Air bags: frontal
Free remedy
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.
Research · Large Cars
2002 Buick LesabreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 322 owner complaints for the 2002 Buick Lesabre. Most complaints involve visibility (118) and structure (52). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Aug 2002
Owner complaints
322
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
322 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2001 – Aug 2026
- Visibility118
- Structure52
- Air bags38
- Electrical system26
- Engine and engine cooling19
- Engine16
- Steering14
- Service brakes, hydraulic14
- Power train13
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility
118 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE HEATING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, COLD AIR EMITTED FROM THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.”
Structure
52 reports1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH CAUSED THE PANEL TO RAISE AND OBSCURE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ *TR”
Air bags
38 reports11 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE, FRACTURED EYE SOCKETS, AND HEAD INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
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 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeSabre Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Buick Lesabre as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4423
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2002 Lesabre questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Lesabre have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2002 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners filed 322 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (118), structure (52), air bags (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Buick Lesabre at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026