2001 Buick Lesabre: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2001 Buick Lesabre
On the 2001 Buick Lesabre, the failure owners report most often is other visibility problem, and the reports cluster around 55,000 miles. The earliest to appear is transmission will not engage a gear, reported by a median of 10,000 miles. Overall it scores 64 out of 100, high risk for a 2001.
High risk for a 2001 — 238th riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. 460 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model.
What breaks on the 2001 Buick Lesabre
Owners have reported 46 named failure modes on the 2001 Buick Lesabre, and the three most-reported carry 33% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other visibility problem leads with 68 reports, about 2.0 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 45k to 82,500 miles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 52 reports, usually reported between 51k to 90,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
Other engine problem follows with 30 reports, usually reported between 72k to 140,000 miles. 10 of those reports mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (74), glass (70) and electrical (59).
The mileage the reports cluster at
278 of the reports on the 2001 Buick Lesabre came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 60,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 36% by 50,000 miles, 74% by 100,000 miles and 92% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 11 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 50,000 and 60,000 miles, which alone holds 11% of the dated reports.
24% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: transmission will not engage a gear around 8k, steering rack, gear or tie rod failure around 38k, other powertrain problem around 41k and other electrical problem around 50k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 46. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 11 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 10 mention a crash, 23 a fire and 9 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.86, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other visibility problem at $150–$1,400, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000 and alternator or charging system failure at $450–$1,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
20% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other visibility problem | glass | 68 | 43 | 45k | 55k | 83k | 2.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 52 | 34 | 51k | 68k | 90k | 1.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 30 | 20 | 72k | 106k | 140k | 0.9 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 22 | 3 | — | 88k | — | 0.6 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Window regulator or power window failure | body | 22 | 19 | 46k | 57k | 71k | 0.6 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 20 | 15 | 19k | 38k | 77k | 0.6 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 19 | 13 | 24k | 50k | 65k | 0.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 15 | 9 | 26k | 41k | 51k | 0.4 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 14 | 7 | — | 22k | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 13 | 8 | 38k | 56k | 60k | 0.4 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 13 | 4 | — | 112k | — | 0.4 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 11 | 9 | 8k | 8k | 8k | 0.3 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 11 | 9 | 76k | 137k | 190k | 0.3 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 9 | 3 | — | 71k | — | 0.3 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 9 | 4 | — | 164k | — | 0.3 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 9 | 4 | — | 99k | — | 0.3 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 7 | 2 | — | 112k | — | 0.2 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 5 | — | 65k | — | 0.2 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 6 | 4 | — | 34k | — | 0.2 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 5 | 5 | — | 214k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 4 | 4 | — | 55k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 4 | 3 | — | 102k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 4 | 4 | — | 42k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 4 | 1 | — | 29k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Engine bay fire | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 147k | — | 0.1 | $4,000–$20,000 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 93k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 2 | — | 43k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 3 | 2 | — | 48k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 3 | 1 | — | 240k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 22k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 3 | 1 | — | 85k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 100 | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 2 | 1 | — | 106k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 1 | — | 17k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 50k | — | 0.1 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 176k | — | 0.0 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 89k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| DPF, EGR or DEF system failure | emissions | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $800–$5,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 36k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 38 | 22 | 39k | 70k | 99k | 1.1 | — | Moderate |
This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2001 Buick Lesabre draws about 13 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 90th percentile of complaint rates among 2001 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model.
The working figure is 34,476 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2001 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other visibility problem
While driving, a loud banging noise was heard coming from the passenger's side tire. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined the driver and passenger side tie rods needed to be replaced due to worn out parts. *ak the left front window was inoperative due to the regulator shorting out and there was a rattle in the dash on the passenger side due to the right and left outer tie rods being loose. *sc *jb
Operating mechanisms on the rear window broke causing the window to go down and stay down. We had to replace the whole mechanism. A few months later the other rear window did the same thing. I think the cables are defective. Is there a recall on the mechanisms? We also had to replace an idler pulley after 40,000 miles.
Other body or interior problem
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard was separating from the windshield. The failure began two years ago at the driver side and has now extended to the passenger side. The dashboard is also buckling, crumbling, and warped. The weather may be a factor. The contact can see through the dashboard, but no wires are exposed. The dealer stated that they will replace the dashboard for $600 because it is not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 63,000. * updated 12/12/07 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
2000-2005 buick lesabre window actuators thousands of potential safety issues: http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/buick/lesabre/r52823/comments/page-2/ http://www.carcomplaints.com/buick/lesabre/2001/windows_windshield/power_window_stopped_working.shtml that is 2 websites in 5" search devoted to this & imagine how many don't voice their concern *cn
Other engine problem
While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. A few days later the same exact thing occurred. Each time, after a few minutes, the vehicle could be restarted. Dealer examined the vehicle and was unable to find the cause of the problem. *ak the dealer replaced the crankshaft sensor and ignition wires *jb
Dt: the contact stated vehicle stalled and lost power. There were no warning signs prior to the failure. The dealer replaced the engine fuel pressure regulator. Repairs were made at the contact's expense. The manufacturer has been contacted.*ak updated 01/11/06. *jb
How it ranks in the 2001 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2001 — 238th riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 10 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 59 and 2003 worst at 68, with 2001 itself at 64.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996 and 2004 score lower than 2001 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1996–2003 generation specifically, 1996 is the strongest year at 59 and 2003 the weakest at 68.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1996-2003 generation, 1996 Buick Lesabre scores best at 59 and 2003 Buick Lesabre worst at 68.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: transmission will not engage a gear from about 8k, steering rack, gear or tie rod failure from about 19k, other electrical problem from about 24k and other powertrain problem from about 26k.
On a 2001 Buick Lesabre with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether transmission will not engage a gear has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
Where these figures stop being useful
460 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 460 reports, 278 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 60% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported failures are other visibility problem (68 reports, median 55,000 miles), other body or interior problem (52 reports, median 67,500 miles) and other engine problem (30 reports, median 105,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2001 Buick Lesabre problems start?
Transmission will not engage a gear is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 10,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 60,000 miles.
Is the 2001 Buick Lesabre reliable?
It scores 64 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 238th riskiest of the 320 2001 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2001 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Buick Lesabre is best?
Within the 1996–2003 generation, 1996 scores best at 59 out of 100 and 2003 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed