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
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
QUESTIONS CONCERNING 2002 BUICK LESABRE RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAK IN UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *MR WHICH LEAD TO THE THROTTLE BODY GASKET OR THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED AN OIL LEAK IN THE VICINTITY OF THE SHROUD (PLASTIC). THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE WITH QUICK FIX THAT THE MANUAL S…
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QUESTIONS CONCERNING 2002 BUICK LESABRE RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAK IN UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *MR WHICH LEAD TO THE THROTTLE BODY GASKET OR THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED AN OIL LEAK IN THE VICINTITY OF THE SHROUD (PLASTIC). THE CONSUMER DID NOT AGREE WITH QUICK FIX THAT THE MANUAL STATED . *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10048225
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2003
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES MELTED. THE OWNER CONTACTED BUICK. BUICK STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. BUICK WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *AK *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10044052
15,000 miles · Oct 21, 2003
Power Train
WHATEVER ILLUMINATES THE GEARSHIFT POSITION IS SOMETIMES TOO DULL TO MAKE OUT THE LETTERS. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY REFER ME TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043317
1,825 miles · Oct 10, 2003
Power Train
FRONT END VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE HAD BEEN BALANCED/ WHEEL BEARINGS HAD BEEN REPLACED, AND A STEERING DAMPENER WAS INSTALLED. NONE OF THESE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE PROBLEM; CAUSE NOT DETERMINED. TSB# 000310007A DID NOT REFERENCE THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE CONCLUDED THAT THE TORQUE CO…
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FRONT END VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE HAD BEEN BALANCED/ WHEEL BEARINGS HAD BEEN REPLACED, AND A STEERING DAMPENER WAS INSTALLED. NONE OF THESE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE PROBLEM; CAUSE NOT DETERMINED. TSB# 000310007A DID NOT REFERENCE THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE CONCLUDED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VIBRATION. HE ALSO STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TS *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10037960
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN REFERENCE TO AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. THE RECALL SAID THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY FASTENERS WITH REDESIGNED FASTENERS AND ADD COOLANT SYSTEMS SEALANT TO THE RADIATOR TANK. THE CONSUMER THINKS THIS IS A QUICK FIX…
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ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.*MR THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN REFERENCE TO AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. THE RECALL SAID THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY FASTENERS WITH REDESIGNED FASTENERS AND ADD COOLANT SYSTEMS SEALANT TO THE RADIATOR TANK. THE CONSUMER THINKS THIS IS A QUICK FIX AND THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE GASKETS AND BOLTS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10042603
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2003
Tires
I HAVE A PROBLEM, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF I COULD GET ANY ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE AS WHO I MIGHT CONTACT TO HELP SEE IF I CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I PURCHASED TWO TIRES FROM BIG O TIRES-OCEANSIDE, 499 COLLEGE BLVD, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 -760-940-1100. I WAS TOLD THAT THESE WERE VERY GOOD TIRES WITH LOW NOISE. ? 50,000 MILE RATED TI…
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I HAVE A PROBLEM, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF I COULD GET ANY ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE AS WHO I MIGHT CONTACT TO HELP SEE IF I CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I PURCHASED TWO TIRES FROM BIG O TIRES-OCEANSIDE, 499 COLLEGE BLVD, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 -760-940-1100. I WAS TOLD THAT THESE WERE VERY GOOD TIRES WITH LOW NOISE. ? 50,000 MILE RATED TIRE. I HAD THEM INSTALLED THESE TWO NEW TIRES ON THE FRONT OF MY CAR, WHICH REPLACED THE ORIGINAL FACTORY TIRES. I DRIVE 500-1000 MILES PER WEEK. AFTER MY FIRST WEEK THE NOISE WAS LIKE HAVING A MOTORCYCLE IN MY CAR AND I HAD EXTREME VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IN THE SEAT OF MY CAR, ALONG WITH INCREDIBLE SHAKING, WHEN I BRAKED. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO BIG O, AND COMPLAINED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THEY SAID MY ROTORS WERE WARPED SO I PAID TO HAVE THEM TURNED AND SAID THAT IT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEMS. I WAS OUT ON THE ROAD TRAVELING THE NEXT WEEK, ANOTHER 800 MILES AND THE NOISE SEEM TO GET WORSE. THE SHAKING HAD BEEN REDUCED, HOWEVER THERE STILL REMAINED MORE VIBRATION THAN I HAD WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT WERE JUST ABOUT TO WEAR OUT. I NOW HAVE ABOUT 2,000 PLUS MILES ON THESE TIRES AND THE NOISE IS UNBELIEVABLE LOUD, STARTING AT 20-MILES PER HOUR. I TOOK MY ISSUE TO BIG O; THEY SAID THAT I COULD BUY SOME NEW TIRES (I REQUESTED BRIDGESTONE) PAY FOR MOUNTING THE NEW TIRES, WHICH WOULD ADD ABOUT ANOTHER $80. EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT LIKE THIS IDEA, I AGREED TO SPEND THE ADDITIONAL MONEY. I GET THERE ON SATURDAY MORNING 10/3 AND I AM TOLD THEY WILL ONLY ALLOW 50% ON THE TIRES THEY HAD SOLD ME. I STARTED MY ISSUE WITH THEM FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WITH THEIR SO CALLED SOLUTIONS AND IT ENDS UP COSTING ME MORE MONEY EACH TIME. THE OWNER HAS NOT CALLED ME BACK. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE IN HELPING RESOLVE MY ISSUE. WHICH BIG O TIRES MY BE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSE OTHER PROBLEMS TO MY CAR AS WELL. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041222
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2003
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE TRAVELING WITH DAY TIME RUNNING LAMP ON AND WHILE SUN IS SHINING DASH OARD INDICATOR GIVES POOR READING 30-45 SECONDS AFTER TRAVELING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10038487
10,000 miles · Sep 2, 2003
StructureInjury
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRUNK LID HAD A TENDENCY TO SWING UP AND DOWN WHEN OPENED. ON ONE OCCASION THE LID CAME DOWN AND HIT THE CONSUMERS GLASSES AND GAVE HER A BLACK EYE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TORSION BAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10029974
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2003
Visibility
REDUCED & IMPAIRED VISIBILITY THROUGH FRONT WINDSHIELD DUE TO REFLECTION OF DASH/SLOPE OF WINDSHIELD. CAUSES LOSS OF CLARITY, ESPECIALLY DURING BRIGHT DAYLIGHT DRIVING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032771
10,639 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE LEFT WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING. *AK IT WAS RAINING HARD WHEN THE LEFT WIPER FAILED, BUT THE RIGHT WIPER CONTINUED TO WORK, AND THEN THE LEFT WIPER ARM NUT HAD COME OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE NUT WITH A NYLON INSERT SO THAT IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. *SCC *JB
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.
2002 Buick Lesabre Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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