Most common 2001 Buick Lesabre problems
Share of the 328 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Lesabre complaints by model year
Best Lesabre years: 2005, 1996, 2003. Years to avoid: 2000, 1998, 1997. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Buick Lesabre:
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 backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
What 2001 Buick Lesabre owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 98 →
All 4 windows have failed. One of them twice! My dashboard is separating exactly the same way many others have described theirs. I initially had major battery issues (battery is located under back seat on driver's side - how weird is that?). I would drive my car to the store, come out, and it would not start. One time, I opened the trunk to get my jumper cables and when I slammed the trunk lid, the radio came on! Then, of course, the car started just fine. After owning this possessed car with major reliability issues for several months, we found an electrical mechanic who discovered a lose wire in the manufacturers electrical work which was somehow connected to the battery. My gas gauge hasn't worked in years. I am always at 3/4 to a full tank. …
I found the rear driver's window opened on my 2001 Buick lasabre and I tried to close using the electric controls - it would not close. I originally thought vandalism because I rarely use that window. I could pull the window up with my hands but it would slide down. I had no control of the window with electric controls. Called my dealer noecker Buick-Pontiac inc who told me to fix the window the regulator (GM#15231245) needed to be replaced. The regulator cost me $301.80 plus tax (not including labor). I had it fixed on June 20, 2005. The mileage on my car that day was 50170 miles. Two days ago on March 21, 2006 I found the passenger's rear window opened. The window was inoperable using the electric controls. I can slide the window up using my hands and duct tape it shut until I get the window repaired. The mileage on my car today is 57350 miles. …
Body & structure all 50 →
All 4 windows have failed. One of them twice! My dashboard is separating exactly the same way many others have described theirs. I initially had major battery issues (battery is located under back seat on driver's side - how weird is that?). I would drive my car to the store, come out, and it would not start. One time, I opened the trunk to get my jumper cables and when I slammed the trunk lid, the radio came on! Then, of course, the car started just fine. After owning this possessed car with major reliability issues for several months, we found an electrical mechanic who discovered a lose wire in the manufacturers electrical work which was somehow connected to the battery. My gas gauge hasn't worked in years. I am always at 3/4 to a full tank. …
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.
Engine & cooling all 47 →
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. …
I try to start the car and the car wouldn't start and then I tried to start the car again then I heard a big loud sound from the engine a boob sound. I notice smoke was coming from the hood. My brother was outside when the loud sound went off. My brother and I move the other vehicles out of the way so it wouldn't catch on fire. Went back over to the car my brother tried to pursue with the matter and he notice he was on fire under the hood while the smoke were coming from the engine it was to much for him to handle so he told me to call the fire department and did that. Engine was on fire spreading larger surrounding the tires on the front of the car while the engine was in flames. The police came and the fire department arrive a couples minutes after that. They spread it down with fire hoses and that was it. …
2001 Buick Lesabre engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 27 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Buick Lesabre a good car?
Based on 328 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Lesabre rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Lesabre at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Buick Lesabre?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 98 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about power window devices and controls. Next are the body & structure (50) and engine & cooling (47).
How many recalls does the 2001 Buick Lesabre have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Buick Lesabre. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Lesabre?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 1996 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1998 and 1997. See the full Buick Lesabre years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Buick Lesabre problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.