Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 MPH down a steep hill under normal road conditions, the hydraulic brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a lake. There was no warning prior to the incident. The contact and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company, who could not find the cause for the brake failures and deemed the vehicle totaled. Odi #10160493 can be used in comparison to this issue.
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.
The contact owns a 2004 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated while driving 35 mph and depressing on the brake pedal, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and the vehicle gradually decreased in speed to a stop. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to his residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines were leaking brake fluid. The independent mechanic repaired the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic and three additional brake lines were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact was concerned that after inspecting the vehicle himself, he became aware that one of the brake lines was rusted which might cause the failure to recur. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
Front calipers do not fully engage and the "check stability control" warning occurs, making turning/braking rather challenging. It seems to occur random. It does need the steering wheel position sensor and not sure if the sensor is causing this issues as well. This has occurred several times, but not enough for a definitive pattern.
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.
While driving 35 MPH consumer applied brakes and vehicle sped across the road into another lane, causing a head on collision. Vehicle was totaled. Consumer was injured and admitted to the hospital. Information furnished by an unidentified individual, friend or relative.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2002 Buick Lesabre. The contact was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the failure. While driving 45 MPH around a curve, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to slow down or stop the vehicle. The contact sustained lacerations to the face and a right knee injury, which popped out of place. Medical attention was sought. The driver sustained minor injuries from the seat belt, but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to ultimate towing and recovery. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The vehicle was destroyed.
When I was getting ready to stop, I took my foot off of the gas pedal and was moving my foot over to the brake, the car suddenly speed up; I had to step on the brake extra hard to stop it. This has happened to me more than once. It doesn't happen all the time. I had one parking lot accident because of this issue.
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts May be loose.
Remedy: Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lesabre years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (44), 1997 (36), 1998 (26), 1999 (20) and 1995 (19) model years. Brake complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Buick Lesabre brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V-114 (foundation components, Apr 17, 2000); 99V-238 (vacuum, Aug 27, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Lesabre brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (60 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (21).
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.