2002 Buick LeSabre Custom V6

Summary:

Except for the obviously faulty electric windows, the Le Sabre is my favorite car

Faults:

We are about to replace our third electric window. The first failed during the warranty, and was without charge. But now, the dealer is charging about $500 per window. The windows just made a grinding noise, and then refuse to move. The first time, the window just fell suddenly... kind of scary. We seldom use the windows, so over-use is not the problem. We have never had this problem with 4 previous Le Sabres.

General Comments:

Generally the car is great. Very comfortable and reliable. Only the windows are faulty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2006

18th Mar 2007, 14:46

I also have a 2002 Buick LeSabre, and I am now replacing my 3rd window (power regulator). First one was under warranty and the 2nd one was 484.00 and will now pay that again for the 3rd window, only a matter of time and will probably be replacing the 4th one. It is a shame that Buick lets a flaw like this persist and should have been under a recall for faulty parts.

2002 Buick LeSabre Limited V6

Summary:

Fun to drive, but constant maintenance on electrical and electronic components

Faults:

3 of 4 electric window motors had to be replaced, one per year 2003-2005. Unable to close windows when they went out and had a little interior damage from bad weather, wind and rain. These each are very expensive running about $400-450 per window. Fortunately, there was warranty coverage.

Electronic heater/air conditioner controller and fan had to be replaced. This was at about 50,000 miles. Heater went out in the winter in weather of about 20 degrees, and we nearly froze before we could get it repaired.

Left driver side electronic heated mirror required replacement at 30,000 miles.

Elbow in cooling system line required replacement at 40,000 miles.

At present time, remote radio controls on steering wheel do not function property in that they change the automatic temperature control and do not affect the radio.

I was glad I had a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty and would never ever consider buying a Buick product of any model without one. You can expect some expensive electrical/electronic repair work.

General Comments:

I love the performance of this car. It handles beautifully with plenty of power on the road and is quick and nimble in most situations, although as an average older driver, I am not interested in testing its limits. The front wheel drive has been superlative and has required no maintenance. This has been a fun car for me to drive, and I'm sorry this particular model is no longer in production.

However, I have to say that I'm very disappointed in the performance and reliability of the electronic and electrical components of the car. They never have seemed to work right and still don't. The automatic temperature control doesn't properly work, and I constantly have to override the electronic controls with manual controls.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th October, 2006

2002 Buick LeSabre

Summary:

I like the car with some exceptions

Faults:

The controllers on both of the rear windows went out within a month of each other. The cost is enormous as $350.00 each plus installation. It would cost approximately $900.00 to repairs. I believe there had to be a defect for them both to go out and in such a short time.

Seats are not comfortable.

General Comments:

The car handles very well.

The mileage is very good for the size car.

We really like the Buicks, but are concerned about the power window problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st September, 2006

2002 Buick LeSabre Custom

Summary:

Nice car - bad reliability

Faults:

This car is typical of what I have been getting. I have had Plymouths/Chryslers/Dodges- they don't know how to make AC's or transmissions that last. So I tried a Buick I have had ways tried to buy American, but I give up. Toyota Honda and Nissan from now on. The transmission on this car went out at 38,000 miles. Unbelievable. Warranty to 30,000 miles.

I have replaced 3 of the 4 window motors. Bought aftermarket to save on the cost - our local repair guys want in excess of $350 per door. Its not easy, but lots cheaper.

Had to replace the AC condenser this spring. $900.

I just tore out part of my dash because the instrument cluster went out. It started blinking off while driving down the road once in a while that went on for several months and the last time it never came back.

General Comments:

This car is great for families and business if you don't mind spending to repair it often.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th August, 2006

16th May 2008, 12:03

I have the same car and have replaced 3 out of 4 power regulators, it is not cheap and has always been a problem with Buicks which they don't seem to correct.

17th May 2008, 14:03

Always a problem with Buicks huh? The unit was used on 1 model (LeSabre) from 2000 through 2002. I have never had a window issue with my 1999 Park Avenue and I will not hesitate to buy another Buick. On the used market I could buy a Park Avenue for about the same price as a Camry or Accord from the same year. I for one wouldn't even consider those over priced "me too mid-sizers". The Buick just offers soo much more with equal reliability.

29th Jul 2008, 07:53

I've had 3 of the 4 windows fail in my 2002 Le Sabre purchased new - 1 covered under warranty at 28 K and 2 in the last year or so at 58 K and 71 K. The product is obviously defective and should be recalled. Comments on this and other sites indicate it is the number one issue affecting Buick if not all GM cars. Price of repairing 4 windows is in the rebuilt transmission realm. Failed open windows while in transit (happened to me twice) represent security and safety hazards.

19th Jul 2010, 20:32

I'm completely in agreement that Buick should recall or reimburse owners whose cars have had this problem. It's HUGE and the negative PR on a car in this price range is damaging! Typical GM arrogance. I'm a former engineer - they cut corners and should be held accountable. GM, do the RIGHT thing, issue a recall and reimburse those of us ripped off for trusting in your product.

This is no small problem, my rear window would not roll up while returning home from Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix with my elderly mother in the car - AC doesn't work real well with a window wide open.

My father, who worked for GM for 37 years, is even ashamed.