Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
2001 Buick Lesabre experienced the following problems: cruise control would not set, automatic transmission had no reverse ability, water leaking from the coolant pump, ses light illuminated, left rear brake light.** answer required*** there was a whistling sound coming from around the window area due to a revealing molding piece, the steering felt funny and was noisy when turning, there was also a clunk in the steering, there was excessive play in the right and left tie rod end, the left rear brake light was out, the right rear center bulb was out, the original battery had leaked acid causing a hole in floor under the back seat, the light switch stuck in the on position, and the right front marker light out. The power steering pump was replaced.
Automatic transmission failed at 65000 miles after having already been repaired once. Initially extended warranty company tried to blame me for the failure but after dealer disassembled transmission for inspection it was covered. Also, have had numerous problems with lights on the dashboard, radio and steering wheel constantly failing, 2 windows have failed in the open position, the drivers side heated seat stopped working at 50,000 miles. The only thing that has not been fixed is the heated seat. Dealer says it costs too much to fix. I bought the best extended warranty the dealer offered and still have to fight to get things fixed. This is the last time I buy American.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard had begun separating from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the heat and temperature changes, which deteriorated the material. The vehicle was not repair and the dealer offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was notified who stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and to have the vehicle taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 61,000. Updated 10/10/12 updated 10/11/2012
While driving on highway and heard a loud noise and the car stopped. Was able to pull to side of road. The transmission was the result of a "defective bearing tht came apart in the final drive of the transmission, causing metal contamination thorughout the transaxle." this was the analysis of austin transmission. Car is a 2001 Buick Lesabre with 50,000 miles. Austin transmission says GM has "updated parts" - parts which replace defective parts. This was a defective part. No transmission should fail at 50,000. This car was not driven by teenagers. This is my wife's car - age 65 but I was driving it that day.
On my 2001 Buick Lesabre, the transmission went out. Since we had an extended warranty, they are replacing it with a used transmission, which is a concern since I do not know how many miles it will have on it. In any event, I do not think a transmission should go out at 50,000 miles, and since it had other problems which caused it to end up at the dealership, I am concerned taking it any distance. The reason I purchased a Buick was reliability, but it has been the most unreliable car I have owned (I am 53), and I have never had a transmission go out and have owned cars since I was 18.
2/9/2001 purchased Buick Lesabre 1/19/2003 transmission shifted itself from reverse to drive when exiting owners garage. 34,000 miles on car 1/27/2003 advised by Buick dealer that transmission had been replaced with a new transmission. Returned to owner at this time. 1/28/2003 "new" transmission self destructed at 25 MPH. Buick dealer advised that a foreign object had caused damage. 1/31/2003 car with third transmission returned this date. We're seriously concerned about driving this vehicle given these circumstances.
Power train - transmission. 3.8 liter engine, transmission gear failure at 40,610 actual miles on the odometer, resulting $2,993.00 repairs at bud and ray's transmission, 237 west laketon avenue, muskegon, mi 49441. Engine number [redacted]. I noted that there are a few other complaints, on the recall web site, relating to the transmission (power train).
2001 Buick Lesabre/transmission tore up 2007/I have talked with several other people and they told me that this should not have happened. I have always had my car serviced regularly/complete service everytime/all fluids. I have had to have it rebuilt at a cost of $1200.00. A car such as this is not considered to be old at today's standards and for a transmission to tear up completely-to say the least I have questions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that transmission fluid was discovered leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed there was a tear in the transmission fluid line caused by the line making contact with the inner frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Transmission complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Buick Lesabre, 9% of the model year's 328 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Buick Lesabre transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Buick Lesabre. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Buick Lesabre transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 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.