2002 Buick LeSabre

The 2002 Buick LeSabre is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliability. It was offered with only one engine option: the 3.8L Series II V6 engine, producing around 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the LeSabre for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and overall ease of maintenance. However, some common complaints include issues with the electrical system, specifically the window motors, and some issues with the HVAC system.

Engine

3.8L Series II V6

• Intake Manifold Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking externally, often near the front or rear of the engine. Can lead to overheating if not addressed. May also have a sweet smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the upper and/or lower intake manifold gaskets. Often requires resurfacing of the intake manifold mating surfaces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light with MAF-related codes (e.g., P0101).
  • Solution: Replacement of the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, no start condition, or intermittent misfires. Check engine light with crankshaft position sensor codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during torque converter lockup, especially at highway speeds. Can trigger transmission-related error codes.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. May also require transmission flush and filter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Flare/Slipping Between Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Delay or “flare” during gear changes, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear. This is often accompanied by higher-than-normal RPMs before the next gear engages.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid change and filter replacement can help. More severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $2500+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Decreased ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front strut mounts. Often done in conjunction with strut replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, compressor running constantly or not at all, suspension warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air compressor, air springs, and/or height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on which components are replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving very slowly. Motor may make a clicking sound.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on or off reliably, or flickering.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Module Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light on, loss of ABS function, brake pedal pulsating erratically.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the ABS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Outer door handle breaking or becoming difficult to use. Often due to plastic components breaking.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only working on certain speeds, or not working at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Information Center Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or display completely blank.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the information center display.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners should be aware of potential issues, especially with the intake manifold, transmission, and electrical components. While some repairs, like the blower motor resistor, are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds or ABS module replacements, can be costly. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially significant mechanical problems. Careful inspection and preventative maintenance can help mitigate some of these risks.