Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
I have had issues with my vehicle's oil leaking then burning/smoking off my car. This issue is on my engine's manifold & hasn't been recalled even though the same engine is recalled on other GM models. The engine on my Lesabre is the same 3.8 liter v6 3800 engine that was recalled twice by GM in the past 6 years. My engine had minimal fire in the incidents I experienced but quite a bit of smoke from the area the oil leaks. Once I kill the engine the smoke stops. GM wants to charge for a diagnostic check & wouldn't recognize the issue on the very same engine, viewing it as just a vehicle not recalled even if it has the same faulty part. It caused my car's catalytic converter to fail as it burned through. A fix is costly, so I went to my own independent mechanic to save myself money since GM does not want to take care of issues that they recalled. …
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
Side airbags deployed - warming up at idle - in 4 degree f outside ambient air temperature - having been in high wind containing sandy dirt particles overnight - vehicle unoccupied - stationary in residence driveway.
This is regarding recent replacement of both rear window regulators. Research has proven that many complaints have been filed over the years with no recall. I would hope for financial help, $1000 to cover the cost of repairs, as the minimum response; and also, I hope for a recall to help the many others who have suffered great financial costs and safety. I have been directed by my father, [redacted], original and present owner of this 2002 Buick, to help him be a responsible consumer/customer. My father of 88 years still believes in American made cars, especially in GM. He has been watching, like many americans, for a "come back" in the auto industry, especially the correction of problems that clearly has a large documentation of complaints as this one. I hope you will be able to honor his faithfulness in perhaps a small financial way, and perhaps even in a greater way through a recall. …
This I have found out online is a common problem, when I purchased my car I had a few windows suddenly drop on me & I figured out the window motors in 2 were broken, however when they dropped I also found out electrical systems in my door were damaged from the window motor failure, so now on my driver's side door I have no mirror adjustment, no unlock/lock button for safety in dangerous areas I drive, some windows (had all 4 motors replaced at the same time) work & some don't from certain areas, I even found after I used my right rear window motor, the trunk popped open! So to fix the problem I personally had to disconnect the new window motor as well as the trunk. Also for comfort in heat my heated seat doesn't work from my driver door. My car runs perfect but this shouldn't have happened. This should have been recalled for owners long ago for 2000-2005 Buick lesabres.
Dt*: the contact stated a whining noise was heard after the accelerator pedal was released and repressed. The dealership has been alerted. A representative from GM drove the vehicle on two separate occasions. The first time was May 2005 however the problem could not be duplicated. The vehicle was driven again June 14, 2006. The representative heard the noise however stated it was too faint. They will not correct the problem or make any repairs until the noise gets louder. The dealership and representative both believe the noise is coming from the automatic transmission. The contact is concerned a failure could occur as a result of the noise. 08/02/06 contacted requested that the serpentine belt be replaced; at times trac-off light comes on; and the gas cap loose light comes on. No codes found.
Rear door window right came down and will not go back up. Cable broke. Replaced regulator, rear dow window right bower r&r. Part 15231244 under extended warranty. If I had not purchased an extended warranty, this would have come out of my pocket. This is the fourth time they have replace parts for various windows in this car. Another window is having intermittent problems the dealer could not duplicate, so it will problably go too. This is happening too often and an internet search show many Lesabre owners are having similar problems multiple times.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the instrument control panel has separated into two parts. The failure originally began near the driver's side and currently extends 20 inches to the passenger side of the panel. The dealer stated that the failure could be repaired, but they could not identify the cause of the failure. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance and the vehicle has not been repaired. The contact has pictures of the failed component. The failure mileage was 69,000 and current mileage was 71,400.
Vehicle stalled while driving through the "hills" resulting in consumer being stranded. The vehicle has been stalling intermittently for over a year due to battery ground cable being loosely attached to vehicle's frame. As a result, cable would come unattached, causing car to stall. Battery was installed under vehicle's rear seat. Ts..... The consumer requested reimbursement.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a battery leak under the back seat where the battery was located. There were no warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the service dealer. An independent mechanic determined that the battery acids had eaten the plate where the battery sat. Updated 12/05/06.
Electrical complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Buick Lesabre, 8% of the model year's 310 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Lesabre electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.