPARATES, THIS MAY FULLY BLOCK VIEW RESULTING IN POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Structure
Filed Sep 25, 2014205,000 milesWA

THE DASH PANEL PAD IS BUCKLING AND PULLING LOOSE. I AM CONCERNED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 5, 2014980,000 milesMA

THE APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE .WOULD NOT LET ME PUT DATE IN .DATE WAS JULY23'2014.MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING OUT ON ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT STALLED PUT IN NEUTRAL STARTED RIGHT UP DROVE ALITTLE WAYS SAMETHING HAPPEND.CHECKENGINELIGHT CAME ON GOT STUCK ON HIGHWAY FOR 3 HOURS WAITING FOR TOWTRUCK BAD EXPERIENCE. IT IS AT SULLIVAN TIRE CHECK DIAGNOSTICS AND SAID EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT I TOLD HIM TO TAKE IT FOR A SPIN HE DID AND STALLED OUT ON HIM.SULLIVANTIRE IS BOGGLED.I WAS ON LINE AND WAS CHECKING WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND THERE IS ABOUT 10 PEOPLE THAT OWN THE SAME CAR HAS SAME PROBLEM WE TRIED GETTING IT FIXED ITS STARTING TO COST SOME MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR JAN.2013. AND STILL OWE MONEY ON IT FOR 1 MORE YEAR PLEASE HELP US THANK YOU *TR

Steering
Filed May 21, 201425,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V067000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 4, 201475,368 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SDM MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V222000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,368.

Complaints 1-50 of 310, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20063000Routine
200577030Routine
2004162050Routine
2003164140Routine
2002 — this page3102120Above average
20013280220High concern
20006695300High concern
19992092202Fatalities reported
19984001430High concern
19973942311Fatalities reported
199698200Routine
1995178130Routine
1994158060Routine
19931941210High concern
19921892230High concern
199130130Routine
199046100Routine

Compare every Lesabre year →

2002 Buick Lesabre: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Buick Lesabre a good car?

It is not among the Lesabre years to avoid. Owners filed 310 complaints, against about 184 for a typical Lesabre year. The most common complaint is about the visibility (35%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Lesabre?

The visibility: 108 of the 310 complaints (35%) are about it. The typical report comes at 53,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Lesabre have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 9, 2002. The largest, 02V222000, covered 133,221 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Buick Lesabre problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 60,000 miles. For the visibility the midpoint is 53,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Buick Lesabre?

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

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Buick Lesabre?

The manufacturer filed 412 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (70), the engine (65) and the body and frame (19). 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

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 9, 2002. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.