2001 Buick Lesabre
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Lesabre › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Buick Lesabre. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
328 complaints10 involved a crash22 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Turned the key in ignition just past click and heard a loud bang in engine under hood. I looked under the car and seen flames. Within 18 minutes the whole car was in totally on fire. The volunteer fire department came and put it out. We did a search on the internet and discovered we are not the only ones to experience this.
- Engine
The contact owned a 2001 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact stated that a black smoke began to emit from the engine as he was able to pull into an independent mechanic shop. The…
The contact owned a 2001 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact stated that a black smoke began to emit from the engine as he was able to pull into an independent mechanic shop. The contact immediately exited the vehicle as flames began to emit from the vehicle's engine. Employees from the independent mechanic attempted to assist with the fire as the fire department was called to the scene. Police and fire arrived at the scene as the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed and the contact was given a police report number(#C221CR384628). No injuries were reported and no medical assistance was needed. The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was eventually towed to an independent junk yard and destroyed. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,900.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he saw smoke emerging from the engine of the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the engine was up in flames. There was no crash or injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department…
TL* the contact owned a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, he saw smoke emerging from the engine of the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the engine was up in flames. There was no crash or injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted and could extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The contact had not notified a local dealer. The vehicle had been not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that when her husband turned the ignition on, the vehicle made a loud popping noise that was coming from the engine. The contacts husband noticed smoke was coming from under the hood and when he lift the hood, it was engulfed in flames.…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that when her husband turned the ignition on, the vehicle made a loud popping noise that was coming from the engine. The contacts husband noticed smoke was coming from under the hood and when he lift the hood, it was engulfed in flames. The contacts husband was able to extinguished the fire. The contact also mentioned that the engine was fractured and that the cover had blown off due to the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,060.*dt*jb
- Engine
TL* the contact's father owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage for approximately 5 weeks, when his father was attempting to jump start the battery when on the second attempt there was an explosion in the engine compartment. The contact and his…
TL* the contact's father owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage for approximately 5 weeks, when his father was attempting to jump start the battery when on the second attempt there was an explosion in the engine compartment. The contact and his father was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was contacted however, they did not extinguish the fire and a fire department report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured. A dealer had not been aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,348.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that a fire ignited without warning under the hood after the driver exited the vehicle. When the hood was opened, the contact noticed that the engine cover for the engine assembly and fuel system had flown off. The fire extinguished on…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that a fire ignited without warning under the hood after the driver exited the vehicle. When the hood was opened, the contact noticed that the engine cover for the engine assembly and fuel system had flown off. The fire extinguished on its own. The vehicle remained parked at the contact's residence due to the failure. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v090000 (fuel system, gasoline) and nhtsa action number: ea02030 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the vehicle exhibited the same failures as the recall and nhtsa investigation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. *Tt *tr
- Engine
The car was off and parked in our driveway. when the key was put in the ignition and turned on, a large explosion under the hood occurred. the car was immediately turned off and smoke started coming out from under the hood. after opening the hood, saw the engine was on fire so put it out with a fire extinguisher. really heavy gas smell inside the car today (1 day later)
- Engine
The vehicle in question IS equipped with the 3800 series engine. The vehicle caught on fire while starting the engine. Family member owned a 2003 chevy impala with identical engine which caught on fire while he was driving home for work. Gm settled with them for a recall that was placed on the engine. I believe there IS a major design flaw with this engine.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Steering · Suspension
I bought a car on june 17TH I was told there was nothing wrong with the car so I told the woman I bought it from I wanted it inspected before I made a decision to buy it to make sure it was safe she brought it to her inspection station in it got in inspection sticker stating there was absolutely…
I bought a car on june 17TH I was told there was nothing wrong with the car so I told the woman I bought it from I wanted it inspected before I made a decision to buy it to make sure it was safe she brought it to her inspection station in it got in inspection sticker stating there was absolutely nothing wrong with it as I drove it home I noticed that it was bouncing up and down in that the front-end and back-end would hit the ground I had a friend look at it that knows about cars and told me that the front and back struts were completely gone and it also had for bald tires and there IS oil splattered all over the engine I contacted the woman I bought it from and she will not return my calls and wants nothing to do with giving me my money back I also went back to the inspection station and asked how the heck did this car get in inspection sticker I was told to leave I need advice and where I should go from here
- Engine
I went out to start the car to go to work and I heard a backfire, my husband came out wondering what that bang was. Smoke started coming out from the hood. He popped the hood to see what the problem was and flames came shooting out from under the hood. he closed the hood to smother the fire, we…
I went out to start the car to go to work and I heard a backfire, my husband came out wondering what that bang was. Smoke started coming out from the hood. He popped the hood to see what the problem was and flames came shooting out from under the hood. he closed the hood to smother the fire, we had to call the fire department' to put the fire out. the car IS a total loss. Now we are without a car. Now what!!!! this car was well maintained and great working order before this happened.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2001 buick lesabre. When the contact inserted the key in the ignition to start the vehicle it made a popping sound and smoke appeared underneath the hood. Momentarily the vehicle burst into flames without warning. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report.…
TL* the contact owned a 2001 buick lesabre. When the contact inserted the key in the ignition to start the vehicle it made a popping sound and smoke appeared underneath the hood. Momentarily the vehicle burst into flames without warning. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was unknown. updated 03/16/17*lj updated 08/11/2017*js
- Unknown or other
Rear window falls down. known problem in bucks. very costly temporary fix as window will not stay up for long and will fall down again. my daughter had to drive the car home from school in 10 degree weather after the window fell down. Buick and government protection agency should be ashamed.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being operated, the air bag sensor warning light suddenly illuminated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,889.
- Engine
There was an oil smell while my car was running and the passenger side of the defrost stopped working. I took the vehicle into my mechanic. My mechanic told me that there was a lot of oil leaking onto the engine and it was not safe to drive it until this leak was fixed. I left the car at his shop…
There was an oil smell while my car was running and the passenger side of the defrost stopped working. I took the vehicle into my mechanic. My mechanic told me that there was a lot of oil leaking onto the engine and it was not safe to drive it until this leak was fixed. I left the car at his shop while the parts were ordered. I learned of the gm recall of the 3800 series engine (oil seeping through valve cover gaskets and causing engine fires) and asked my mechanic if this was the same oil leaking problem and why wasn't the model, the 2001 buick lesabre, put on the recall list because it has the 3800 series engine in it. he did not know, so I called gm and ask why this model wasn't listed in the recall. the gm support staff searched my vin number and said that this model IS not covered under the recall. I decided to continue with the repair of the oil leak, and my mechanic ordered new valve cover and gasket parts. my mechanic informed me that the parts were on back order due to the recall and there would be a waiting period. after a few weeks my mechanic called and said that the parts were in and that he would start the work the next day. the following day I received a call from my mechanic that as they started the car to move it from parking lot into the work bay there was a loud pop and smoke came out from under the hood. they lifted the hood, the engine was on fire so they extinguished the fire with fire suppression immediately and notified me. I called the gm support staff back to let them know that my original complaint of an oil leak had progressed to an engine fire while waiting for the parts to arrive and the repair to begin. the car had been parked for several weeks, stationary in the parking lot prior to starting it before the pop-sound and fire. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have been experiencing. severe hesitation and loss of power. I have replaced the 3 ignition coils, the ignition module, new spark plugs, and a wire set. I have been reading alot about fires on this site. yesterday 7/7/16 when I came home there was a loud weering sound, and once I turned off…
I have been experiencing. severe hesitation and loss of power. I have replaced the 3 ignition coils, the ignition module, new spark plugs, and a wire set. I have been reading alot about fires on this site. yesterday 7/7/16 when I came home there was a loud weering sound, and once I turned off the engine their was a loud piercing whistle as if built up pressure was being relieved under the hood near the passenger side wheel well. today again a lack of power, flashing service engine light, and no power. I afraid the engine might catch on fire as in other postings on this site.
- Unknown or other
Dash peeling up at windshield on drivers side about half way to passengers side
- Fuel/propulsion system
Replaced fuel pump and sender because of erratic levels 6 months later same problem arrose
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Our buick had been running fine, but went to move it one morning. With a cold engine, as soon as we hit the starter, the engine exploded very loudly and started burning. After the fire was put out, it was determined that the entire intake manifold, along with the fuel lines had exploded in many…
Our buick had been running fine, but went to move it one morning. With a cold engine, as soon as we hit the starter, the engine exploded very loudly and started burning. After the fire was put out, it was determined that the entire intake manifold, along with the fuel lines had exploded in many pieces. From internet research, it was found that the fuel pressure regulator had a recall for vehicle years '98-'00, which these models had the same condition. Had I had the hood open at the time, I'D probably been hurt by flying chunks from the intake manifold. This IS a very dangerous condition which could have easily caused bodily harm, even from fire to the passengers inside.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the manifold failed…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the manifold failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. updated 04/07/16*lj the consumer stated the valve cover gasket was replaced. Updated 04/14/16.*jb
- Steering · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard was lifting independently and the steering wheel shook violently when turned in either direction. In addition, the headliner was tearing. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.
- Unknown or other
My daughter, son-in-law, and grandson stopped at my mother's house for just a few min. Then they were going to drive on to my house. we all live within 5 miles of each other. they were all inside my mom's house when they heard and explosion. after looking outside, they seen the car on fire. they are lucky to be here. its a miracle. Your company should have to compensate them for malfunctioning parts.
- Electrical system · Power train · Steering
Car has twice shutoff during driving. last time in middle of turn, son ran off road because steering wheel was locked. it IS not included in any gm recall for the ignition switch, but symptoms are identical. dealer has no idea how to repair except to 'try' things. problem IS, if guess IS wrong and problem persists, serious accident could happen.
- Unknown or other
The dash pad IS peeling and warping and I found a site that told me to report it here as a lot of people are having the same issue with several years of the lesabre.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The gas hand said it was full, when I drove off the parking lot.. I didn't get off the road, when the car ran out of gas. Cars blowing horns.
- Electrical system
Several times beginning in approximately march 2015, my car began to stall while at signal. one time the car quit while driving. the ignition does not work properly, sometimes it will turn the car over to start, other times it will not. I did not know about the recall. I purchased my buick at a…
Several times beginning in approximately march 2015, my car began to stall while at signal. one time the car quit while driving. the ignition does not work properly, sometimes it will turn the car over to start, other times it will not. I did not know about the recall. I purchased my buick at a lien sale. I am worried the car may have the problem indicated in the recall. I had two mechanics check the battery (replaced) alternator (tested good) and they checked fuel injection and air intake. the problem continues to happen. I would sincerely appreciate it if a general motors dealer could please check my car. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232156This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10230605This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Every Buick Lesabre model year
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