2004 Buick LeSabre problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 212 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.4 times the median LeSabre year — the 2004 model ranks #11 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 69 reports (33% of the total).
212
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
18
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other LeSabre years?
What are the most common 2004 Buick LeSabre problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 69 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 19 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 15 | 7% | — flat |
| Airbags | 14 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 13 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 12 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 9 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 8 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 8 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A NOISE. AFTER HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW SMOKE, BUT WITHIN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FIRE DEPT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS INITIATED BY ELECTRICAL…”
“DASHBOARD HAS BUCKLED AND SEPARATED FROM CHASSIS IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION AND SPREADS ACROSS MIDDLE AREA AND TOWARDS PASSENGER SIDE. FEAR OF SETTING OFF AIR BAGS AND ALSO FURTHER IMPAIRMENT OF VISION AS CONDITION WORSENS. SEEMS TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN BY MANUFACTURER. NUMEROUS SIMILAR…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE…”
“I WAS GOING EAST ON A ONELANE STREET,WHEN THE OTHER CAR MADE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING THE ACCIDENT,MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MY SEATBELT TO TIGHTEN AROUND MY LOWER BACK AND CREATING PAIN AND SPRAIN.IF AIRBAG DID DEPLOY I WOULD HAVE SUFFER ALOT LESS. *TR”
“FUEL GAGE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN NEEDLE GETS BETWEEN HALF AND A QUARTER, IT BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH FROM EMPTY TO FULL. THEN AT A QUARTER FULL, IT GOES TO EMPTY AND STAYS THERE. YOU ARE NEVER SURE HOW MUCH GAS YOU REALLY HAVE AND CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STOP SUDDENLY.HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION AND…”
2004 Buick LeSabre — common questions
Is the 2004 Buick LeSabre reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 212 complaints put the 2004 model at #11 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 LeSabre problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (69 complaints), body & structure (19 complaints), engine (15 complaints).
Does the 2004 Buick LeSabre have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Buick LeSabre.
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.