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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

Structure complaints

51 reports
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76,286 miles · Sep 11, 2012
Structure

THE PADDED DASH HAS PEELED UP AN AWAY FROM DASH FRAME IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS CONTINUING TO SPREAD (PEEL UP AND AWAY FROM THE FRAME) ACROSS THE PADDED DASH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOWARDS THE PASSENGER AREA. IT CONTINUES TO GROW IN SEVERITY, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, WITH RESPECTS TO IT DEPLOYIN…

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THE PADDED DASH HAS PEELED UP AN AWAY FROM DASH FRAME IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS CONTINUING TO SPREAD (PEEL UP AND AWAY FROM THE FRAME) ACROSS THE PADDED DASH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOWARDS THE PASSENGER AREA. IT CONTINUES TO GROW IN SEVERITY, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, WITH RESPECTS TO IT DEPLOYING WITHOUT WARNING, DUE TO THE PEELING/WARPING OF THE DASH AROUND IT. I HAVE PUT A DASH MAT (COVER) OVER THE PROBLEM FOR APPEARANCE PURPOSES, BUT EVEN THAT DOESN'T HIDE THE GROWING MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM ANYMORE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT WILL COST ME ANYWHERE FROM $350 - $1,200.00 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM FROM INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS IN THE AREA, TO THE GM BUICK DEALER. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, & "SAFETY" ISSUE DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. OTHER THAN THIS EVER INCREASING PROBLEM, THE CAR IS IN IMMACULATE CONDITION, & I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT DUE TO ITS MECHANICAL RELIABILITY, FUEL ECONOMY, & COMFORT. I BELIEVE AN OEM PADDED DASH REPLACEMENT, SHOULD BE MADE A RECALL ON THE PART OF GM AS THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED DUE TO NEGLIGENCE, AGE OF THE VEHICLE (IT BEGAN WHEN THE CAR WAS RELATIVELY NEW), OR ACCIDENT. I RESPECTFULLY LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING A RESPONSE FROM YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475025

35,000 miles · Aug 28, 2012
Structure

DASH PAD BEGAN SEPARATING FROM DASHBOARD AT BASE OF WINDSHIELD DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHEN CAR WAS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS OLD. HAS PROGRESSIVELY SPREAD TO CURRENTLY INCLUDE ABOUT 70% OF WIDTH OF DASHBOARD AND IS RAISED APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES IN FRONT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE OF SHRINKAGE/IM…

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DASH PAD BEGAN SEPARATING FROM DASHBOARD AT BASE OF WINDSHIELD DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHEN CAR WAS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS OLD. HAS PROGRESSIVELY SPREAD TO CURRENTLY INCLUDE ABOUT 70% OF WIDTH OF DASHBOARD AND IS RAISED APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES IN FRONT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE OF SHRINKAGE/IMPROPER ADHESION DUE TO INFERIOR MATERIALS AND/OR INCORRECT FACTORY INSTALLATION. ONLINE SEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM AFFLICTS A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF 2000-2006 LESABRES. CONCERNED THAT IF PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY DASH PAD WOULD NOT TEAR AS INTENDED BUT WOULD INSTEAD BE PULLED FROM DASHBOARD AND WOULD STRIKE OCCUPANTS. FIRM MOLDED EDGE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS LACERATIONS OR POTENTIAL FATALITIES. MANY OWNERS HAVE REQUESTED REPAIR, SOME UNDER WARRANTY, WITH NO SATISFACTION FROM BUICK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472845

10,000 miles · Jul 26, 2012
Air BagsStructure

I BOUGHT 2002 BUICK LESABRE BRAND NEW AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY I YEAR THE DASH BEGAN TO BUCKLE ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS NOW APPROX 3 TO 4 INCHES HIGH. I WENT TO CAR GURUS. COM AND REALIZED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD IMPAIR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT…

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I BOUGHT 2002 BUICK LESABRE BRAND NEW AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY I YEAR THE DASH BEGAN TO BUCKLE ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS NOW APPROX 3 TO 4 INCHES HIGH. I WENT TO CAR GURUS. COM AND REALIZED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD IMPAIR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. I BELIEVE THIS WARRANTS A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10467831

71,000 miles · Jul 23, 2012
Structure

DASH PAD COVER PEELING AWAY FROM DASH PAD BASE. CAUSING GREAT ISSUES WITH RESALE OF VEHICLE REDUCING THE VALUE SIGNIFICANTLY. MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS I HAVE SEEN A GREAT MANY 2000-2005 LESABRE WITH THIS ISSUE INCLUDING MY OTHER 2000 MODEL YEAR LESABRE LIMITED. A SENIOR EXECUTIVE NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE AND MAKE THE DECI…

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DASH PAD COVER PEELING AWAY FROM DASH PAD BASE. CAUSING GREAT ISSUES WITH RESALE OF VEHICLE REDUCING THE VALUE SIGNIFICANTLY. MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS I HAVE SEEN A GREAT MANY 2000-2005 LESABRE WITH THIS ISSUE INCLUDING MY OTHER 2000 MODEL YEAR LESABRE LIMITED. A SENIOR EXECUTIVE NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE AND MAKE THE DECISION TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE DASH PADS. WHOEVER DESIGNED, TESTED OR MANUFACTURED THESE PANELS MADE A GROSS ERROR AND IT IS COSTING BUICK'S QUALITY FIRST REPETITION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE/CARE TO BE HIGHLY TARNISHED. I WILL MOVE AWAY FROM THE BUICK BRAND LOYALTY THAT I HAVE DUE TO THIS COSTLY DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10467177

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2012
StructureVisibility

THE DASHBOARD ON THE VEHICLE STARTED BUCKLING AT LEAST 5 YEARS AGO. THE BUCKLING IS SEVERE AND EXTENDS ACROSS THE ENTIRE DASH. THE WINDOWS HAVE ALSO BROKEN. I HAVE HAD THREE OF THEM REPAIRED AND ONE IS STILL BROKEN.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10463118

91,651 miles · Jan 2, 2012
Structure

2002 LESABRE WITH A POPPED DASHBOARD BETWEEN STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT GLASS. THE DASHBOARD HAS BUBBLED UP. CANNOT FORCE THE DASH BACK INTO POSITION. I'M AFRAID IT WILL CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN PROBLEM TO ME OR IT'S MADE OF FAULTY MATERIAL AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442137

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2011
Structure

THE DASH BOARD IS BUCKLING UP, WE ARE AFRAID IT MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO ACTIVATE CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH IF IT CAUSES AN WRECK. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10429978

78,000 miles · Sep 10, 2011
Structure

THE DASHBOARD IS COMING UP RIGHT BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. IT IS STARTING TO GO ACROSS TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THE SITUATION REQUIRES ATTENTION DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT COULD DEPLOY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. LOOKING FOR GM TO TAKE RES…

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THE DASHBOARD IS COMING UP RIGHT BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. IT IS STARTING TO GO ACROSS TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THIS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. THE SITUATION REQUIRES ATTENTION DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT COULD DEPLOY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. LOOKING FOR GM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY ON A NOW KNOWN DEFECT AND SAFETY SITUATION. ALSO NOTED THAT VISIBILITY IS REDUCED TO THE DRIVER WITH THE DASH COMING UP AND RISING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424575

75,000 miles · Sep 1, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A LARGE FRACTURE TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING BECAUSE OF THE DASHBOARD FRACTURE. THE FAILURE MILE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A LARGE FRACTURE TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING BECAUSE OF THE DASHBOARD FRACTURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10422953

94,000 miles · Aug 14, 2011
Air BagsStructure

DASH BOARD SEPARATION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TOWARDS PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. DEALER & AUTO BODY SHOP OFFER NO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419361

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.