Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lesabre. While driving 60 MPH on the freeway, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal, which failed to engage and caused the vehicle to decelerate. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the co2 sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle stalled without warning after two years. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where multiple diagnostic tests were performed, but no failure codes appeared. The independent mechanic stated that they would replace the mass air flow sensors for the contact's safety. The vehicle was not repaired. Brown & wood inc. (329 greenville blvd sw, greenville, nc 27834, [phone]) was contacted and advised the contact to call the manufacturer for further repair information. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle began to exhibit hesitation and a severe vibration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the motor mount and gasket were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. ...updated 12-24-13 the lower intake gasket was faulty and leaking oil and coolant. The technician also found the plastic upper intake plenum warped and leaking coolant into the lower intake manifold causing the engine to misfire. Updated 12/31/13
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Buick Lesabre. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started under the hood. The fire department was notified and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and deemed destroyed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Owner purchased a 2004 Buick Lesabre, VIN [redacted] (?Buick?), which was manufactured by general motors. On October 14, 2010, owner drove the Buick from the grocery store, returned to her home, and parked the Buick in the attached garage of her home and proceeded to retrieve her groceries from the trunk of the Buick. After she retrieved her groceries from the trunk of the Buick, owner noticed a fire at the front of the Buick. The fire spread from the Buick to the owner's home, and it caused extensive damage to the Buick and to the home. The fire originated from the engine compartment of the Buick. On March 12, 2008, general motors issued a recall, identified by NHTSA campaign id number 08V118000, in response to the potential for an engine compartment fire to occur in 207,542 automobiles manufactured by general motors from 1997 to 2003 and contained a 3.8l engine (?2008 recall?). …
The contact owns a 2003 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that after his friend drove the vehicle to his residence, there was a burning oil odor detected. The contact opened the hood and there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as a valve cover gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could lead to an engine compartment fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 136,776.
"defective gaskets fire hazard" oil dripping from valve cover caught fire burning plug wires and 3800 v6 engine shroud'. I had parked the vehicle in my drive. I went inside home for 2 minutes. I came back outside to retrieve a soda when I discovered smoke billowing from under hood. When I released hood latch and raised hood flames shot out driving me to the ground. I quickly got a wash bucket nearby and was able to put out fire. I don't know the extent of damage. I found out that over 1300 GM vehicles have caught fire due to this problem. I reported the incident to Buick and was told a representative would contact me within 24 hours. 2 days pass no call and car sits in drive. I'm lucky I caught it as it could have caused a house fire as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle smoke was present coming from under the hood and a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was determined the engine valve cover was faulty and oil had leaked onto the exhaust manifold. The local dealer wallingford Buick located at 1122 old north colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492 and the manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle burst into flames without warning. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intake valve did not close and ignited the fuel going into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lesabre years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (204), 1997 (119), 2000 (96), 1999 (73) and 2001 (47) model years. Engine complaints make up 51% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Lesabre engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (187 mentions), followed by the engine (111).
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.