On May 2, 2026, I received a letter by mail from Kumho Tires regarding a set of tires that I purchased, in December 2023; DOT # 2222 and 2223, size, 225/60 R16 98T. In their letter they state that tires with DOT #'s ranging from 0421-0523 were recalled. They go on to state the following: tires ranging with DOT #'s 0421-0523 were "non compliant" and "it is possible that an affected tire could fail in a manner that may lead to a loss of control that could increase the risk of a crash without warning". They then concluded by stating I was entitled to a full refund given that I responded to their letter in 180 days, which I did. However, despite various attempts to contact Kumho tires, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a refund from them or Tire Choice, which is the company I received the tires from, directly.
The worst 2002 Buick Lesabre problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility118
- Body51
- Airbags37
- Engine34
- Electrical24
- Brakes18
- Steering13
- Transmission13
- Fuel system11
- Tires9
- Acceleration8
- Seats6
- Suspension6
- Lights5
- Wheels5
- Seat belts2
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Buick Lesabre
Power windows 68Stalling 10No deployment 9Fire or smoke 7Airbag light 5
Recalls 2
Air bags: frontal
- What is 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006, chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537, or pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737.
Recall number 02V222000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is 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.
- Risk
- If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost and a vehicle crash could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began april 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006.
Recall number 02V067000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Buick Lesabre
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm?s actions in 03v‑473 and 04v‑090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA02030
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Buick Lesabre 412
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2002 Buick Lesabre fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 21 |
What 2002 Buick Lesabre owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle smoke was present coming from under the hood and a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection it was determined the engine valve cover was faulty and oil had leaked onto the exhaust manifold. The local dealer wallingford buick located at 1122 old north colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492 and the manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The frame of my car fell out while I was driving on a high way after I had already reported the problem and had been denied services to get it fixed.
When I was getting ready to stop, I took my foot off of the gas pedal and was moving my foot over to the brake, the car suddenly speed up; I had to step on the brake extra hard to stop it. This has happened to me more than once. It doesn't happen all the time. I had one parking lot accident because of this issue.
Cpsc: the heated seat in my vehicle has burned a hole through the seat.*dt the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified but, did not offer any assistance.
In a small town, approaching a stop sign at the highway crossroad with 2-3 vehicles in front of me. I removed my foot from the accelerator and started braking. The engine immediately revved, I moved my foot to try to raise the accelerator and it was all the way to the floor; it would not raise. I immediately placed in neutral and as pulling as close to curb as possible, I shut the ignition off, then placed in park. It had to be towed back home until we can deal with it. Luckily, I was able to act quickly enough to prevent any damage to any other vehicle or person.
The heated seated on the front driver seat is burning a hole through the seat.
Was driving and as I pulled to redlight vehicle smelled of gas but burst into flames from the motor
Window motor has gone out numerous times on front 2 windows and has had to be replaced.last time drivers side was repaired was 4-17-2014.that was 3rd repair .has since broken again but I did not repair it again. Back driver side window fell open while on interstate 2 years ago. My car is garage kept with around 60,000 miles.these issues started within 3 or 4 years after I purchased it new. The repair shop where I take my car says they have seen many lesabres with the same problem.gm doesn't seem to feel there is a problem.I know this because I have written and called them several times about my concerns.just wish they would have to be held accountable for their poor engineering.
Drove car 0.2 miles parked car went into walmart car was seen smoking in parking lot engine caught on fire fire dept came talked to auto shop they said it has happened to this year of vehicle many times due to a manufacturer issue
Compare the 2002 Buick Lesabre
Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 Buick Lesabre
Is the 2002 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Owners have filed 310 complaints about the 2002 Buick Lesabre, 1.9 times a typical Lesabre model year.
What is the 2002 Buick Lesabre year score?
The 2002 Buick Lesabre scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Lesabre: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Lesabre?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 118 complaints, typically around 53,000 miles. Next is body (51).
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Lesabre have?
2 recalls, covering air bags and steering.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Buick Lesabre get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Buick Lesabre range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.
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