Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tie rod nuts had failed and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V301000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under the recall because the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V090000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Lesabre. After adjusting the steering wheel in an upward position while parking, the steering wheel failed to move and remained locked when attempting to be readjusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the string needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Lesabre. While attempting to make a right turn, the power steering failed. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken a dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer stated that, due to the vehicle being over eight years old, they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,458.
This car began to show signs of front end wobble a few months ago. This means it feels like the wheels shake from side to side mostly when accelerating from 30 to 45 MPH. I took it to the dealer about a month ago but he said he only felt it one time while driving it several blocks around the dealership neighborhood. I took it to Firestone immediately after I left the dealership and they balanced the Bridgestone tires and the wobble seemed to be lessened. I then took it home and replaced the rear rotors and brake pads as they seems to vibrate when we put the parking brake on while driving. This seemed to help smooth it out at the time. This is my wife's car so she drives it and in less than a month she said it is wobbling again. I drove it again tonight and it is much worse than before so I believe there is something seriously wrong with this suspension. …
2000 Buick Lesabre ltd approximately.(1)month after purchase vehicle stalled in traffic while coming to a stop or at low speeds dealer replaced idle air control,replaced fuel pump relay;manufacturer case#4032757. 10/23/01replaced water pump;uses oil;frontend vibrates ai 65mph date reported 10/23/01 dealer dealer balanced tires front end still vibrates to date of this report.I purchased all new tires but still have same problem with front end vibration , coolant at intakemannorfold.replaced gasket,(3)wheel alignments,passenger window inop replaced windwo regulator,water pump replaced again; at 35684mileage dealer states that while changing my oil he found left and right tire rods having excessive play tire rods replaced after I notifide manufacture file#f-244217003.
While driving this vehicle the bolts on my rear brake pad broke in half and the car was unable to move forward, had to drive my car backwards home luckily I was only a block away from home. The 2 front windows will not roll up or down, keep having to replace the hose that leads to my radiator, when I make right turns the car vibrates, two front seat belts have stop locking all together and this vehicle has never been in any sort of crash or accident, front dash is starting to lift considerably. I adore my vehicle and I'm not looking forward to getting rid of it, but there are too many problems to deal with on this car.
The cruise control in the consumer's 2000 Buick Lesabre failed at 50000 miles. There was a stability system problem due to a corroded sensor which was caused by the inability of the insulating material protecting the sensor. A new left front bearing hub was replaced due to corrosion in the plug. The steering wheel sensor on the lower steering column had to be replaced. The vehicle would abruptly come to a stop three times in 75 feet just as if the brakes were applied but the driver had no control of the situation. The consumer requested reimbursement for the parts that had been updated and the labor.
Engine shuts off while driving, so far, only at lower speeds. Sometimes, by putting in neutral and turning key, engine starts again. Other times, it has to set for a while. Put new battery in 11/7/2013. Problem persisted. Three auto repair shops, including a Buick dealership, have checked it out, but it does not die on them in the amount of time its in their possession so I was told there was nothing they could do. Typically, it happens after it is driven at least 20 miles. Came very close to being rear-ended as I was unable to pull off the road enough to be out of the way on a road with hills and blind spots.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the rack and pinion bracket detached from the frame and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken for diagnosis where the contact was advised of the rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 125,000. Updated 11/01/12 the consumer stated he attempted to make a turn, but the vehicle went toward oncoming traffic. Updated 11/01/12
Tl contact owns a 2000 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the two rear windows were inoperative because the regulator failed. The failure has occurred on two occasions. The dealer confirmed the regulator failure. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. In addition, the wheel bearings and tie rods failed and were replaced. The failure mileage was 56,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 07/01/09 updated 07/06/09.
Related recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The inner tie rod nuts are loose and can result in separation of a tie rod.
Remedy: Dealers will check and adjust the vehicle toe-in and tighten the inner tie rod nuts to the specified torque.
Steering complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Buick Lesabre, 7% of the model year's 669 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Buick Lesabre steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-301 (tie rod assembly, Oct 29, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Buick Lesabre steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.