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2001 Buick Lesabre

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Lesabre years

Owner complaints for the 2001 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

202 reports with mileage · 126 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 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports22 fire reports9 injury reports

Power Train complaints

31 reports
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102,000 miles · Nov 12, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

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 A…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10790036

200,000 miles · Jun 10, 2014
Power Train

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 VEHIC…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10597467

214,000 miles · May 15, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

REAR WINDOW REGULATOR HAVE MALFUNCTIONED FOR 3RD TIME IN BOTH REAR WINDOWS. OIL LEAKING FROM VALVE/HEADS CAUSING SMOKE UNDER HOOD. DOOR CONTROLS SHORTED OUT,AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSING DOORS TO LOCK AND UNLOCK WITHOUT CAUSE AND SWITCHING FROM DRIVER1 TO DRIVER2 AND BACK WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512045

50,000 miles · Aug 6, 2012
Power TrainStructureVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD BEGUN SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE HEAT AND TEMPERATURE CHANGES, WHICH DETERIORATED THE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR AND THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD BEGUN SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE HEAT AND TEMPERATURE CHANGES, WHICH DETERIORATED THE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR AND THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN UPDATED 10/11/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10469362

55,000 miles · Apr 15, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility

TRANSMISSION REPAIRED IN 2006 WINDOW SWITCHES REPLACED IN TWO WINDOWS 2007 NOW I HAVE A COOLANT LEAK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265422

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2007
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING THE 2001 BUICK LESABRE HOME THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A HIGH PITCH WHINE AND GRINDING NOISE. AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, AND I LEARNED THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. I WAS TOLD IT WAS METAL FATIGUE, AND WHEN ONE OF PARTS BROKE IT DESTRO…

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WHILE DRIVING THE 2001 BUICK LESABRE HOME THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A HIGH PITCH WHINE AND GRINDING NOISE. AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, AND I LEARNED THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. I WAS TOLD IT WAS METAL FATIGUE, AND WHEN ONE OF PARTS BROKE IT DESTROYED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. THE REPAIR COST WAS 2600. THE CAR ONLY HAD 61000 MILES ON IT, AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR ALL BUT 1000 OF THOSE MILES BY MY 95 YEAR OLD GRAND FATHER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10193875

112,000 miles · Apr 26, 2007
Power Train

2001 BUICK LESABRE/TRANSMISSION TORE UP 2007/I HAVE TALKED WITH SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR SERVICED REGULARLY/COMPLETE SERVICE EVERYTIME/ALL FLUIDS. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT AT A COST OF $1200.00. A CAR SUCH AS THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE OLD AT TODAY'…

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2001 BUICK LESABRE/TRANSMISSION TORE UP 2007/I HAVE TALKED WITH SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR SERVICED REGULARLY/COMPLETE SERVICE EVERYTIME/ALL FLUIDS. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REBUILT AT A COST OF $1200.00. A CAR SUCH AS THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE OLD AT TODAY'S STANDARDS AND FOR A TRANSMISSION TO TEAR UP COMPLETELY-TO SAY THE LEAST I HAVE QUESTIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10188939

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2007
Power Train

2001 BUICK LESABRE LIMITED THAT HAD A SOLENOID IN THE TRANSMISSION FAIL**NAR**CC THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID IN THE RANSMISSION FAILED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10183734

60,000 miles · Apr 30, 2006
Electrical SystemInterior LightingPower Train

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 65000 MILES AFTER HAVING ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ONCE. INITIALLY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY TRIED TO BLAME ME FOR THE FAILURE BUT AFTER DEALER DISASSEMBLED TRANSMISSION FOR INSPECTION IT WAS COVERED. ALSO, HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, RADIO AND STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY…

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 65000 MILES AFTER HAVING ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ONCE. INITIALLY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY TRIED TO BLAME ME FOR THE FAILURE BUT AFTER DEALER DISASSEMBLED TRANSMISSION FOR INSPECTION IT WAS COVERED. ALSO, HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD, RADIO AND STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY FAILING, 2 WINDOWS HAVE FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT STOPPED WORKING AT 50,000 MILES. THE ONLY THING THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED IS THE HEATED SEAT. DEALER SAYS IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO FIX. I BOUGHT THE BEST EXTENDED WARRANTY THE DEALER OFFERED AND STILL HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET THINGS FIXED. THIS IS THE LAST TIME I BUY AMERICAN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10156455

39,559 miles · Mar 27, 2006
Power Train

2001 LESABRE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. *TS ***NAR***

NHTSA ODI #10154134

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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.