Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 77 | −71% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 162 | −49% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 164 | −50% | 1 | Body | Good |
| 2002 | 310 | 1.3× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2001 | 328 | 1.3× | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2000 | 669 | 3.3× | 5 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 1999 | 209 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 400 | 2.2× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1997 | 394 | 2.0× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 1996 | 98 | −61% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 1995 | 178 | −23% | 1 | Airbag | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Lesabre year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Buick Lesabre problems
Latest Buick Lesabre recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began April 5, 2002.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the head lamp adjustment device horizontal adjuster May not move the head lamp reflector when the shaft is rotated in a normal manner during aiming.
Remedy: An insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps will be provided to owners for the owner's manual. Owners should follow the procedure in the insert for headlamp aim adjustment, rather than using the…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Buick Lesabre should you avoid?
2000, 1998 and 1997 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Lesabre years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2000.
What is the best year for the Buick Lesabre?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Lesabre years at the same age, followed by 1996 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Buick Lesabre problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (643), windows, wipers & sunroof (537) and electrical system (411). Engine complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Buick Lesabre had?
12 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Buick Lesabre recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.