2002 Buick Lesabre
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Lesabre › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Buick Lesabre. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 Buick Lesabre. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
310 complaints15 involved a crash12 involved a fire18 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
On May 2, 2026, I received a letter by mail from Kumho Tires regarding a set of tires that I purchased, in December 2023; DOT # 2222 and 2223, size, 225/60 R16 98T. In their letter they state that tires with DOT #'s ranging from 0421-0523 were recalled. They go on to state the following: tires…
On May 2, 2026, I received a letter by mail from Kumho Tires regarding a set of tires that I purchased, in December 2023; DOT # 2222 and 2223, size, 225/60 R16 98T. In their letter they state that tires with DOT #'s ranging from 0421-0523 were recalled. They go on to state the following: tires ranging with DOT #'s 0421-0523 were "non compliant" and "it is possible that an affected tire could fail in a manner that may lead to a loss of control that could increase the risk of a crash without warning". They then concluded by stating I was entitled to a full refund given that I responded to their letter in 180 days, which I did. However, despite various attempts to contact Kumho tires, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a refund from them or Tire Choice, which is the company I received the tires from, directly.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle smoke was present coming from under the hood and a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was determined the engine valve cover was faulty and oil had leaked onto the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle smoke was present coming from under the hood and a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was determined the engine valve cover was faulty and oil had leaked onto the exhaust manifold. The local dealer wallingford buick located at 1122 old north colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492 and the manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Power train · Service brakes · Steering
The frame of my car fell out while I was driving on a high way after I had already reported the problem and had been denied services to get it fixed.
- Service brakes
When I was getting ready to stop, I took my foot off of the gas pedal and was moving my foot over to the brake, the car suddenly speed up; I had to step on the brake extra hard to stop it. This has happened to me more than once. It doesn't happen all the time. I had one parking lot accident because of this issue.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Cpsc: the heated seat in my vehicle has burned a hole through the seat.*dt the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified but, did not offer any assistance. *Js
- Vehicle speed control
In a small town, approaching a stop sign at the highway crossroad with 2-3 vehicles in front of me. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started braking. The engine immediately revved, I moved my foot to try to raise the accelerator and it was all the way to the floor; it would not raise. I…
In a small town, approaching a stop sign at the highway crossroad with 2-3 vehicles in front of me. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started braking. The engine immediately revved, I moved my foot to try to raise the accelerator and it was all the way to the floor; it would not raise. I immediately placed in neutral and as pulling as close to curb as possible, I shut the ignition off, then placed in park. It had to be towed back home until we can deal with it. Luckily, I was able to act quickly enough to prevent any damage to any other vehicle or person.
- Seats
The heated seated on the front driver seat IS burning a hole through the seat.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
Was driving and as I pulled to redlight vehicle smelled of gas but burst into flames from the motor
- Unknown or other
Window motor has gone out numerous times on front 2 windows and has had to be replaced.last time drivers side was repaired was 4-17-2014.that was 3RD repair .has since broken again but I did not repair it again. Back driver side window fell open while on interstate 2 years ago. My car IS garage…
Window motor has gone out numerous times on front 2 windows and has had to be replaced.last time drivers side was repaired was 4-17-2014.that was 3RD repair .has since broken again but I did not repair it again. Back driver side window fell open while on interstate 2 years ago. My car IS garage kept with around 60,000 miles.these issues started within 3 or 4 years after I purchased it new. The repair shop where I take my car says they have seen many lesabres with the same problem.gm doesn't seem to feel there IS a problem.i know this because I have written and called them several times about my concerns.just wish they would have to be held accountable for their poor engineering.
- Engine
Drove car 0.2 miles parked car went into walmart car was seen smoking in parking lot engine caught on fire fire dept came talked to auto shop they said it has happened to this year of vehicle many times due to a manufacturer issue
- Service brakes
TL* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the failure. While driving 45 mph around a curve, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed…
TL* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the failure. While driving 45 mph around a curve, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to slow down or stop the vehicle. The contact sustained lacerations to the face and a right knee injury, which popped out of place. Medical attention was sought. The driver sustained minor injuries from the seat belt, but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to ultimate towing and recovery. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The vehicle was destroyed.
- Fuel/propulsion system
On startup the intake manifold exploded breaking the fuel supply line and catching the engine on fire
- Steering
12-1-10 86587m, both outer tie rod ends needed to be replaced. 1-21-15 119486m, right front outer tie rod replaced.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. While driving 45 mph, the contact fell asleep and crashed into a tree. None of the air bags deployed. The driver sustained a broken nose, fractured eye sockets, and head injuries, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vin was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. While driving 45 mph, the contact fell asleep and crashed into a tree. None of the air bags deployed. The driver sustained a broken nose, fractured eye sockets, and head injuries, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v222000 (air bags). The vehicle was towed to a yard and the contact was waiting on the manufacturer to determine why the air bags failed to deploy. The failure mileage was not available.
- Air bags
Got. Into a. Accident on 6 /9/2017 I was traveling 35 TO37 mls. Per hour a dark blue van tried to go before me coming the opposite way coming towards me she turn in fount of me I hit her on passage side of van it was a major accident no air bag deployed. We were on perkins st of akron ohio. [Xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor indicator remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 175,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system
Side airbags deployed - warming up at idle - in 4 degree f outside ambient air temperature - having been in high wind containing sandy dirt particles overnight - vehicle unoccupied - stationary in residence driveway. *tr
- Air bags · Seats · Unknown or other
Car parked in home driveway unoccupied, sitting still, running to warm up in very cold ambient air temperature (5 degrees f. side air bags on passenger and driver side simultaneously deployed damaging the seats and interior trim.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the engine leaked oil and could cause an engine fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign number…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the engine leaked oil and could cause an engine fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000. Updated 01/23/2017*ct *cn
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
Driving vehicle on road in subdivision when gas pedal became stuck and car accelerated out of control striking a garage door and wall with great impact. Air bags did not deploy. Driver escaped with minor injuries. Car was totaled. No else in car. *tr
- Air bags
My son was involved in a front end collision. The buick was totaled but the airbags did not deploy. He was going straight and an SUV made a short left turn in front of him and her drivers side collided with his entire front end.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard separated from the steering wheel, which caused the panel to raise and obscure the driver's visibility. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 11/29/16*lj *tr
- Tires
Two kumho tires were installed in august 2015 at 178,000 miles. in august of 2016 at 190,000 miles vehicle began to vibrate. returned to tire dealer and was told one of the tire was separating and needed replaced. Tires have 12,000 miles on them. no reason to believe the other one will not do the same thing. made in china.
- Air bags
My 'air-bag' light, for the past year, stays on constantly. Reading other messages on line, other owners have the same problem. Why isn't there a recall on this?
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I have had issues with my vehicle's oil leaking then burning/smoking off my car. This issue IS on my engine's manifold & hasn't been recalled even though the same engine IS recalled on other gm models. The engine on my lesabre IS the same 3.8 liter V6 3800 engine that was recalled twice by gm in…
I have had issues with my vehicle's oil leaking then burning/smoking off my car. This issue IS on my engine's manifold & hasn't been recalled even though the same engine IS recalled on other gm models. The engine on my lesabre IS the same 3.8 liter V6 3800 engine that was recalled twice by gm in the past 6 years. My engine had minimal fire in the incidents I experienced but quite a bit of smoke from the area the oil leaks. Once I kill the engine the smoke stops. Gm wants to charge for a diagnostic check & wouldn't recognize the issue on the very same engine, viewing it as just a vehicle not recalled even if it has the same faulty part. It caused my car's catalytic converter to fail as it burned through. A fix IS costly, so I went to my own independent mechanic to save myself money since gm does not want to take care of issues that they recalled. Below are the 2 recalls that should apply to my car & also the pontiac bonneville as well since they are both built on the same chassis, premise, & engine as the oldsmobile intrigue. Both lesabres & bonnevilles have the 3.8 V6 naturally aspirated 3800 engine that runs in the recalled intrigue. engine oil dripping on manifold may cause fire nthsa recall number: 15v701000 report received date: 10/26/2015 general motors llc (gm) IS recalling certain model year 1998-1999 chevrolet lumina and oldsmobile intrigue, 1997-2004 buick regal and pontiac grand prix, 2000-2004 chevrolet impala, and 1998-2004 chevrolet monte carlo vehicles. engine compartment fire nthsa recall number: 09v116000 date owner notified by manufacturer: 04/09/2009 report received date: 04/08/2009 general motors IS recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engine.
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.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
Every Buick Lesabre model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.