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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

310 reports
48,800 miles · Aug 28, 2006
Visibility

I OWN TWO BUICK LESABRE'S, ONE IS FROM 2000 AND THE OTHER IS FROM 2002. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE OR ARE UNDER 50,000 MILES. THE WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING IN THREE OF THE 2000 MODEL AND TWO OF THE WINDOWS IN THE 2002 MODEL NO LONGER WORK. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN 1-7 DAYS OF EACH OTHER ON EACH VEHICLE. SEEMS TO BE TIMED. *…

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I OWN TWO BUICK LESABRE'S, ONE IS FROM 2000 AND THE OTHER IS FROM 2002. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE OR ARE UNDER 50,000 MILES. THE WINDOWS HAVE STOPPED WORKING IN THREE OF THE 2000 MODEL AND TWO OF THE WINDOWS IN THE 2002 MODEL NO LONGER WORK. THE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN 1-7 DAYS OF EACH OTHER ON EACH VEHICLE. SEEMS TO BE TIMED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166690

40,152 miles · Aug 26, 2006
Visibility

RECENTLY, MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE (PURCHASED NEW IN 2002) HAD THE TWO REAR WINDOWS FAIL WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. IN BOTH CASES, THE CABLE WHICH RAISES/LOWERS THE WINDOW BROKE. THE CABLE CANNOT BE REPLACED ALONE BUT THE MOTOR AND REGULATOR MUST ALSO BE REPLACED. THE COST FOR THIS AT A GM DEALER WAS $479.00 WHILE THE SAME…

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RECENTLY, MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE (PURCHASED NEW IN 2002) HAD THE TWO REAR WINDOWS FAIL WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. IN BOTH CASES, THE CABLE WHICH RAISES/LOWERS THE WINDOW BROKE. THE CABLE CANNOT BE REPLACED ALONE BUT THE MOTOR AND REGULATOR MUST ALSO BE REPLACED. THE COST FOR THIS AT A GM DEALER WAS $479.00 WHILE THE SAME JOB COST $290 AT A NON-GM REPAIR CENTER (GEMINI/GOODYEAR). I LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH BUICK AND THEN RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. I FOUND A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM ON A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND ONE WHICH IS KNOWN TO BUICK FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO THE 2002 MODEL. WHILE IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE (UNLESS THERE IS ADVERSE WEATHER SUCH AS FREEZING COLD OR DRIVING RAIN), IT IS AN ECONOMIC ONE. WHY NO RECALL BY BUICK? IS IT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CROPS UP AFTER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. I SUSPECT SO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166592

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2006
Unknown Or Other

CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION ON RECALLS FOR A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10165846

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2006
Visibility

REAR WINDOW REGULATOR ON 02 BUICK LESABRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-OVER $500. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE FRONT PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-$400. THE DEALER INDICATED A "BULLETIN" EXISTED. THE MECHANIC ON THE 2ND OCCURRENCE SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MY BROTHER HAS A LESABRE AS WELL, AND GUESS WHAT? WIND…

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REAR WINDOW REGULATOR ON 02 BUICK LESABRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-OVER $500. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE FRONT PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-$400. THE DEALER INDICATED A "BULLETIN" EXISTED. THE MECHANIC ON THE 2ND OCCURRENCE SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MY BROTHER HAS A LESABRE AS WELL, AND GUESS WHAT? WINDOW REGULATOR PROBLEMS!!! WITH A BAD DESIGN LIKE THIS, WHY CAN'T SOMEONE FORCE GM TO RECALL THESE PARTS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10163787

51,748 miles · Jun 14, 2006
Electrical SystemPower Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND REPRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM GM DROVE THE VEHICLE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS MAY 2005 HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AGAIN JUNE 14, 2006. …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND REPRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM GM DROVE THE VEHICLE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS MAY 2005 HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AGAIN JUNE 14, 2006. THE REPRESENTATIVE HEARD THE NOISE HOWEVER STATED IT WAS TOO FAINT. THEY WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR MAKE ANY REPAIRS UNTIL THE NOISE GETS LOUDER. THE DEALERSHIP AND REPRESENTATIVE BOTH BELIEVE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED A FAILURE COULD OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE NOISE. 08/02/06 CONTACTED REQUESTED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT BE REPLACED; AT TIMES TRAC-OFF LIGHT COMES ON; AND THE GAS CAP LOOSE LIGHT COMES ON. NO CODES FOUND. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10159814

68,355 miles · Jun 14, 2006
Visibility

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS OPENED AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR REGULATOR. THE PROBLEM HAS NOW OCCURRED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED OF THE CURRENT PROBLEM. PRIOR TO THE FAILUR…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS OPENED AND WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR REGULATOR. THE PROBLEM HAS NOW OCCURRED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED OF THE CURRENT PROBLEM. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE BEFORE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. UPDATED 07/05/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159795

100 miles · Apr 6, 2006
Exterior Lighting

WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY ( WITH OUT MY KNOWING THAT I HAD BUMPED THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH) BUMPED THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH WHILE ADJUSTING THE DASH LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, I HAD NO IDEA WHY THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT I WAS ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 5 TO 10 MILE PER HOUR AND WAS ABLE …

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WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY ( WITH OUT MY KNOWING THAT I HAD BUMPED THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH) BUMPED THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH WHILE ADJUSTING THE DASH LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, I HAD NO IDEA WHY THE HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT I WAS ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 5 TO 10 MILE PER HOUR AND WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH OUT AN ACCIDENT. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE HEAD LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT, I PUSHED ALL THE LIGHT SWITCHES UNTIL FINDING OUT THAT I HAD ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH. I NOTIFIED BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LIGHTS, THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE DESIGNED TO GO OUT WHEN THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH WAS PUSHED. THEY REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION OF ANY KIND WHAT SO EVER. IF YOUR HEAD LIGHTS GO WHEN DRIVING 65 MPH AFTER DARK, THAT IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10154757

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

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2006
Power Train

MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE IS IN THE SHOP AT THIS MOMENT GETTING A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE INTAKE SYSTEM DUE TO THE USE OF THE RECOMMENDED FLUIDS. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWED ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND BUICK REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WHAT CAN I DO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, AND WHY…

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MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE IS IN THE SHOP AT THIS MOMENT GETTING A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE INTAKE SYSTEM DUE TO THE USE OF THE RECOMMENDED FLUIDS. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWED ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND BUICK REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WHAT CAN I DO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, AND WHY HASN'T A CLASS ACTION SUIT BEEN STARTED TO RECTIFY THIS ABOMINABLE SITUATION? THANK YOU. DR. GERALD M. LEVITT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10152378

62,000 miles · Mar 7, 2006
StructureInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SOMETIMES THE TRUNK LID FAILS TO REMAIN OPEN AND UNEXPECTEDLY FALLS DOWN, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURY TO THE PERSON WHO OPENED IT. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PARTS WERE ORDERED ON 07/08/2006, AND REPAIRS WERE MADE ON 03/07/2006. CURRENTLY, VEHIC…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SOMETIMES THE TRUNK LID FAILS TO REMAIN OPEN AND UNEXPECTEDLY FALLS DOWN, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURY TO THE PERSON WHO OPENED IT. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PARTS WERE ORDERED ON 07/08/2006, AND REPAIRS WERE MADE ON 03/07/2006. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10152104

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.