2004 Buick Lesabre

Routine

Owners filed 162 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. No safety recall has been issued.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
63,900 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2004 Buick Lesabre problems

62 of the 162 complaints (38%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System32
010
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel25
000
Structure · body and frame13
000
Air Bags · airbags10
408
Unknown or Other6
000
Power Train · transmission6
000
Tires5
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system5
000
Engine5
020
Suspension3
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2024IN

The backup camera will stay in 'night' brightness mode for 15 seconds while backing out of the garage into daylight. This makes the video screen usless until the 15 second delay is over. I have asked several times at the dealership since I purchased this vehicle new, and they say nothing can be done. Not only is this a huge safety issue but it also is an enviromental issue as may times I must wait in the driveway with the car needlessly idling until the 15 seconds is up. This is seems to be a simple software update to remove the delay when the car is in reverse.

Power Train
Filed Nov 14, 2022OR

Car has hard shift's that get worse when the car is up to temperature. Fuel gauge show's false reading. Two window regulators failed.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 5, 2022CO

Fuel vapor system leaks gas fumes into car. Replaced all fuel lines, pulled tank, renewed canister. 10 months later fumes are again entering car cabin. 105,000 total miles.

Power Train
Filed Oct 21, 2021OH

Drove to the store, transmission was hard shifting and then wouldn't hardly move at all. Almost got hit three x!! Very tramatized. How is it that on just one of many web pages 400 people had this problem 140 complained about it! that's just one website! how has this problem not been fixed and recalled?

Service Brakes, Air › Drum › Shoes/Linings
Filed Jun 30, 2021116,500 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated while driving 35 mph and depressing on the brake pedal, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and the vehicle gradually decreased in speed to a stop. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to his residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines were leaking brake fluid. The independent mechanic repaired the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and three additional brake lines were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that after inspecting the vehicle himself, he became aware that one of the brake lines was rusted which might cause the failure to recur. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximately was 116,500.

Power Train
Filed Feb 23, 2021KY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER TRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power Train
Filed Mar 27, 2020OH

I CONTINUE SMELLING AN OIL-BURNING SMELL AND MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL CONTINUE TO GO OUT AND I HAVE REPLACED TO BLUB OVER AND OVER

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 8, 201999,990 milesNY

WHEN FIRST STARTING UP CAR AND THEN PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL, EITHER IN REVERSE OR FORWARD, THERE IS A SURGE, LIKE THE CABLE IS STICKING. NOT SURE WHY, MAYBE DUE FROM AGE OF CAR OR AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL ISSUE. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED ABOUT 85% OF ITS LIFE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 10, 2019140,000 milesOH

THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ACCELERATES AS HIGH AS 50-60MPH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR HAS TO BE THROWN IN NEUTRAL OR STOPPED SOME PLACE SAFE, AT WHICH POINT IT REVS UP PAST 3000 RPM UNTIL THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED TO THROTTLE IT BACK DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS IN REVERSE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AS WELL, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO DO THIS UPON STARTING OR WHILE IT IS WARMING UP. IT CAN BE ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY AND AT ANY SPEED WHEN IT STARTS REVVING HIGH. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT CLUSTERS SOMETIMES SEVERAL DAYS IN A ROW AS CONSTANT AND THEN GOING A MONTH WITHOUT DOING IT AT ALL. IT DOES SEEM TO BE MORE LIKELY TO ACCELERATE AFTER HITTING A DIP (LIKE NEAR WHERE A DRAIN IS IN A PARKING LOT) BUT THAT MAY BE JUST COINCIDENTAL. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH A TUNE UP DONE AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED ALONG WITH SOME OTHER TROUBLE-SHOOTING WITH THE THROTTLE AT A COST (THUS FAR) OF SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE VEHICLE IS DOING THIS SO FREQUENTLY IN THE LAST FEW DAYS THAT IS HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2018200,000 milesMS

THE ENGINE STALLS AND JERKED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND TRYING TO GO THE GEARS DIDN'T SHIFT LIKE USUAL. DRIVING LONG DISTANCES IT DOESN'T DO THIS UNTIL YOU'RE DRIVING AND STOPPING EVERY SO OFTEN. SOMETIMES TURNING INTO A PLACE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T GO AND ALMOST CAUSED CRASHES.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 19, 201815 milesOH

TAKATA RECALL WIRE HARNESS AND BACK SEAT BELT NOT WORKING ,LOCKING IN MOTION

EngineFire
Filed Jun 21, 201875,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jul 3, 201798,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD FRACTURED ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRACTURE HAD SPREAD TO THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRACTURE COULD IMPEDE VISIBILITY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Tires
Filed Apr 26, 201786,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE EQUIPPED WITH COPPER MASTERCRAFT MC440 TIRES, SIZE: 225/60/R16 (NA). UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE WAS SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO INDICATED THAT THE BUBBLE WAS CAUSED BY AN IMPACT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE TIRE THAT WOULD CONFIRM THE BUBBLE WAS CAUSED BY AN IMPACT. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2017126,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY VIBRATE WHILE THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Mar 21, 201770,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD SEPARATED FROM THE SUB STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH EXPOSED THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE DASHBOARD WOULD MOVE BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY CAUSING AN INJURY OR DEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THAT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 19, 201762,000 milesFL

THE GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOP WORKING. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE AND NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOP WORKING I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY CAR I HAVE TO FILL THE TANK AND CHECK IT EVERY TWO WEEKS SO I WILL NOT RUN OUT OF GAS.

Tires
Filed Feb 27, 2017101,577 milesMI

THREE OF FOUR TIRES PURCHASED HAD A BELT SEPARATION - ONE LOST A SIZEABLE PIECE OF TREAD. THIS OCCURRED OVER A SPAN OF THREE MONTHS.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 201698,139 milesIL

J & K MITCHELL CASEY, IL.62420 PURCHASED ON 4/11/2014, 98,104 MILEAGE. HEADLAMPS GO OFF AT NITE DRIVING, VERY UNNERVING, FUEL GAGE, HAYWIRE FROM THE START, WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. SWAYING/SUSPENSION, WHEN TURNING, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, REPORTED THIS MANY TIMES AND TAKEN INTO DEALER..HOWEVER, NEVER TAKEN CARE OF. ONLY THING FIXED WAS SOLENOID. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 14, 201665,000 milesNY

FUEL GAGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN NEEDLE GETS BETWEEN HALF AND A QUARTER, IT BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH FROM EMPTY TO FULL. THEN AT A QUARTER FULL, IT GOES TO EMPTY AND STAYS THERE. YOU ARE NEVER SURE HOW MUCH GAS YOU REALLY HAVE AND CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP SUDDENLY.HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND STILL ON ALL ROADS.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 6, 201667,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 2016240,000 milesMN

BRAKE LINE FAILURE OCCURED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ALL OTHER LINES SEEM LIKELY TO FAIL AS WELL. THIS IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING FOR ME AS A CONSUMER BECAUSE MANY OTHER CARS LIKE THIS DRIVE AROUND EVERYDAY. I FEEL FORTUNATE I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH NOT TO GET HURT.

Service Brakes
Filed May 25, 201690,000 milesWI

FRONT CALIPERS DO NOT FULLY ENGAGE AND THE "CHECK STABILITY CONTROL" WARNING OCCURS, MAKING TURNING/BRAKING RATHER CHALLENGING. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR RANDOM. IT DOES NEED THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR AND NOT SURE IF THE SENSOR IS CAUSING THIS ISSUES AS WELL. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR A DEFINITIVE PATTERN.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 4, 2016FL

DASHBOARD SEPARATED. I MENTIONED TO DEALER WHEN I PURCHASED IN 2009. THEY PUSHED TOGETHER BUT IT CAME UNDONE.I HAVE A COVER OVER DASH SO AS NOT TO SEE SEPARATION. MY CONCERN IS MY AIRBAGS. WILL THIS CAUSE A DANGER TO ANNEARLY DEPLOYMENT. WAS NOT CONCERNED PRIOR TO RECALL OF AIRBAGS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 27, 2016CO

DASH PANEL IS SEPARATING--COULD CAUSE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Mar 28, 2016SC

TAKATA RECALL. CAR'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. CAR WAS IN PARK. IT WAS NOT EVEN GOING TO BE DRIVEN ONLY STARTED TO PUT DOWN THE WINDOWS. AS SOON AS THE KEY WAS TURNED BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING THE DASH TO POP OUT OF PLACE AND CRACK THE WINDSHIELD.

Power Train
Filed Mar 12, 201675,000 milesNJ

WITHIN THE PASSED 2 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING "HARD SHIFTS". VERY PRONOUNCED JOLT/JERK WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER A FULL STOP OR DECELERATING TO COME TO A STOP. JUST RESEARCHED ON THIS SITE AND FOUND MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WITH 2004 LESABRE'S EXPERIENCING SAME SITUATION. HAS TO DO WITH INFERIOR PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID AND/OR SHIFT SOLENOIDS. APPARENTLY GM HAS REFUSED TO RECALL AND REPLACE DUE TO THE COST. CAN CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION AND THEY SAY THEY ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO MAKE IT RIGHT!!! ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SPEEDOMETER AND TACHCOMETER. MY TACH IS FROZEN AT 2 AND SPEEDOMETER STARTED GIVING FALSE READINGS ABOUT 3 YRS. AGO. DID NOT ADDRESS BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME ITS VERY COSTLY. I HAVE TO USE MY GARMIN TO TELL ME HOW FAST I AM GOING. HAPPENED FIRST TIME IN EXTREME HEAT TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. THEN AGAIN WHEN IT W AS RAINING. VERY UNSAFE SITUATION AND AGAIN A VERY COSTLY FIX THAT GM WILL NOT ADDRESS.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 18, 2015MO

DASHBOARD FACING AWAY FROM WINDSHIELD AND BUCKLING. FABRIC LINER INSIDE DASH IS EXPOSED.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Sep 16, 201575,000 milesMI

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING MY 20 MINUTE COMMUTE DURING THE WINTER, I HAD THE SEAT HEATER ON IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. IT FELT UNUSUALLY WARM BUT I WAS EXTREMELY COLD AND LEFT IT ON. AS I WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR MY HUSBAND ASKED "WHAT'S THAT SMELL"? HE LOOKED AT THE SEAT AND THERE WAS A QUARTER SIZE SINGE HOLE WHERE THE HEATER COIL BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER, HE THEN TURNED ME AROUND AND LOOKED AT THE BACK OF MY WOOL COAT- THERE WAS A CORRESPONDING HOLE IN THE NEW WOOL COAT THAT I HAD JUST BOUGHT. I AM ASKING FOR THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE COAT- $180.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 21, 2015119,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO LIFT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TO THE END OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE UNDERLINING PADDING WAS VIABLE AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 2015155,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AT ALL POSITIONS. WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACCESSORY POSITION, IT CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 16, 201595,718 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM EMPTY TO FULL, BUT NEVER FULLY DISPLAYED THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,718. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED TWICE. UPDATED 10/29/15.*JB UPDATED 03/29/16.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD ALWAYS INDICATE IT WAS FULL. HOWEVER, THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. UPDATED 05/17/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed May 26, 201598,000 milesMO

TOP OF DASH (PAD) IS RAISING UP OFF TOP OF DASH?

Electrical System
Filed May 21, 201575,146 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING HOME MY FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOW IN THE 6 POSITION ON A CLOCK. NOW I HAVE NO IDEA IF THERE IS ANY FUEL IN THE CAR OR NOT. LUCKILY I RESET THE TRIP METER WITH EVERY FUEL UP SO I KNOW I CAN GO APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES. ALTHOUGH IN THE WINTER WHEN WE HAVE TO IDLE OUR CAR SO THE FUEL MILEAGE GOES DOWN AND I DO NOT GET AS MANY MILES ON A TANK. HOPE I DON'T RUN OUT OF FUEL DURING THE WINTER. IN READING ONLINE REVIEWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE IT TURNS OUT IT CAN GET WORSE AND CAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER TO STOP WORKING. THEN I MAY BE SPEEDING AND NOT EVEN KNOW IT. I DID TRY AND HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE GUY CHARGED ME $207 AND IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. AT THE LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR $350.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 11, 201580,000 milesOH

I'VE OWNED 5 BUICK LESABRES, AND CONTINUE TO RUN TWO OF THEM (2002 LESABRE WITH ABOUT 180,000 MILES, AND 2004 LESABRE WITH OVER 80,000 MILES VIN: [XXX] FOR THE 2004, AND [XXX] FOR THE 2002). BOTH CURRENTLY OWNED LESABRES HAVE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS. MY 2002 SHOWED ERRATIC INACCURATE READINGS, BUT NOW IS FLATLINED AT EMPTY, EVEN IF THE TANK HAS JUST BEEN FILLED. MY 2004 IS SHOWING THE OPPOSITE REACTION, SHOWING FULL, EVEN AFTER A FULL TRIP SHOULD BE SENDING IT TOWARD AN EMPTY READING. SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED ON A PREVIOUS LESABRE I OWNED, AND COST ME A NEW FUEL PUMP & GAUGE RUNNING NEARLY $500. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A COMMON OCCURRENCE IF I'VE HAD IT OCCUR ON 3 OF FIVE LESABRES I'VE OWNED. IT'S ALSO A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET. JUST RECENTLY ON THE 2002, I RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC DUE TO GAS GAUGE INACCURACY. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A LOW SPEED REGION. HOWEVER, HAD I RUN OUT OF GAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC SURROUNDED BY 18 WHEELERS, THIS COULD HAVE LEAD TO TRAUMATIC INJURY OR DEATH. 1 FAILURE ... I COULD TOLERATE, AND WAS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT WITHOUT COMPLAINT ..... BUT 3 OUT OF 5 LESABRES !!!???? THAT'S A DESIGN DEFECT OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I AM SEEKING A RECALL ON BUICK LESABRE GAS GAUGE UNITS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 6, 2015104,000 milesIL

I WAS GOING EAST ON A ONELANE STREET,WHEN THE OTHER CAR MADE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING THE ACCIDENT,MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MY SEATBELT TO TIGHTEN AROUND MY LOWER BACK AND CREATING PAIN AND SPRAIN.IF AIRBAG DID DEPLOY I WOULD HAVE SUFFER ALOT LESS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 26, 201551,000 milesMI

FIRST FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT WORK COST $400.00 TO REPLACE SYSTEM NOW MY MILEAGE WORKS WHEN IT WANTS CAN/T ALWAYS TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL WORK. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2015131,000 milesTX

MY 2004 BUICK LESABRE KEEPS LOSING POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS IS THE 4TH INCIDENT IN 2 MONTHS! THE VEHICLE DIES AND THE POWER STEERING LOCKS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I WAS ON HWY 190 AND THERE IS MAJOR WORK BEING DONE. I WAS DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE AND THEIR ARE BARRIERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HIGHWAY. EACH TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURS I GET A CRANK BUT NO START. MY VEHICLE IS THEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND IGNITION MODULE ARE BAD. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A WEEKS TIME AND NOT THREE WEEKS AFTER THE MODULE WAS REPLACED IT IS BACK AT THE SHOP TODAY. I HAVE NO LEVERAGE UNDER TEXAS LEMON LAWS BECAUSE IT IS USED VEHICLE AND UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE TO PUT MY JOB BEFORE MY SAFETY BECAUSE I HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES. I AM IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION RIGHT NOW! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 201568,000 milesFL

AT 68,000 MILES AND IN THE MONTH OF JULY 2014 MY BUICK LESABRE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER STOPPED WORKING....THE HANDS DO NOT MOVE AT ALL.....I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM DRIVING WHICH IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE DEATH....THIS IS A NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT OF THIS CAR AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE IM DEAD! I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIRS BECAUSE I AM ON DISABILITY....THIS IS AN URGENT MATTER THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IMMEDIATELY! *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Jan 17, 2015106,970 milesOH

DRIVER, AGE 82, ON WAY TO DR. OFFICE IN ELMORE, OH WHEN THE BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT. THE BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED SMOKING AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER AND A HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S COAT THAT SHE WAS WEARING. IT WAS A VERY COLD DAY, WITH WIND CHILL BELOW ZERO. THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 (ONE) MILE. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 11, 2015118,568 milesWI

WHEN SWITCHING HEADLIGHTS FROM HIGH TO LOW AND LOW TO HIGH BEAM OCCASIONALLY THE LIGHTS GO DARK. THIS IS A SCARY SITUATION AT HIGH SPEEDS. LUCKILY THE LIGHTS USUALLY COME BACK ON IF THE LEAVER IS DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ONLY FIX IS A NEW SWITCH ASSEMBLY AT OVER $500 JUST FOR THE SWITCH NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR COST. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE '07 BUICK LA CROSSE HAD A RECALL ON THIS SWITCH. I SUSPECT THAT MY '04 LA SABRE MAY HAVE A SIMILAR SWITCH. THERE ARE A TWO OTHER FUNCTIONS ON THIS SWITCH, L/R SIGNAL, WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS, ALL OF WHICH WORK WITHOUT A PROBLEM. I GOT NO SATISFACTION FROM MY GM DEALER WHEN I REQUESTED HELP WITH THE REPAIR COST. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 22, 201460,000 milesNC

WHEN STOPPING ON DRY PAVEMENT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. AFTER THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BREAKS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. EVERY TIME I APPLIED MY BRAKES THE CAR WOULD SHIMMY AND WAS DANGEROUS TO CONTROL, I PAID FOR THE REPAIR BUT IT HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIME SINCE THEN MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO STOP. *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 16, 201420,000 milesFL

DASH HAS STARTED TO BUCKLE UP IN FRONT OF DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IMPACTS THE VISIBILITY OF THE DRIVER AND MIGHT IMPAIR (OR CAUSE) THE IMPROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 6, 2014129,400 milesMN

FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS, AFTER STARTING, THEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON SEAT BELT, THE BELT OFTEN LOCKS UP AND I CANNOT PULL IT OUT TO HOOK IT UP. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, IT FINALLY UNLOCKS SO I CAN PUT IT ON. THIS HAPPENS APPROX. 1-4 TIMES PER WEEK (I USUALLY DRIVE DAILY). SOMETIMES ONLY THE FIRST TIME IN A DAY WHEN I START THE CAR. IT IS FRUSTRATING, AND CAUSES ME TO WORRY THAT SOMETIME IT MAY NOT UNLOCK AND I WILL BE FORCED TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE BELT ONLY. *TR

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Jul 21, 201455,000 milesSC

THE DASHBOARD ON THE VEHICLE HAS COME LOOSE FROM THE GRILL UNDER THE WINDOW AND IS RISING UP. IT HAS RELEASED ALMOST ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO IT HAS EXPOSED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 1, 2014130,000 milesNY

VERY COMMON KNOW PROBLEM OF THE 4T65E TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED IN THESE CARS IS A PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID AND/OR THE SHIFT SOLENOIDS FAIL PREMATURELY DUE TO A POORLY CONSTRUCTED PARTS. A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN ISSUED BY MANUFACTURER WARNING OF THE PROBLEM AND TO USE A MUCH MORE SUPERIOR PART TO REPLACE THE BAD ONES. THIS HAPPENS ACROSS A NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND GM REFUSES TO RECALL SAID PART EVEN AFTER KNOWING IT IS A FAILED PART. THE PROBLEM IT CAUSES IS THE TRANSMISSION GOES INTO HIGH PRESSURE MODE AND CAUSES HARD UP SHIFTS. THERE IS A UNOFFICIAL WORK AROUND THAT INVOLVES INSTALLING AFTER MARKET PARTS TO STOP THE HARD SHIFTS.GM HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS PERSONALLY TOLD ME THEY WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL DUE TO COST OF RECALLING AND REPAIRING. ESPECIALLY IN CARS THAT THIS HAS CAUSED PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. AND THEY SAY THEY ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO DO SO. THE SAD THING IS I JUST ASKED FOR THE UPDATED PART SO I COULD PERSONALLY INSTALL IT BECAUSE I DO BETTER WORK THAN THEIR GARAGES AND WOULDN'T TRUST THEM TO CHANGE A TIRE LET ALONE TOUCH A TRANSMISSION. I AM CAPABLE OF INSTALLING THE PARTS I JUST WANT THE UPDATED ONE FOR FREE SINCE IT IS A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED ON THEIR PART TO BEGIN WITH. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH LIKE THE COOLANT PROBLEM GM CLAIMS DIDN'T EXIST UNTIL THEY WERE SUED FOR IT. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 24, 201453,000 milesMN

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED LOCKED. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 OR 6 WEEKS. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 21, 201462,496 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWS 90. SOMETIMES STAYS ON 0 NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I AM DRIVING. I SPOKE TO A DEALER AND HE INDICATED THAT IT MAY BE THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND WOULD COST ABOUT $400 TO $500. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITUATION, WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 16, 201490,000 milesMI

AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES MY FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL EITHER SAY FULL OR EMPTY NO INBETWEEN. IT IS NOT ACCURATE NOR IS THE LOW FUEL LIGHT. TO GET IT FIXED I HAD IT ESTIMATED AT AROUND $600..... JUST ANOTHER REASON NOT TO BUY A AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 5, 2014WI

2004 SILVERADO & 2004 BUICK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLES NEED A NEW CLUSTER AND THE NEEDLE ON THE MILE INDICATOR IS AT 120. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED FOR TWO YEARS. ALSO, HE HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST HE WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED HAVING BOTH VEHICLES REPAIRED, WOULD COST $1000.00 *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 162, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20063000Routine
200577030Routine
2004 — this page162050Routine
2003164140Routine
20023102120Above average
20013280220High concern
20006695300High concern
19992092202Fatalities reported
19984001430High concern
19973942311Fatalities reported
199698200Routine
1995178130Routine
1994158060Routine
19931941210High concern
19921892230High concern
199130130Routine
199046100Routine

Compare every Lesabre year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.