IllustrationDASHMAT ON 2002 BUICK LASABRE BUCKLING ABOVE STREERING WHEEL WHERE DASHMAT MEETS WINDOW. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Lesabre years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
410–25K
4825–50K
4650–75K
3675–100K
31100–150K
18150K+
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 reportsDASH PAD COMING LOOSE, BOWING UP IN FRONT OF DRIVER, BECOMING DETACHED IN CRUCIAL AREA AT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. TO REPAIR WILL COST AROUND $950 PARTS AND LABOR. ALSO WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN WINDOWS THAT ARE USED THE LEAST. *TR
THE DASH IS STARTING TO RISE. I HAVE NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS. *TR
THE DASHBOARD COVER HAS COME LOOSE AND HAS LEFT A 3 INCH GAP NEAR THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF BUICK LE SABRES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. I SAW 3 SIMILAR DEFECTS IN MY OWN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ON SIMILAR CARS. THIS DEFECT COULD ALSO CAUSE A RELEASE OF THE AIR BAG WHICH PRESENTS …
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THE DASHBOARD COVER HAS COME LOOSE AND HAS LEFT A 3 INCH GAP NEAR THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF BUICK LE SABRES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. I SAW 3 SIMILAR DEFECTS IN MY OWN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ON SIMILAR CARS. THIS DEFECT COULD ALSO CAUSE A RELEASE OF THE AIR BAG WHICH PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. BUICK SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL MY CAR AND REPLACE THE COVER. THIS IS CLEARLY A PRODUCT DEFECT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MORE THAN 60 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A DASHBOARD COVER COME LOOSE.
I HAVE A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE DASHBOARD HAS COME UNGLUED. THE PART OF THE DASHBOARD COVERING THE AIRBAG LOOKS VERY LOOSE. I'M SCARED IT WILL DEPLOY. *TR
THE DASH-COVER HAS BUBBLED UP IN THE FRONT, CAUSING A SLIGHT VISIBILITY PROBLEM BUT WHAT I'M MORE WORRIED ABOUT IS THAT AS THIS SPREADS THE AIRBAGS MAY DEPLOY. IT IS ALSO A VERY NOTICEABLE APPEARANCE ISSUE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW ABRUPTLY RELEASED IN A DOWNWARD POSITION WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. RECENTLY, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW EXHIBITED THE SIMILAR FAILURE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW ABRUPTLY RELEASED IN A DOWNWARD POSITION WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. RECENTLY, THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW EXHIBITED THE SIMILAR FAILURE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 02/23/11 *BF UPDATED 02/28/11
THE DASHPAD ON MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE HAS PULLED LOOSE AT THE BASE AND IS BUNCHED UP IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO GLUE THE PAD BACK DOWN MYSELF BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE READ BLOG POSTS FROM SEVERAL 2000-2005 LESABRE OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, SO I NOW R…
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THE DASHPAD ON MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE HAS PULLED LOOSE AT THE BASE AND IS BUNCHED UP IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO GLUE THE PAD BACK DOWN MYSELF BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE READ BLOG POSTS FROM SEVERAL 2000-2005 LESABRE OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, SO I NOW REALIZE THAT THIS IS NOT THE ISOLATED PROBLEM I HAD THOUGHT IT WAS. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THE DASHPAD CONTINUES TO PULL LOOSE, THE AIRBAG SENSORS COULD BE TRIGGERED AND CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO INFLATE WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR MOST OF THE TIME, AND SINCE SHE IS ONLY 5 FEET TALL, SHE MUST MOVE THE SEAT UP ALMOST AS FAR AS IT WILL GO. MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER RIDES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN MY WIFE TAKES HER TO SCHOOL. I AM CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY SHOULD THE AIRBAGS ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOY DUE TO THE DASHPAD COMING LOOSE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WINDOW REGULATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE WINDOW REGULATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND HAD CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE LAST REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW MOTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN STUCK. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW MOTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO REMAIN STUCK. THE DEALER MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
Official recalls
202V222000 · 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
1EA02030 · 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.