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Research · Large Cars

2001 Buick LesabreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 335 owner complaints for the 2001 Buick Lesabre. Most complaints involve visibility (103) and structure (50). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
335
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2001 Buick Lesabre as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

335 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2000 – Feb 2022
  1. Visibility103
  2. Structure50
  3. Electrical system39
  4. Power train31
  5. Steering29
  6. Air bags29
  7. Engine and engine cooling29
  8. Engine19
  9. Suspension17

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Lesabre model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996101
1997402
1998410
1999215
2000680
2001335
2002322
2003167
2004162
200577
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
22
Injuries reported
14
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility

103 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED TO CLOSE OR OPEN THE SIDE WINDOWS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,386.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2014VisibilityODI 10607788

Structure

50 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS LIFTING INDEPENDENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLINER WAS TEARING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2016Steering, StructureODI 10823130

Electrical system

39 reports2 fires
“CAR HAS TWICE SHUTOFF DURING DRIVING. LAST TIME IN MIDDLE OF TURN, SON RAN OFF ROAD BECAUSE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY GM RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL. DEALER HAS NO IDEA HOW TO REPAIR EXCEPT TO 'TRY' THINGS. PROBLEM IS, IF GUESS IS WRONG AND PROBLEM PERSISTS, SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAPPEN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2015Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 10790036
All 2001 Lesabre problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LeSabre
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172720$3,100444
  • LeSabre
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    17 city · 27 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Buick Lesabre as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 4317
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2001 Lesabre questions

How many recalls does the 2001 Buick Lesabre have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2001 Buick Lesabre problems?

Owners filed 335 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (103), structure (50), electrical system (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2001 Buick Lesabre get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Buick Lesabre at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026