2002 Buick Lesabre: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Buick Lesabre: 2 recalls, 310 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #02V067000 · 2002 · 249 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost and a vehicle crash could result.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began April 5, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V222000 · 2002 · 133,221 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (115): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), electrical failure (4).
- Body & structure (51): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Airbags (37): the most common themes are fails to deploy (8), warning light on (6).
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), door / lock issues (6), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2002 Buick Lesabre has 310 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 17 Lesabre model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 212). Complaints peaked in 2003 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (328 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (164 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Buick Lesabre.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Buick Lesabre. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners have filed 310 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (115), body & structure (51), airbags (37).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Buick Lesabre get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Buick Lesabre repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.