Buick LeSabre Reliability and Common Problems

The Buick LeSabre captured the imagination of American drivers for eight generations. It’s an absolute classic among old-school sedans. What makes the LeSabre a solid daily driver? LeSabre owners love to brag about their car’s excellent ride quality, comfortable interiors, decent fuel economy, and low maintenance costs. It’s also quite affordable, especially now. Depreciation has already eaten away most of the LeSabre’s value, and according to AutoPadre, a 2005 model is projected to lose about 5% of its remaining value after five years.

Is the Buick LeSabre Reliable?

Most review sites agree that the Buick LeSabre is a reliable full-size sedan. Cars.com users have given the 2005 Buick LeSabre an outstanding reliability score of 4.6 out of 5.0. They are impressed with the car’s great value and fuel efficiency. The 2005 model gets a combined mileage of 24.5 miles per gallon with its 3.8-liter V6 engine. That’s not bad for a car its size.

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair and maintenance cost of a Buick LeSabre is around $608. The actual cost may vary depending on the car’s condition, mileage, location, and service rates. The top five most common Buick LeSabre repairs are A/C recharges, thermostat replacements, brake booster replacements, headlamp switch replacements, and power steering system leak inspection.

Top Buick LeSabre Problems

The seventh and eighth generations of the Buick LeSabre have their share of issues. We’ve listed down the most common ones to help manage your expectations.

Defective Power Window Assembly

Certain Buick LeSabre models made between 1999 to 2005 are equipped with faulty power window assemblies. The window regulators installed on these models have been known to fail on occasion. This issue is most prevalent in the 2000, 2001, and 2002 LeSabre models, which have received the most complaints on CarComplaints. A few users on the site have reported replacing the stock window regulators on their 2001 LeSabre multiple times because they kept failing after a couple of weeks. There are various ways in which window regulators can fail, including overuse, cold temperatures, and frayed regulator cables. These factors, combined with the fact that the LeSabre’s power window assembly has plastic clips holding the windows in place very likely caused the problem. The clips can break off at any point, allowing the windows to drop right into the door frame. You’ll need to remove the car’s interior panels to retrieve the fallen windows. GM dealers insist on replacing the entire pulley assembly, which costs $450.

The Buick LeSabre isn’t the only GM vehicle with a power window problem. The Buick Bonneville, Century, Regal, Grand Am, and Sunfire also share this dilemma. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), GM hasn’t made any power window recalls for these affected models because they aren’t a safety concern. They are a security concern, however. An open window can lead to theft, so you should replace your faulty power windows as soon as possible.

Cracked Intake Manifold Gasket

Dex-Cool, a specialized coolant, has been linked to the cracking of intake manifold gaskets in GM vehicles manufactured between the 1990s and the mid-2000s. This includes certain Buick LeSabre models from 1999 to 2005. Many LeSabre owners believe that Dex-Cool can potentially corrode engine and cooling system components, such as the heater core, radiator, and water pump. The resulting coolant leak can have a negative effect on your car’s performance, eventually rendering it undrivable.

GM has since changed the materials used in newer intake manifold gaskets to make them less susceptible to cracking than the original intake manifold gaskets. The company hasn’t recalled the faulty gaskets on older GM vehicles, which means drivers will have to get them replaced.

Replacing a cracked intake manifold gasket can cost anywhere between $200 and $550 on labor alone. Aftermarket intake manifold gaskets usually cost between $180 to $400, depending on the materials, quantity, and brand. 

False Fuel Gauge Readings

Certain Buick LeSabre models manufactured between 1999 and 2005 have faulty fuel pressure sensors. Some LeSabre owners say their fuel sensor gives false readings when their fuel tank is running low (usually below the halfway mark). A bad fuel sensor can have dangerous consequences. You may experience a sudden lack of power when driving. That’s because the air and fuel ratio in the engine is interrupted by a failing fuel sensor. In some cases, the engine may not start up after cranking. Experts will advise Buick LeSabre owners to replace their stock fuel sensors to correct the problem.

RepairPal professionals recommend replacing the entire fuel pump module on high-mileage LeSabres. A fuel pump replacement can cost anywhere between $600 to $700. You can order a high-quality aftermarket fuel pump to cut down on maintenance costs. Make sure to ask your seller about your Buick’s repair history to avoid pesky fuel gauge problems.

Shifting Problems with Automatic Transmission

A failing transmission pressure control solenoid is causing shifting issues in Buick LeSabre models made between 1991 to 2005 (the 1992 and 1996 models are absent from the list). RepairPal users have complained about hard shifting, jerking, and slipping in LeSabre models with more than 120,000 miles on them.

The transmission pressure control solenoid regulates the amount of transmission fluid going to the internal friction plates so that the transmission won’t jerk or slip when shifting. A lack of transmission fluid can cause excessive gear slipping, which can overheat or dry out the friction clutches. It’s important to keep your transmission pressure solenoid in good condition to avoid accidents caused by hard or erratic shifting.

GM hasn’t issued a recall for faulty transmission pressure control solenoids in affected models, which means you will be responsible for the replacement costs. Remember to ask your seller about the car’s transmission history.

Failing Mode Door Actuator

A failing mode door actuator is causing incorrect HVAC temperature in Buick LeSabre models from 1990 to 2005 (the 1991 model isn’t included). The mode door actuator controls the flow of warm or cold air blowing through the vents. If the actuator fails, it can reverse the operation of the air conditioner and heater. This may not be a safety risk, but a failing mode door actuator can make driving uncomfortable during the summer and winter seasons. Make sure to test out the HVAC of your desired Buick LeSabre to avoid the hassle of replacing a broken mode door actuator.

The Buick LeSabre is a good daily driver for its price. It’s comfortable, reliable, and easy to drive. You’ll also get approving nods from fans of full-size American sedans. Just make sure to test drive your car before you buy it so you won’t have to deal with any unpleasant surprises later.

How Much Does a Used Buick Lesabre Cost?

A used Buick LeSabre costs anywhere from $1,800 to $10,000. The price of a used Buick LeSabre depends on its mileage, year, and general condition, so you might find one that’s cheaper or more expensive in your area based on these factors. Remember that when you purchase a secondhand vehicle of any sort, it’s best to enlist a trusted mechanic’s help when you go in person to examine and test drive the vehicle. They can help you tell if the secondhand Buick LeSabre you’re looking at is worth the asking price.

Buick LeSabre Models To Avoid

The power window issues we mentioned are most prevalent in the 2001 and 2002 Buick LeSabre models. Meanwhile, the 2000 Buick LeSabre suffers from engine problems in addition to window issues. Overall, it’s best to avoid these years if you want to save yourself the headache.

What Is the Best Buick LeSabre Model Year?

Looking for the best Buick LeSabre model year to pick up secondhand? Try the 2003 Buick Lesabre. It has the highest FIXD Reliability Score paired with a good safety rating. The 2003 Buick LeSabre was the highest-selling full-sized sedan of its time, and Buick even manufactured a Celebration Edition as a result. For a twenty-year-old car, the 2003 Buick LeSabre also has a relatively low average annual maintenance and repair cost.

Buick LeSabre History

The Buick LeSabre first appeared on the 1951 Le Sabre show car, where it made waves as one of the vehicles sporting aircraft-like design elements. While the line was once known as the Buick Special, Buick soon changed its name to Buick LeSabre in 1959. Over the years, Buick’s trimmed down the line to offer only its pillared coup, wagon, and sedan body styles. Despite this, LeSabre remained one of Buick’s best selling full-sized cars alongside its entry-level vehicles.

How to Get Your Hands on Replacement Parts For Your Buick LeSabre

Failing to repair or replace faulty auto parts can have disastrous consequences on your Buick LeSabre. Luckily, you can easily get replacements that are compatible with your vehicle thanks to CarParts.com.

You can get your hands on new parts compatible with your vehicle without ever leaving your room. Just visit CarParts.com and use our vehicle selector to check for fitment. You’ll need to input necessary details like the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle.

Our components are sourced from some of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. In addition, our warehouses are located all over the US, meaning you can receive your order within days.

Don’t stick around to see what might happen if the various components of your LeSabre break. Shop for replacement Buick parts at CarParts.com today.