2002 Buick Lesabre
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 40 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 46 |
| 1991 | 30 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 194 |
| 1994 | 158 |
| 1995 | 178 |
| 1996 | 98 |
| 1997 | 394 |
| 1998 | 400 |
| 1999 | 209 |
| 2000 | 668 |
| 2001 | 328 |
| 2002 | 309 |
| 2003 | 164 |
| 2004 | 162 |
| 2005 | 77 |
| 2006 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: visibility — 82 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: structure — 33 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: visibility — 21 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DROVE CAR 0.2 MILES PARKED CAR WENT INTO WALMART CAR WAS SEEN SMOKING IN PARKING LOT ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE FIRE DEPT CAME TALKED TO AUTO SHOP THEY SAID IT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS YEAR OF VEHICLE MANY TIMES DUE TO A MANUFACTURER ISSUE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180611
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150220
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE 2002 BUICK LESABRE FROM HIS APARTMENT (LESS THAN A MILE) AND ARRIVED AT SCHOOL (XAVIER UNIVERSITY-CINCINNATI, OH). HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE CABIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141129
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN
Campaign 02V067000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER O
Campaign 02V222000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V067000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V222000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Buick Lesabre is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is visibility:power window devices and controls, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Lesabre have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.