Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dashboard cover started lifting and pulling out from under windshield cowling about June 2012 and is traveling across to the passenger side where there is an airbag. I am now concerned that the lifting and creasing in front of the driver is a safety distraction and that if it continues to the passenger airbag that airbag May get set off unexpectedly, another safety hazard. It is definitely a manufacturer's defect and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of complaints of this on the internet. Is there, or will there be, a recall to fix this problem? Thank you.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Buick Lesabre. While the contact was placing fuel into the vehicle, the fuel gauge dial on the instrument panel moved from full to empty. The dial remained on empty and would not move. While driving 70 MPH, the entire instrument panel failed without warning. The dealer stated that the entire instrument panel needed to be replaced. There was no recall pertaining to this failure. The failure mileage was 92,000. Updated 12/22/08. The power windows stopped working. Updated 12/23/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Lesabre. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the rear passenger window independently rolled downward. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility where the rear passenger window and regulator motor assembly were replaced. In addition, the mechanic advised that the regulator motor was defective and the failure would most likely recur in all of the other windows. The failure has since recurred on the drivers side rear window as well as the passenger side front window. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where both windows and regulator motor assemblies were replaced a second time. The failure mileage was 25,000 and the current mileage is 49,176. Updated 07/29/10 the consumer stated the failure occurred for a third time. Updated 08/05/10
First electrical... My wipers stopped working during bad rain right after coming out the tunnel in heavy traffic no accident I knew road enough to pull over.. Got fixed replaced wiper motor 3 times and the wiper switch wipers still go without being turned on... Then my dash keeps getting dim and my ABS,traction ,and brake lightsare on and I've had that fixed still keeps staying lit.... I get regular oil changes at walmart every 3000 miles theres fluid leaking from valve cover that I had replaced ...things I replaced on car should have never been inspected.. My dash was lifted when I purchased vehicle used also said it was fine mva made them reinspect car n its still lifted I also know it wont pass inspection lifted
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
All 4 windows have failed. One of them twice! My dashboard is separating exactly the same way many others have described theirs. I initially had major battery issues (battery is located under back seat on driver's side - how weird is that?). I would drive my car to the store, come out, and it would not start. One time, I opened the trunk to get my jumper cables and when I slammed the trunk lid, the radio came on! Then, of course, the car started just fine. After owning this possessed car with major reliability issues for several months, we found an electrical mechanic who discovered a lose wire in the manufacturers electrical work which was somehow connected to the battery. My gas gauge hasn't worked in years. I am always at 3/4 to a full tank. …
I found the rear driver's window opened on my 2001 Buick lasabre and I tried to close using the electric controls - it would not close. I originally thought vandalism because I rarely use that window. I could pull the window up with my hands but it would slide down. I had no control of the window with electric controls. Called my dealer noecker Buick-Pontiac inc who told me to fix the window the regulator (GM#15231245) needed to be replaced. The regulator cost me $301.80 plus tax (not including labor). I had it fixed on June 20, 2005. The mileage on my car that day was 50170 miles. Two days ago on March 21, 2006 I found the passenger's rear window opened. The window was inoperable using the electric controls. I can slide the window up using my hands and duct tape it shut until I get the window repaired. The mileage on my car today is 57350 miles. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Lesabre years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (246), 2002 (116), 2001 (98), 1997 (25) and 2003 (15) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Buick Lesabre window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (378 mentions), followed by the windshield (30).
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.