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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
59,750 miles · Dec 6, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANTI FREEZE WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANTI FREEZE WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE GASKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,750 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,200. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10369328

64,141 miles · Dec 1, 2010
Visibility

2002 BUICK LESABRE - POWERED REAR WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE 2X. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368485

124,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Air BagsStructure

THE TOP DASHBOARD ON MY 2002 YEAR BUICK LESABRE HAS BECOME DISLODGED AT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IS SLOWLY BECOMING DISLODGED TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THIS TOP DASHBOARD HOUSES THE AIR BAG AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CAN BECOME INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED KILLING THE PASSENG…

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THE TOP DASHBOARD ON MY 2002 YEAR BUICK LESABRE HAS BECOME DISLODGED AT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IS SLOWLY BECOMING DISLODGED TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THIS TOP DASHBOARD HOUSES THE AIR BAG AT THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CAN BECOME INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED KILLING THE PASSENGER. GM HAS REFUSED TO DO A RECALL AND ITS BEEN 7 WEEKS SINCE THE NATIONAL SAFETY BOARD SAID THEY WILL SEND ME A COMPLAINT FORM TO COMPLETE. I AM GATHERING INFORMATION TO EXPOSE GENERAL MOTORS LACK OF CUSTOMER CONCERN WITH A TROUBLESHOOTER AT MY LOCAL TV STATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368434

114,000 miles · Oct 8, 2010
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EIGHT INCH DASHBOARD PANEL BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE PANEL SEPARATION ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE AIR BAG WINDOW AND CONTINUED TO EXTEND TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE V…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EIGHT INCH DASHBOARD PANEL BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE PANEL SEPARATION ORIGINATED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE AIR BAG WINDOW AND CONTINUED TO EXTEND TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL AIR BAG SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPADTED 10/11//11

NHTSA ODI #10359657

84,000 miles · Sep 2, 2010
Air BagsInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LASABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 17 MPH. THERE WAS NO CRASH AND THE CONTACT DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANY BUMPS OR UNEVEN SURFACES. THE PASSENGER'S RIGHT EAR WAS INJURED IN THE INCIDENT. THE DOCTOR STATED THAT SHE HAD A LOW TONE PROBLEM WITH HER HEARING TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LASABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 17 MPH. THERE WAS NO CRASH AND THE CONTACT DID NOT DRIVE OVER ANY BUMPS OR UNEVEN SURFACES. THE PASSENGER'S RIGHT EAR WAS INJURED IN THE INCIDENT. THE DOCTOR STATED THAT SHE HAD A LOW TONE PROBLEM WITH HER HEARING THAT WOULD BE PERMANENT. GENERAL MOTORS WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A PRODUCT DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND A RENTAL VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED. GENERAL MOTORS AGREED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE FOR $4700.00. THE CONTACT WAS NEGOTIATING THE BUY BACK TERMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 12/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED IN OCTOBER 2010 GM PRESENTED HIM WITH A CHECK FOR $5500 AND THE TITLE AND VEHICLE WAS TURNED OVER TO THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SALVAGED BUSINESS AND DESTROYED. UPDATED 12/29/10

NHTSA ODI #10353561

60,000 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Electrical SystemVisibility

BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS FAILED TO GO UP AFTER PUT IN THE DOWN POSITION. HAD TO REPLACE BOTH WIDOW REGULATOR'S AT A COST OF 450.00. ONLY 60,732 MILES ON THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351359

70,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY NINE MON…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY NINE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE WINDOW WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ODI #10350062

90,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Visibility

WINDOW FALLS INTO THE DOOR WITHOUT INPUT FROM DRIVER OR PASSENGER. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BUICK LESABRE CARS AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM AS A DESIGN DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350005

95,000 miles · Aug 17, 2010
Fuel System, OtherVehicle Speed Control

GAS PEDAL STICKS AT IDLE POSITION. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM IN NEUTRAL BUT IF IN DRIVE CAUSES A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350001

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2010
Visibility

I HAVE A 2002 YEAR BUICK LESABRE WHERE THE FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT RAISE UP OR DOWN FULLY. I HAD TO MANUALLY RAISED EACH WINDOW NY HAND TO CLOSE IT IF ACCIDENTALLY LOWERED BY A PASSENGER. WE GOT ONE OF OUR WINDOWS REPLACED FOR $600. I BOUGHT THE OTHER PART FOR OUR REAR WINDOW FOR ABOUT 60 DOLLARS AND HAD A MECHANIC P…

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I HAVE A 2002 YEAR BUICK LESABRE WHERE THE FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT RAISE UP OR DOWN FULLY. I HAD TO MANUALLY RAISED EACH WINDOW NY HAND TO CLOSE IT IF ACCIDENTALLY LOWERED BY A PASSENGER. WE GOT ONE OF OUR WINDOWS REPLACED FOR $600. I BOUGHT THE OTHER PART FOR OUR REAR WINDOW FOR ABOUT 60 DOLLARS AND HAD A MECHANIC PLACED IN MUCH CHEAPER THAN THE FORMER DEALERSHIP CHARGED. WITH ONE OF THE CHILD-PROOF REAR WINDOWS NOW LOCKED WITH A PIECE OF WOOD HOLDING IT UP IN THE DOOR WINDOW THIS MAKES IT VERY UNSAFE IF THIS CAR EVER IS SUBMERGED IN WATER OR SOME OTHER COMPROMISING POSITION WITH THE REAR PASSENGER NEEDING TO ESCAPE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349791

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.