Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On 06/08/14 brake pedal of my car went to floor while I was driving it at low speeds to escape collision with car in front of me, which stopped on red light, I directed my car to pole of subway. It damaged frontal right side of my car my car was towed to geico direct shop quentin auto center, inc on 06/10/14 I was present at inspection of my car by geico adjuster [redacted]. Both the adjustor and repair shop owner [redacted] determined that brake system of my car has serious rupture near ABS unit right there I presented geico adjuster with original invoice of repair of the brake system by 86th street Chevrolet Saab, inc dealer of general motors in July of 2013 though she took copy of invoice, she never added it to my claim I explained to adjustor and shop owner that on 07/04/13 brake pedal of my car failed for first time at that time I did not have accident and my car was under most …
Letter from senator rubio on behalf of constituent re 2005 Buick Lesabre defects (attn: david huff). The consumer stated the ignition switch broke, and when he exited the vehicle the instrument panel stated the key was still in the ignition. Also, the air bag was protruding out of the dashboard. The consumer was informed the recalls did not apply to his vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard started to lift from the driver side window to the end of the steering wheel. The underlining padding was viable at the time. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.
February was the first time I noticed that the top of the dash was bulging upward and separating from the main dash (only easily seen from outside the vehicle). The separation is propagating past the half way point and I fear it could interfere with the passenger side air bag, or in the case of air bag deployment the whole upper dash could be projected into the occupants of the vehicle causing injury or death. This is a recurring problem with Buick Lesabre cars from 2000 thru 2005. Same design, never changed. I have filed a complaint with GM to no avail. The dealer told them the dash pad was peeling, witch is untrue. The entire upper section, about a quarter of an inch thick, is deforming and separating from the dash. I have photos if you are interested. My GM report number is: [redacted].
The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that their trunk failed to remain in the open position when needed. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the passenger side dashboard detached, including the air bag housing area. The loosened dashaboard distorted the contact's vision when driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
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
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lesabre years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (57), 2002 (51), 2001 (50), 2000 (25) and 2004 (19) model years. Body complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Buick Lesabre body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (54 mentions), followed by the frame and members (18).
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.