2001 Buick LeSabre problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 460 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 16.1 times the median LeSabre year — the 2001 model ranks #4 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (104), engine (52), and body & structure (50), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
460
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
25
Fires reported
21
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other LeSabre years?
What are the most common 2001 Buick LeSabre problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 104 | 23% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 52 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 50 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 46 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 32 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 30 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 29 | 6% | — flat |
| Other | 18 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 18 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 17 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 14 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 11 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 11 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 9 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A LATERAL COLLISION; UPON IMPACT, SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE TIME THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ALL FOUR DOORS WERE LEAKING AND WERE REPAIRED THREE TIMES. *YH”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE IGNITION WAS TURNED ON, A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A LATERAL COLLISION; UPON IMPACT, SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK THREE PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED AT THE TIME THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ALL FOUR DOORS WERE LEAKING AND WERE REPAIRED THREE TIMES. *YH”
“BATTERY WOULD NOT HOLD CHARGE. HAD A NEW COMPUTER PUT IN. DID NOT HELP. HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR INSTALLED. DID NOT HELP. CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER ABOUT A YEAR OF TRYING TO FIND THE CAUSE. FIRE MARSHALL SAID THE FUSE BOX SHORTED AND CAUGHT THE INSULATION ON FIRE WHICH BURNED THE FUEL LINE INTO. CAR IS…”
“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…”
2001 Buick LeSabre — common questions
Is the 2001 Buick LeSabre reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 460 complaints put the 2001 model at #4 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.
What are the most common 2001 LeSabre problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (104 complaints), engine (52 complaints), body & structure (50 complaints).
Does the 2001 Buick LeSabre have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Buick LeSabre.
Is the 2001 Buick LeSabre under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LeSabre years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 1997, 2001, 2002, 1999, 1993, 1992, 1995, 1994, 2004, 2003, 1996, 2005, 1990, 1987, 1991. The cleanest record among LeSabre years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.