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2002 Buick LeSabre Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Buick LeSabre has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power window regulator failure, window drops into door.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Buick LeSabre.

Reported to NHTSA

Power window regulator failure, window drops into door

VISIBILITY

83 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2018-08

“AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES, MY 2002 BUICK LESABRE'S REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINTER WHILE A CHILD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. IT JUST FELL DOWN, AND BARELY MISSED HARMING THE CHILD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10424627
“RIGHT FRONT POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE, DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC CABLE GUIDE LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE REGULATOR. RIGHT FRONT WINDOW FAILED, FELL DOWN INSIDE THE DOOR AND COULD NOT BE RAISED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10228049
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DROPPED INTO THE DOOR PANEL WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10513426

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Padded dashboard separation from windshield base

STRUCTURE

42 NHTSA complaints · 2008-07 → 2016-09

“DASHBOARD MATERIAL APPEARS TO BE FAULTY, AND DASHBOARD IS NOW RAISED IN THE AIR ON DRIVERS SIDE (NEAR WINDSHIELD), PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTING VIEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10641432
“IN 2008 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND DASHBOARD POPPED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10575341
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PADDED DASHBOARD BEGAN TO PEEL BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10476555

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread and sidewall separation

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2016-09

“THE CONTACT STATED THE SIDEWALLS ON THE DRIVERS REAR AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WERE BREAKING AWAY FROM THE TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10419532
“TWO KUMHO TIRES WERE INSTALLED IN AUGUST 2015 AT 178,000 MILES. IN AUGUST OF 2016 AT 190,000 MILES VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903415
“ON AUGUST 30,2015 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE TREADING ON MY TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF WHILE I WAS GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786203

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leak at valve cover and manifold gaskets

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2021-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388356
“VALVE COVERS ARE LEAKING OIL RIGHT ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED A SMALL FIRE THIS ENGINE WAS RECALLED IN OTHER CARS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT BUICK LESABRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10787515
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LEAKED OIL AND COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10933628

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire and smoke

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2018-12

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10689617
“HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE CABIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661272
“WAS DRIVING AND AS I PULLED TO REDLIGHT VEHICLE SMELLED OF GAS BUT BURST INTO FLAMES FROM THE MOTOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156500

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illuminated

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2017-03

“MY 'AIR-BAG' LIGHT, FOR THE PAST YEAR, STAYS ON CONSTANTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885831
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VHIECLE WAS STARTED AND THE SEAT BELT WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SDM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10573682
“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND CHIMES SOUND AT START UP AND STAY ON AT ALL TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10659197

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Accelerator pedal sticking and unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2020-08

“GAS PEDAL STICKS AT IDLE POSITION. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM IN NEUTRAL BUT IF IN DRIVE CAUSES A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10350001
“I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND STARTED BRAKING. THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED, I MOVED MY FOOT TO TRY TO RAISE THE ACCELERATOR AND IT WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR; IT WOULD NOT RAISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203844
“SET CRUISE CONTROL CAR TOOK OF WIDE OPEN WOULD NOT SHUT OFF HAD TO TURN KEY OFF TO GET IT TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10331113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling while driving

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2007-10 → 2015-10

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10662351
“ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10211031
“MY CAR WILL START THEN STALLS IMMEDIATELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10678671

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

345 crashes 1990–2024

How the 345 occupant deaths break down

255

driver deaths

90

passenger deaths

345

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

12

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Buick LeSabre reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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