Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1. Dashboard separating from windshield and causing 3" gap causing partial obstruction. Now is separating more at drivers' side near steering wheel, and about 75% pulled away at this time. Critical safety problem because air bags May deploy and injury or death could occur. Cannot fix easily and consider it critical defect and inferior workmanship. Not able to safely drive the car or able to sell it! 2. Electric windows in back passenger and driver side had to be replaced. $$ 3. Light switch control malfunctions and recently stuck in the "on" position. Had to disconnect battery to turn off. This just happened last night and was inconvenienced greatly !! 4. Headliner falling down and was repaired twice. Now is falling down where it was not repaired!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Lesabre. While checking the window motor, it was discovered that the wiring inside the door was poorly assembled. Every time it rained, the window regulators had to be replaced. The failure occurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. Updated 7/21/15 updated 9/23/15
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
The padded dash has peeled up an away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger air bag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
The padded dash has peeled up and away from dash frame in front of the steering wheel. It is continuing to spread (peel up and away from the frame) across the padded dash from left to right, towards the passenger area. It continues to grow in severity, and I am concerned about the passenger airbag, with respects to it deploying without warning, due to the peeling/warping of the dash around it. I have put a dash mat (cover) over the problem for appearance purposes, but even that doesn't hide the growing magnitude of the problem anymore. I have been told that it will cost me anywhere from $350 - $1,200.00 to correct this problem from independent repair shops in the area, to the GM Buick dealer. This is a design flaw, & "safety" issue direct from the manufacturer. …
Body complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Buick Lesabre, 16% of the model year's 310 complaints. The component named most often is body (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Lesabre body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2002 Buick Lesabre, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 2002 Buick Lesabre body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to body & structure 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.