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 2004 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The backup camera will stay in 'night' brightness mode for 15 seconds while backing out of the garage into daylight. This makes the video screen usless until the 15 second delay is over. I have asked several times at the dealership since I purchased this vehicle new, and they say nothing can be done. Not only is this a huge safety issue but it also is an enviromental issue as may times I must wait in the driveway with the car needlessly idling until the 15 seconds is up. This is seems to be a simple software update to remove the delay when the car is in reverse.
While driving home my fuel gauge stopped working. When I got home I turned the car off and then back on and the fuel gauge was now in the 6 position on a clock. Now I have no idea if there is any fuel in the car or not. Luckily I reset the trip meter with every fuel up so I know I can go approximately 300 miles. Although in the winter when we have to idle our car so the fuel mileage goes down and I do not get as many miles on a tank. Hope I don't run out of fuel during the winter. In reading online reviews about this issue it turns out it can get worse and cause the speedometer to stop working. Then I May be speeding and not even know it. I did try and have it fixed but the guy charged me $207 and it did not fix the problem. At the local GM dealership they said they would repair it for $350.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. While driving at 25 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact also stated that the vehicle fuel gauge fluctuated from empty to full, but never fully displayed the correct amount of fuel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,718. Updated 8/10/15 the fuel sending unit was replaced twice. Updated 10/29/15. Updated 03/29/16. The consumer stated the fuel gauge would always indicate it was full. However, the low fuel light would illuminate. Updated 05/17/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard separated from the sub structure of the vehicle, which exposed the air bags. The contact stated that while driving the dashboard would move backwards and forwards. The contact was concerned that the air bags could inadvertently deploy causing an injury or death. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed by the dealer that they were unaware of that failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Driving home from work during my 20 minute commute during the winter, I had the seat heater on in the drivers seat. It felt unusually warm but I was extremely cold and left it on. As I was getting out of the car my husband asked "what's that smell"? He looked at the seat and there was a quarter size singe hole where the heater coil burned through the leather, he then turned me around and looked at the back of my wool coat- there was a corresponding hole in the new wool coat that I had just bought. I am asking for the replacement for the coat- $180.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. While attempting to start the vehicle he heard a noise. After he opened the hood and saw smoke, but within minutes the vehicle was on fire. The fire department report number was not available. The fire dept stated that the fire was initiated by electrical failure. The manufacturer took a report number 71-787679701. The manufacture stated the vehicle did not have open recalls and he will received a call back. The failure and the current mileages were 150,000.
At 68,000 miles and in the month of July 2014 my Buick Lesabre speedometer and tachometer stopped working....the hands do not move at all.....I do not know how fast I am driving which is dangerous and can cause death....this is a number one complaint of this car and it should be recalled before im dead! I cannot afford the repairs because I am on disability....this is an urgent matter that need to be taken care of immediately!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the key could be removed from the ignition at all positions. When the key was removed from the ignition, the engine continued to operate. When the key was removed from the accessory position, it caused the battery to fail. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured along the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fracture had spread to the center of the dashboard. The contact was concerned that the fracture could impede visibility. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer were contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
J & k mitchell casey, il.62420 purchased on 4/11/2014, 98,104 mileage. Headlamps go off at nite driving, very unnerving, fuel gage, haywire from the start, while driving, engine would accelerate when turning right. Swaying/suspension, when turning, driving down the road, reported this many times and taken into dealer..however, never taken care of. Only thing fixed was solenoid.
Electrical complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Buick Lesabre, 41% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Buick Lesabre electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 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 2004 Buick Lesabre electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 12% 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.