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 reports
63,000 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Structure
THE DASH OF OUR 2002 LASABRE BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WINDSHIELD HAS PULLED APART AND IS BECOMING AN OBSTRUCTION TO OUR VIEW. THE SEPARATION IS ABOUT AN INCH AND IS BEGINNING TO LIFT UP. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH WHERE THE AIR BAG IS LOCATED IS STARTING TO BULGE FROM THE DASH AND COULD BE PRESENTING A SAFETY HAZARD I…
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THE DASH OF OUR 2002 LASABRE BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WINDSHIELD HAS PULLED APART AND IS BECOMING AN OBSTRUCTION TO OUR VIEW. THE SEPARATION IS ABOUT AN INCH AND IS BEGINNING TO LIFT UP. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH WHERE THE AIR BAG IS LOCATED IS STARTING TO BULGE FROM THE DASH AND COULD BE PRESENTING A SAFETY HAZARD IF IT CONTINUES TO EXTEND OUT FARTHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242291
40,000 miles · Aug 14, 2008
Structure
THE DASHBOARD COVER SEPARATED FROM THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE LIMITED. EVENTUALLY, THE COVER WILL SEPARATE ENOUGH TO BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VIEW FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN A SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE CRASH THAT COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AND THE DRIVER AND P…
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THE DASHBOARD COVER SEPARATED FROM THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE LIMITED. EVENTUALLY, THE COVER WILL SEPARATE ENOUGH TO BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VIEW FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN A SERIOUS AUTOMOBILE CRASH THAT COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE THAT IS STRUCK IN AN INCIDENT. A SAFETY RECALL IS NEEDED SO THAT BUICK WILL RECALL MODELS THAT ARE EFFECTED AND THUS AVOID A SERIOUS CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238327
79,324 miles · Aug 10, 2008
Power Train
WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT MY BUICK BACK IN 2002 WE HAVE HAD TRANNY PROBLEMS WITH NOISES AND HESITATION. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE VALVEBODY. THAT DIDN'T HELP THE NOISE BUT IT HELPED THE HESITATION. THE NOISE IS A WHINING NOISE IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR BUT WHEN YOU GET IN THIRD IT GOES AWAY. THAT IS DUE T…
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WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT MY BUICK BACK IN 2002 WE HAVE HAD TRANNY PROBLEMS WITH NOISES AND HESITATION. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE VALVEBODY. THAT DIDN'T HELP THE NOISE BUT IT HELPED THE HESITATION. THE NOISE IS A WHINING NOISE IN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR BUT WHEN YOU GET IN THIRD IT GOES AWAY. THAT IS DUE TO A BAD SUN GEAR. WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF MY TRANSMISSION. WE TRIED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO HELP US BUT THEY JUST SAID IT WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR (TYPICAL DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY). AFTER $3200 AND 4 DAYS WE HAD A NEW TRANNY. I DROVE IT FOR 3 DAYS AND THE WHINING NOISE CAME BACK. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT BACK AND TELL THE TO FIX IT BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL LIKE PAYING $3200 FOR ANOTHER TRANNY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237606
20,135 miles · Aug 8, 2008
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT COULD NOT BE WASHED BECAUSE THE TWO REAR WINDOWS HAD DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WOULD NOT ROLL BACK UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REGULATOR CABLE GUIDES WERE CRACKED AND TWISTED. THE CABLES WERE REPLACED AT THE C…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A CAR WASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT COULD NOT BE WASHED BECAUSE THE TWO REAR WINDOWS HAD DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WOULD NOT ROLL BACK UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REGULATOR CABLE GUIDES WERE CRACKED AND TWISTED. THE CABLES WERE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $250 AND THE DEALER WAS REIMBURSED BY GM. ON AUGUST 6, 2008, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAILED REGULATOR AND IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $674.04. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,283 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,135.
NHTSA ODI #10237467
20,135 miles · Aug 7, 2008
Visibility
2002 BUICK LE SABRE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE AND REPLACED BOTH REAR WINDOWS AND DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237410
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2008
Visibility
I HAVE 2002 BUCK LASABRE, CUSTOM; ONLY 22,000 MILES. ONLY I USE THE CAR , IT LOOKS LIKE NEW. ASKING DIRECTION, I OPENED RIGHT FRONT WINDOW. BUT I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE IT. I OPEN FRONT WINDOWS ONLY IN RARE CASES - TO ASK SOMETHING; MAYBE 10-15 TIMES SINCE 2002. DURING THE NIGHT THE CAR REMAINED OPEN AND SOMEONE TOOK SPORTIVE…
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I HAVE 2002 BUCK LASABRE, CUSTOM; ONLY 22,000 MILES. ONLY I USE THE CAR , IT LOOKS LIKE NEW. ASKING DIRECTION, I OPENED RIGHT FRONT WINDOW. BUT I WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE IT. I OPEN FRONT WINDOWS ONLY IN RARE CASES - TO ASK SOMETHING; MAYBE 10-15 TIMES SINCE 2002. DURING THE NIGHT THE CAR REMAINED OPEN AND SOMEONE TOOK SPORTIVE SHOES AND ABOUT $12 THAT I FORGOT TO TAKE HOME. NEXT DAY I CAME TO BUICK AUTO SHOP (THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2002) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS WINDOW REGULATOR AND IT WOULD COST $760. I AM A RETIREE AND CAN'T PAY SUCH AMOUNT. I OPEN A PART OF THE DOOR AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REASON WAS A DEFECTED CAM. I NEEDED 3 SMALL PARTS ( AN UPPER FRONT CAM, WHEEL (BOTH FROM PLASTIC) AND A GUIDE (FROM METAL) THAT FIX THE CAM AND WHEEL TO THE FRAME. ALL THESE PARTS SHOULD COST ONLY SEVERAL DOLLARS BUT NOBODY GAVE ME THEIR NUMBERS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ORDER THEM. ON THE INTERNET I FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. AS IF THE COMPANY DELIBERATELY PUT DEFECTED PARTS THAT CAN BE EASILY CHANGED BUT ONLY BY GM EMPLOYEES ( A CUSTOMER LEAVES UNNECESSARY DEFECTED UNIT) AND SOLD AGAIN AS NEW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235663
69,000 miles · Jul 24, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL HAS SEPARATED INTO TWO PARTS. THE FAILURE ORIGINALLY BEGAN NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND CURRENTLY EXTENDS 20 INCHES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE REPAIRED, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL HAS SEPARATED INTO TWO PARTS. THE FAILURE ORIGINALLY BEGAN NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND CURRENTLY EXTENDS 20 INCHES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE REPAIRED, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,400.
NHTSA ODI #10235656
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2008
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING WINDOW PASSENGER SIDE FELL DOWN AND COULD NOT BE BROUGHT UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235540
72,000 miles · Jun 26, 2008
Visibility
BROKEN REAR DRIVER WINDOW REGULATOR ON 2002 LESABRE BUICK. 72,000 MILES. LOWERING WINDOWS AND WINDOW STOPPED WORKING IN DOWN POSITION. $400 TO FIX AND 3-5 DAYS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232414
40,000 miles · Jun 22, 2008
Wheels
2002 BUICK LASABRE LIMITED HAS ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS THAT ARE SERIOUSLY CORRODING AT THE SEALING RIM CAUSING A SERIOUS LOSS OF TIRE AIR PRESSURE. WE HAD TO PAY OUR BUICK DEALER TO CLEAN AND EPOXY COAT THE WHEELS TO STOP THE LEAKING. IT FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE TO CHECK THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE EVERY DAY OR 150 MILES O…
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2002 BUICK LASABRE LIMITED HAS ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS THAT ARE SERIOUSLY CORRODING AT THE SEALING RIM CAUSING A SERIOUS LOSS OF TIRE AIR PRESSURE. WE HAD TO PAY OUR BUICK DEALER TO CLEAN AND EPOXY COAT THE WHEELS TO STOP THE LEAKING. IT FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE TO CHECK THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE EVERY DAY OR 150 MILES OR THE TIRES CAN BECOME SO DEFLATED THAT THEY ARE UNSAFE. THIS ISSUE IS JUST AS SERIOUS AS THE FORD EXPLORER/FIRESTONE TIRE ISSUE AND NO ONE AT BUICK OR GM WILL ADMIT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM. *TR
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.
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.
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