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2002 Buick Lesabre

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Lesabre years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Buick Lesabre are substantially higher than the model-year median of 24.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

220 reports with mileage · 90 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility. Review the 115 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports12 fire reports15 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2013
EngineFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

2002 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD DEFECTIVE DRUMS, THAT MELTED AND SEVERED THE FRONT BRAKE WIRING, EXACTLY AT THE POINT WHEN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WIRES TRAVELED FROM THE ENGINE AND ENTERED THE BRAKE DRUMS. THE CONSUMER A…

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2002 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD DEFECTIVE DRUMS, THAT MELTED AND SEVERED THE FRONT BRAKE WIRING, EXACTLY AT THE POINT WHEN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WIRES TRAVELED FROM THE ENGINE AND ENTERED THE BRAKE DRUMS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAD POOR GAS MILEAGE, THE THREE OUT OF THE FOUR WINDOWS COLLAPSED IN THE DOWN POSITION, AND WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ENGINE AND THE HOOD WERE DEFECTIVE, AS THE PAINT ON THE HOOD MELTED.

NHTSA ODI #10514214

68,330 miles · May 27, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE HARD AND CAUSED RIDGES IN THE ROTORS. THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $620. THE CONTA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE HARD AND CAUSED RIDGES IN THE ROTORS. THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $620. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,330 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,400.

NHTSA ODI #10270047

25,000 miles · Mar 29, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT GOES TO THE FLOOR. TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL MUST BE PUMPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKE REPLACEMENT PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT DUPLICATED WITH ANY ADDITION…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT GOES TO THE FLOOR. TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL MUST BE PUMPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BRAKE REPLACEMENT PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT DUPLICATED WITH ANY ADDITIONAL TESTING.

NHTSA ODI #10153994

200 miles · Nov 2, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE WAS HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS. IF THE ROAD WAS WET THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES THREE TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION WAS BAD/WET WEATHER.. THE SALESMAN DROVE THE…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE WAS HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS. IF THE ROAD WAS WET THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH ON THE BRAKES THREE TIMES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION WAS BAD/WET WEATHER.. THE SALESMAN DROVE THE CAR ONCE WHEN IT WAS WET, BUT THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED GM AND THE BBB. GM SENT A LETTER BACK TO THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT THE HEAT DID NOT WORK IN THE FALL. THE HEAT WILL GO FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS AND NOT WORK , AND THEN IT WILL. *AK. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PDAS WERE FAULTY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10133179

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT: 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ABS BRAKE PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM HE WAS HAVING WITH THE VEHICLE. NOTICE THE ABS PROBLEM WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF. ALSO, FELT VIBRAT…

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DT: 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ABS BRAKE PROBLEM. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM HE WAS HAVING WITH THE VEHICLE. NOTICE THE ABS PROBLEM WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF. ALSO, FELT VIBRATION FROM THE BRAKES. COULD NOT APPLY BRAKES AT LOW SPEED BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD TO PUSH. THE ABS LIGHT CA ME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND HAD REPAIRS DONE. THE REPAIR SEEMED TO BE SATISFACTORY. HA D NO H ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE BRAKES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10140113

24,300 miles · Oct 26, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN BACKING OUT A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND FROM THE REAR BRAKES WAS PRODUCED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10097694

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

PROBLEM WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING. *MR *CB *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10029422

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL MADE A LOUD NOISE. *NLM THREE BUICK DEALERS STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE DISC BRAKES. *TT *JB

NHTSA ODI #10020006

49,000 miles · May 10, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

I HAVE A 2002 BUICK LASABRE, WITH 49000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE BAD ON IT, THE TIE RODS ARE WORE OUT AND NOW, THE ROTORS HAVE RUSTED AND ARE FALLING APART. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10018496

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

LETTER ON BEHALF OF JAMES BURNS (MI) RE A PREVIOUS LETTER SENT TO NHTSA REQUESTING BRAKE DEFECT AND DRIVING INFORMATION ON 2002 BUICK, LESABRE; RESPONSE TO LETTER/S/BY K. WEINSTEIN ON 03/25/2003- ES03--006321; REPLY TO DETROIT OFC, DOT #003-2279. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2003 WHILE DRIVING WIFE HOME FROM HOSPITAL ABS LIGHT CAME ON. PU…

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LETTER ON BEHALF OF JAMES BURNS (MI) RE A PREVIOUS LETTER SENT TO NHTSA REQUESTING BRAKE DEFECT AND DRIVING INFORMATION ON 2002 BUICK, LESABRE; RESPONSE TO LETTER/S/BY K. WEINSTEIN ON 03/25/2003- ES03--006321; REPLY TO DETROIT OFC, DOT #003-2279. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2003 WHILE DRIVING WIFE HOME FROM HOSPITAL ABS LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY 28 INTO A MOTEL, SHUT OFF MOTOR, THEN STARTED VEHICLE AGAIN AND ABS LIGHT DID NOT APPEAR. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES FAILED. MR BURNS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BUICK AND NHTSA, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. SENATOR LEVIN 'S OFFICE WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER, AND CONTACT MR. BURNS REGARDING THE BRAKE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THERE WAS A THIN COAT OF ICE ON THE BRAKES, WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. *JB * CB *JB

NHTSA ODI #10016030

Official recalls

2

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

02V067000 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Mar 6, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline

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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.