Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without any warning. The contact stated that as a result of the failure she crashed into another vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the problem. There were no injuries. The approximate failure mileage was 39,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while exiting a parking space, the accelerator pedal became extremely resistant and the contact experienced difficulty in depressing the accelerator. In addition, the contact stated that the interior lights would sporadically flicker on and off while driving. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or a mechanic for inspection or repairs. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The vehicle randomly accelerates as high as 50-60mph without touching the gas pedal. The car has to be thrown in neutral or stopped some place safe, at which point it revs up past 3000 RPM until the gas pedal is pressed to throttle it back down. The vehicle has done this in reverse while backing out of a driveway as well, which is extremely dangerous. It does not seem to do this upon starting or while it is warming up. It can be on any street or highway and at any speed when it starts revving high. The problem is intermittent, but clusters sometimes several days in a row as constant and then going a month without doing it at all. It does seem to be more likely to accelerate after hitting a dip (like near where a drain is in a parking lot) but that May be just coincidental. …
Within the passed 2 months I have been experiencing "hard shifts". Very pronounced jolt/jerk when accelerating after a full stop or decelerating to come to a stop. Just researched on this site and found many other consumers with 2004 Lesabre's experiencing same situation. Has to do with inferior pressure control solenoid and/or shift solenoids. Apparently GM has refused to recall and replace due to the cost. Can cause premature failure of transmission and they say they are under no obligation to make it right!!! Also have had problems with speedometer and tachcometer. My tach is frozen at 2 and speedometer started giving false readings about 3 yrs. Ago. Did not address because my mechanic told me its very costly. I have to use my garmin to tell me how fast I am going. Happened first time in extreme heat traveling on highway. Then again when it w as raining. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Buick Lesabre. After crashing into a tree stump, the contact attempted to reverse and move the vehicle forward when it suddenly accelerated independently, causing the contact to crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a concussion, foot, chest, neck, back and knee injuries which required medical attention. The middle rear passenger sustained brain and knee injuries which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
While driving, the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. This caused lost of braking power. The consumer placed both feet on the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop. Consequently the vehicle collided with another vehicle. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic advised the consumer that a representative would come down to determine the cause of the problem.
Driving vehicle on road in subdivision when gas pedal became stuck and car accelerated out of control striking a garage door and wall with great impact. Air bags did not deploy. Driver escaped with minor injuries. Car was totaled. No else in car.
In a small town, approaching a stop sign at the highway crossroad with 2-3 vehicles in front of me. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started braking. The engine immediately revved, I moved my foot to try to raise the accelerator and it was all the way to the floor; it would not raise. I immediately placed in neutral and as pulling as close to curb as possible, I shut the ignition off, then placed in park. It had to be towed back home until we can deal with it. Luckily, I was able to act quickly enough to prevent any damage to any other vehicle or person.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lesabre years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (25), 1997 (12), 2001 (10), 1999 (9) and 2002 (8) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Buick Lesabre acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Buick Lesabre model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Lesabre acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cruise control (10 mentions), followed by the linkages (9).
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.