2002 Buick Lesabre Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 6%of 310 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Buick Lesabre, 6% of the 310 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2002 Buick Lesabre 3.8 l engine would be hard to start after it was driven and restarted after 15 minutes (or more) of being off. The car sometimes has to wait for .5 hours before it will start. This happened a year ago also. I have checked the maf sensor. The car has also stalled while driving at low speeds. If I wait for 3 minutes to restart after stalling it will restart and usually go long distances 100 miles without failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10206426, filed 2007-10, 80,000 miles“I noticed engine oil drop on driveway. Dealer had to replace rear main seal as rear main seal housing cover and oil pan gasket. This first noticed with only 9864 miles on the new car. I am submitting this complaint to you to see if there is an inherent problem with this model vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10030815, filed 2003-08, 9,864 miles“- the contact owns a 2002 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that he he took the vehicle to dealer for service when the mechanic told him that he found a small crack in the intake manifold. The contact has not been to the Buick dealer, and the mechanic told him that the crack was possibly caused by an error in the vehicles computer.”
NHTSA complaint #10181017, filed 2007-01, 37,800 miles“- the contact stated that upon checking the oil on the 2002 Buick Lesabre with 46000 failure mileage he discovered that the manifold gaskets were leaking. This had been an ongoing problem. Also, had a 1996 oldsmobile delta 88 t with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10182769, filed 2007-02, 46,000 miles“Upon starting the vehicle engine turns over approximately 3 times before the vehicle starts. This failure has almost caused an accident while attempting to merge onto a highway. Dealership ran an diagnostic test in which no failure code was found, although the failure occurred 3 times .”
NHTSA complaint #10075826, filed 2004-06, 9,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 5% |
| 2002 | 18 | 6% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 69 | 33% |
| 1998 | 196 | 49% |
| 1997 | 110 | 28% |
| 1996 | 18 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 36 | 23% |
| 1993 | 25 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 14% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 5 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 2 | 10% |
| 1987 | 6 | 15% |
| 1986 | 6 | 38% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2002 Buick Lesabre
118 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Buick Lesabre
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology