Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||||
| 709 | 09/01/2005 | 10018156 | Car issues - fix it right the first time (new issues in bold). to include 2006 and 2007 models. gm. tech link. *tt | 12/16/2005 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||||
| 709 | 09/01/2005 | 10018156 | Car issues - fix it right the first time (new issues in bold). to include 2006 and 2007 models. gm. tech link. *tt | 12/16/2005 | |
| 040139005 | 09/01/2004 | 10016207 | Noisy blower motor. *sc | 09/02/2005 | |
| 02118 | 01/01/2004 | 10007449 | Droning sound from hvac blower system. service vme. *mj | 06/23/2004 | |
| VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR | |||||
| 050864011 | 04/01/2005 | 10017327 | Front door window binds/inoperative/moves slowly. *tt | 11/03/2005 | |
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||||
| 3483 | 10017398 | Power window inoperative, noisy or glass drops. *tt | 11/07/2005 | ||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||||
| 020864003 | 02/01/2002 | 631227 | Some customers may comment that the outside rearview mirrors do not return to the memory recall position when the remote keyless entry door unlock button is used. *slc | 05/21/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 12/03/2011 | |||
| I was driving on the highway a few days before december 3, 2011, and i heard a loud pop sound from the back seat of my car. on the 3rd, i was driving along and started hearing the sound of an open window in the back seat. i tried to close the back-right window with the power window control on the driver's door, but it didn't move the window (i heard the motor running, though). i then parked the car and got out to try to pull/push the window shut, but it would not stay all the way up. it had started with just an inch or so being open, but eventually it slid down so it was only about halfway up. from what i've read online ( http://www.carcomplaints.com/buick/lesabre/2002/windows_windshield/window_regulator_broke.shtml ), this is a fairly common problem with this model of car, but buick is saying that there's not enough reports of this issue to declare a recall notice for the window regulator. i disagree. from what i've read, repairing a single window with this problem can cost up to $300 plus labor, and usually when one window goes bad, the others are soon to follow. i don't really feel like paying $1200 for windows in a car i only paid $5000 for used... | |||
| 02/21/2010 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact started the ignition and the front passenger window abruptly released in a downward position without assistance. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the window regulator was replaced. recently, the rear driver window exhibited the similar failure as the front passenger window. the contact notified the dealer and scheduled an appointment for repair. the failure mileage was approximately 70,000. js | |||
| 04/04/2007 | 40000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact stated that the drivers side and the rear passenger windows have failed by the window falling on its own and she is unable to put it back up. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed her that she needed to replace the window regulators. the window regulators were replaced for the drivers side and the rear passenger windows. the failure has occured on a intermittent basis and has still occured after the last repair. the failure mileage was approximately 40,000. tb | |||
| 03/01/2006 | 45000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact stated that the motor in his windows are defective, causing them to remain stuck. the dealer made four attempts to diagnose the failure. the manufacture was notified who offered no assistance. the vehicle was repaired by an authorized dealer. the current mileage was approximately 90,000. the failure mileage was approximately 45,000. bw | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the rear drivers side window fell down into the door panel and would not go back up. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where she was informed she needed a new window regulator. she had a repair performed on the vehicle in which the window would stay up and would not go down anymore. approximately 9 months later the failure recurred on the front passenger side window. the vehicle was taken back to the same independent repair shop where the window was repaired in the same way as the first failure. the failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 82,000. sm. | |||
| 03/15/2010 | 101000 | ||
| Power windows dropped with a bang while traveling at freeway speeds. three of the four windows have failed this way at different times. the bang caused an unsafe distraction. | |||
| 11/16/2009 | 21000 | 1 | |
| I have removed my dashboard cover or so called dash board pad and have re-glued it 3 times and now it is curling up at the forward end again. the front of the headliner is now rotting at the foam area between the fabric and the molded shape, the same as has been ocurring since the early 1980's. the foam is deteriorating from the heat and the sun, (florida owners are effected more than some), turning to powder so there is nothing that can be done other than replace it with the same garbage from gm or have an upholstery shop like mine. http://www.markthree.com replace the fabric on the existing ceiling shaping board, after spending hours removing the ceiling headliner from the car and then removing all of the rotted foam and fabric brought to a clean and usable surface. why are we still dealing with the same sun vs. glue problems that we have since they stopped doing stretch ceilings in the 70's? as an upholsterer at http://www.eastcoastautotoys.com i do make a good living off of this abomination but as a 2002 buick lesabre owner, i do not appreciate that i have had to remove my dashboard cover also called pad and have reglued and remolded it 3 times. now it is curling up at the forward ends again as well as by the air bag. the front of the headliner is now falling loose and down at the front windshield area due to rotting foam, {just like like those of the 1980's}. the foam is deteriorating and turning to powder so there is nothing that can be done other than replace it with the same garbage or have an upholstery shop like mine replace the fabric on the existing board. after spending 45 minutes removing the ceiling from the car and then another hour removing all of the rotted foam.....why are we still dealing with the same sun vs. glue problems that we have since they stopped doing stretch ceilings in the early 70's? as an upholsterer i do make a good living off of this abomination but as a 2002 buick lesabre owner, i do not appreciate wasting my time ... *tr | |||
| 06/09/2004 | 1 | ||
| Regarding my 2002 buick la sabre, limited edition i am in ottawa canada - the window regulators on this car are all faulty and i have heard this same complaint from countless other owners of this model. i bought this car august 2002 in good faith and did not expect this kind of trouble. when i first bought this car the front and back windows started having issues in putting the windows back up after being opened. after many investigations in oleans , canada the dealer came to the conclusion that it was the window regulators and it would cost me $400 to replace just one window regulator alone this complaint has been going on ever since i bought this car and it is well know in the car industry that this particular 2002 buick la sabre, ltd edition has had a lot of problems mainly in this area (regulators) but gm is avoiding any recalls on this and to me this is totally irresponsible on gm's part not to do a recall on these regulators, it is actually a complete avoidance of there responsible, they have just been totally derelict in their duty as a manufacturer and just letting the customer take the full financial brunt of gms ineptness to supply quality parts in their window mechanisms,,,,,,,,,,, namely the cheap regulators! will anyone do anything about this irresponsible and troublesome safety issue??????????????????? *tr | |||
| 10/08/2009 | 71000 | 1 | |
| I bought this car in feb 2008. in november 2008, the driver side front window started having issues going back up after being opened. it would go about 1/2 way up and get stuck. i would then have to pull over and force the window closed. this happened multiple times throughout the entire winter. then more recently(10/8/09), as weather started getting cold again, the same thing started happening. except this time, the window doesn't go back up at all. this is very frustrating and can be distracting when you're trying to pay attention to the road. my main concern is going through toll booths in mid winter, 20 degree weather and not being able to close my window. this happened last winter and i nearly got into an accident because of it. i was quoted that the window regulator would cost $600 to replace. i don't have that kind of money and therefore can't afford to replace this component. *tr | |||
| 08/12/2009 | 75000 | 1 | |
| Driver's side car window will not go up and down. *tr | |||
| 06/02/2009 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Rear passenger window dropped down by itself for no reason while driving. it had not been used since the driver side window also dropped down and was repaired 2 years ago. we had not used the rear windows on purpose because it is a known window regulator defect which no one has recalled. however, the window fell by itself anyway. the 3 or 4 inch gap of open space is now taped over, but it is unsecured and could easily break. i am not going to pay the $500 it takes to get it fixed. nhtsa should force a recall for this common recurring defect which is unsafe and expensive to repair. *tr | |||
| 09/26/2008 | 22000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact stated that the front passenger side window has failed twice. both rear windows also failed. the front passenger side window regulator was replaced in september of 2008. a report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that they would not assist with the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. the failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 26,000. | |||
| 12/28/2008 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Drivers side back window, fell down. to get repaired would be $458. so window was blocked up with 4 pieces of wood by the dealership. this is a couple in their late 70's & 80. in the wintertime. alot of complaints on line of this same problem. *tr | |||
| 11/28/2008 | 86000 | 1 | |
| I also have experienced window regulator failure, passenger front side went down and that?s where it stayed. a search on the internet has proven out that this is a major problem on buicks of this era as well as other models using the regulator mechanisms from the supplier to gm. my bill ended up over 500 dollars for repair at a gm dealership. this is a major problem, verified by one of their mechanics. i called gm customer satisfaction department and spoke with a gentleman who also verified it is a major problem, but gm will not stand behind them after expiration of the warranty. i love this car but am seriously considering trading as i am fearful of what the future holds with the other windows after researching the problem. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2008 | 22000 | 1 | |
| Electric window mechanism has failed on both rear windows. failure occured while lowering the window with the up/down switch located on the door. both windows failed when they were aproxiately 3/4 of the way down. the windows were each operated only a couple of times before failure. the right rear was the first to fail. was repaired at official buick dealership by replacing entire mechanism at a cost of $666.00. left rear failed next, and has not yet been repaired. *tr | |||
| 07/04/2007 | 79000 | 1 | |
| I bought a 2002 buick lesabre limited early in 2007, by summertime the passenger window, and both rear windows fell without being used, i bought a replacement window motor and now they are working ok, the front driver side window has difficulty going up and down, i replaced the window motor and it is still having difficulty, though this time it is due to the window track being dry. this window problem should be recalled, many other lesabre owners experience the same problem. all 4 window motors have been replaced in 2008 and for over a year i was driving a car with no working windows, this may not appear like a problem that would lead to death or injury, but what would happen if somehow there is a fire in the car and you need to pull down your windows, or during the winter your window gets foggy and you need to pull it down to be able to see, while i understand that you can warm up the car before driving, a window can get foggy very quickly when the temperature is below 40 degrees and pulling down a window to be able to see to make a turn safely could be a life saving event. *tr | |||
| 10/05/2008 | 88000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact stated that the motor in the window was failing. as a result, the windows do not roll up or down occasionally. the failure has been occurring for a year and a half. the vehicle has never been taken in for service. the contact stated that this was a safety issue because it could lead to theft or her children could crawl out of the window. the failure mileage was 88,000. | |||
| 06/20/2006 | 20135 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact took her vehicle to a car wash and was informed that it could not be washed because the two rear windows had dropped down into the door and would not roll back up. the dealer stated that the regulator cable guides were cracked and twisted. the cables were replaced at the cost of $250 and the dealer was reimbursed by gm. on august 6, 2008, the failure recurred with the front driver's side window. the diagnosis was a failed regulator and it was repaired at the cost of $674.04. the current mileage was 27,283 and failure mileage was 20,135. | |||
| 07/16/2008 | 1 | ||
| I have 2002 buck lasabre, custom; only 22,000 miles. only i use the car , it looks like new. asking direction, i opened right front window. but i was unable to close it. i open front windows only in rare cases - to ask something; maybe 10-15 times since 2002. during the night the car remained open and someone took sportive shoes and about $12 that i forgot to take home. next day i came to buick auto shop (the dealership where i bought the car in 2002) and i was told that this was window regulator and it would cost $760. i am a retiree and can't pay such amount. i open a part of the door and found out that the reason was a defected cam. i needed 3 small parts ( an upper front cam, wheel (both from plastic) and a guide (from metal) that fix the cam and wheel to the frame. all these parts should cost only several dollars but nobody gave me their numbers. i was told that it is impossible to order them. on the internet i found many similar complaints. as if the company deliberately put defected parts that can be easily changed but only by gm employees ( a customer leaves unnecessary defected unit) and sold again as new. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||
| 01/04/2006 | 114000 | 1 | 03/31/2003 |
| Blower motor failed rendering the front window defroster useless. the local garage i took it to said that this was the third such failure they've seen. they attempted to replace the unit but ran into a problem because of a design change in the replacement blower. they took the car to a gm dealer that was able to ,after a considerable amount of time, install the replacement blower. i was pleased until i received the invoice which included the charge for labor of $488.00. i'm waiting for a return phone call from gm as to whether or not they'll reimburse any of this cost. *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 200 | 1 | 09/27/2002 |
| Dt: the consumer stated that the 2002 buick lesabre was having brake problems. if the road was wet the consumer had to push on the brakes three times to get the vehicle to stop. the consumer took the car back to the dealership three times. the problem was when the weather condition was bad/wet weather.. the salesman drove the car once when it was wet, but the dealer said nothing was wrong. the consumer contacted gm and the bbb. gm sent a letter back to the consumer. the consumer claimed that the heat did not work in the fall. the heat will go for 3 or 4 days and not work , and then it will. *ak. the consumer believed the pdas were faulty. *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR | |||
| 07/23/2008 | 1 | ||
| While driving window passenger side fell down and could not be brought up. *tr | |||
| 11/12/2007 | 47000 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. while driving 30 mph, the rear passenger side window dropped and would not roll back up. there were no prior warning indicators. the window had not been previously tampered with before the failure occurred. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 47,000. | |||
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||
| 08/07/2012 | 50000 | 1 | |
| This is regarding recent replacement of both rear window regulators. research has proven that many complaints have been filed over the years with no recall. i would hope for financial help, $1000 to cover the cost of repairs, as the minimum response; and also, i hope for a recall to help the many others who have suffered great financial costs and safety. i have been directed by my father, [xxx], original and present owner of this 2002 buick, to help him be a responsible consumer/customer. my father of 88 years still believes in american made cars, especially in gm. he has been watching, like many americans, for a come back in the auto industry, especially the correction of problems that clearly has a large documentation of complaints as this one. i hope you will be able to honor his faithfulness in perhaps a small financial way, and perhaps even in a greater way through a recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 01/28/2010 | 54000 | 3 | |
| I have had to place 3 window regulators in the past year. i have been told that some plastic piece on the regulator is failing. i've researched and seen that many others have had the same problems. also i've been told by the previous owner that they had the same problems. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2010 | 1 | 08/01/2002 | |
| Ltr addressed to the potus re defective parts on his 2002 buick lesabre custom, inquiring what can the government do through gm to properly compensate him; for the administrators signature. *kb all four of the window regulators had to be replaced, the sealant holding the cover to the dashboard came apart, which caused a large gap near the base of the windshield on the drivers side. *jb | |||
| 07/18/2008 | 42000 | 1 | 10/01/2001 |
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. she noticed that both rear windows had fallen inside of the door. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. the same failure occurred on the front passenger-side window. the current and failure mileages were 42000. updated 1/28/10 *cn the fuel pressure regulator was leaking. the manifold was cracked and had to be replaced as well as the crankshaft sensor. updated 02/03/10.*jb | |||
| 06/09/2004 | 1 | ||
| Regarding my 2002 buick la sabre, limited edition i am in ottawa canada - the window regulators on this car are all faulty and i have heard this same complaint from countless other owners of this model. i bought this car august 2002 in good faith and did not expect this kind of trouble. when i first bought this car the front and back windows started having issues in putting the windows back up after being opened. after many investigations in oleans , canada the dealer came to the conclusion that it was the window regulators and it would cost me $400 to replace just one window regulator alone this complaint has been going on ever since i bought this car and it is well know in the car industry that this particular 2002 buick la sabre, ltd edition has had a lot of problems mainly in this area (regulators) but gm is avoiding any recalls on this and to me this is totally irresponsible on gm's part not to do a recall on these regulators, it is actually a complete avoidance of there responsible, they have just been totally derelict in their duty as a manufacturer and just letting the customer take the full financial brunt of gms ineptness to supply quality parts in their window mechanisms,,,,,,,,,,, namely the cheap regulators! will anyone do anything about this irresponsible and troublesome safety issue??????????????????? *tr | |||
| 04/01/2009 | 160000 | 1 | |
| I lowered the windows and when i went to raise the rear-passenger there was a crack noise and it would not go back up. the plastic part, at the top of the window regulator, had broken - causing the wire, which runs through the regulator, moving the window up and down, to just coil up inside the door panel. i went to a dealership to have them quote me the cost of repairing and was eventually told the repair would run me ~$700. i was told that the part alone was ~$400. i didn't have them fix it... because i was expecting a ~$75 repair... not ~$700! i taped up the window (which i hate being that car) and decided to get another quote. at the time i was incredibly busy with work and didn't get around to it though. roughly a month later the exact same thing happened to my front-passenger window. i now have both passenger side windows held up by tape. i cannot believe there is no recall for this. i have tried looking for a place to submit problems with cars to buick directly, but have been told to only go to a dealership and tell them.... and i've already been to a dealership with this problem and no luck. i have taken my door panel off to try and fix myself and was very surprised that the problem was just that the top part of the regulator, which is basically just a track for the wire to run in as the window goes up and down, was cheap plastic. the rest of the regulator is steal, and the part that has all the tension from the wire running over it, is plastic. ridiculous. *tr | |||
| 11/08/2009 | 94250 | 1 | |
| Window regulators are very prone to fail. three have failed on my car, and one has been replaced twice. this is a very common problem on several gm cars. the window can fall open and will not close which could be dangerous in inclement weather. this is also expensive and a financial hardship on owners and should have been addressed some time ago. *tr | |||
| 08/06/2009 | 1 | ||
| Power window regulators not working. i have 3 windows to drop down, repaired one at dealer for $450, disconnected the other 2 and blocked them up. the 1st happened about 3 yrs ago, the 2nd happened about 1 yr. ago and the 3rd this aug 2009. *tr | |||
| 07/28/2009 | 45000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. while the contact was examining her vehicle, the rear driver's side window suddenly fell inside of the door. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the window regulator needed to be replaced. prior to the failure, she replaced both windows twice for the same failure. the current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 45,000. | |||
| 07/24/2009 | 1 | ||
| The power windows on my 2002 buick lesabre keep breaking. both back windows have failed and the driver's side window recently failed. a regulator in the power window fails and the window retracts/slams into the door permanantly. this is very startling when it happens on the road and nearly caused me to wreck the car. *tr | |||
| 06/24/2009 | 1 | ||
| Right side passenger window regulator broke on 24jun09 and left side back passenger window regulator broke on 13jul09. both windows fixed in up position at local repair shop. repair for each window is over $400. mechanics states that this is a known defect in this model and expect the other two window regulators to fail. contacted gm/buick and they said they have not had enough complaints to warrant a recall and fix of this problem. i feel this company should be held accountable for this defect. part is made of metal and plastic (metal chain that goes over a plastic wheel). researched internet for customer feedback on this problem and found many customer complaints about this mechanism. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2009 | 60000 | 1 | |
| Windows fall. three of four windows so far fall into the door after the power window mechanism and be heard to snap inside the door. *tr | |||
| 03/27/2008 | 1 | ||
| Three of my windows on my 2002 buick lasabre limited have all failed. the window has detached from the motor, it seems. apparently this is a common problem with these cars, yet no recall to fix it is offered. i cannot open these windows because i would be driving around without being able to get them back up. the cost to fix this is about $200 - $400. not only should i not have to pay to fix an obvious problem, but i do not have the money to do so. i am amazed that there is no recall for this. *tr | |||
| 03/20/2008 | 47827 | 1 | |
| In mar, 2008 the right front power window regulator failed and the window was stuck in the open position at 47,827 miles; i had the regulator replaced at a cost to me of $373.00; then in october, 2008 the right rear window failed and was stuck in the open position, at 53,612 miles. due to the cost of the regulator i had it sketched in the closed position which cost me $78.53; then in nov.2008 the left rear window stuck in the open position at 54,054 miles. i also had it scotched shut at a cost to me of $75.25. i am filing a complaint with general motors, buick division today. this is an obvious defect and should be repaired and corrected by general motors/ buick. *tr | |||
| 10/16/2008 | 82000 | 1 | |
| General motors 2002 buick lesabre window motors. i have had the car 5 years and i have replaced 2 window motors. two were covered by warranty. two i was forced to replace and now the last window that has not been replaced has failed. there is an obvious problem in the design. *tr | |||
| 06/22/2006 | 20135 | 1 | |
| 2002 buick le sabre window regulator broke and replaced both rear windows and drivers side window. *tr | |||
| 06/24/2008 | 72000 | 1 | |
| Broken rear driver window regulator on 2002 lesabre buick. 72,000 miles. lowering windows and window stopped working in down position. $400 to fix and 3-5 days. *tr | |||
| 05/18/2006 | 62000 | 2 | 12/01/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the rear window regulators failed and as a consequence the window devices are not operating normally. the regulators were repaired three times at an expense of $525.00 each. the dealer and a technician stated the regulators are poorly designed and will continue fail. the failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage was 83,000. updated 07/07/08. *lj updated *jb | |||
| 08/15/2006 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Right front power window regulator failure, due to defective plastic cable guide located at the top of the regulator. right front window failed, fell down inside the door and could not be raised. this happened august 2006 aprox. next the right rear window regulator failed about 3 months later. then the left rear window regulator failed. all 3 windows had the exact same problem, a plastic guide at the top of the regulator is guiding a metal cable unto a plastic winding spool, when the guide breaks the cable becomes tangled on the spool and can not be raised. i paid for and replaced the window regulator right front before the other 2 windows failed. i filed a complaint with general motors, their response after many phone calls they agreed to pay for the part only. i don't have the bill for the regulator in front of me but the cost was about $ 318.00 they refused to pay for the defective rear window regulators repair. i was told to have the vehicle repaired at my expense then file a new claim and wait for their answer. i have propped both rear windows shut with a piece of wood, they can no longer be lowered. this is a safety issue, please investigate. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 1 | ||
| 2002 buick lesabre limited 28,000 miles. the windows simply fall down inside the door. we replaced one back window under a year ago at the cost of $600.00 dollars. recently, the other back window dropped inside the door. on april 28, 2008, buick customer relations department advised paying the dealer to diagnose the problem. on other telephone conversations, the buick consumer relations department has informed our daughter who called on our behalf that no recall for the window problems exists on the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 11/06/2007 | 49800 | 2 | 11/22/2006 |
| Two of four window regulators have failed leaving the windows in the down position. there was no notice prior to the failures. the windows were put in the down position and would not close. it is extremely disconcerting that this could happen and my wife and two young children (ages 2 & 4) could be left in the rain with no way of closing the window. i feel that gm needs to reimburse owners for the cost of replacing these window regulators. the first incident occurred in 11/07 and the second incident occurred in 2/08. *tr | |||
| 04/09/2008 | 66146 | 1 | 09/10/2005 |
| Power window regulator failure. *tr | |||
| 04/24/2007 | 40000 | 3 | 12/15/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. while driving at an unknown speed, the front driver side electrical window came down approximately one inch. the contact pressed the button to raise the window and it dropped. approximately five months later, the passenger side rear window does not operate at all. six months later, the rear driver side window stopped operating as well. the current mileage was 45,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. updated 04/03/08. *lj | |||
| 02/12/2008 | 42990 | 2 | 09/04/2007 |
| 2002 buick lasabre custom regulators at both rear power windows malfunctioning. the cable that guides window up and down jumped the tracking and was chewed and twisted making it necessary to be replaced costing $400 at each occurrence. *tr | |||
| 02/02/2008 | 8000 | 4 | 08/12/2002 |
| Power window failure on 2002 buick lesabre. i own a 2002 buick lesabre which i purchased new. i also purchased an extended service warranty from general motors when i purchased the vehicle in august, 2002. just as the vehicle turned 2 years old, the power windows started failing one by one. to date i have replaced three of the window motors and one has now failed for the second time. it seems that gm should be very aware of this problem with defective window motors since i have been finding many complaints on the internet, and i have also spoken to other buick owners. i am also being told that even though my car has less than 55000 miles on it my extended warranty expired in august 2007. (it ran concurrently with the bumper to bumper for three years). the cost of the window repair is approximately $600.00 per window. the dealership has finally agreed to give the parts and i pay for repair, ($120.00), which is still a lot of money for shoddy windows. i hope you are able to do something so that gm will give us a permanent free fix to this problem. *tr | |||
| 08/16/2005 | 26149 | 3 | 03/29/2002 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. on two different occasions, the front driver side window and then the rear driver side window came down and would not go back up. both were repaired by gm. the rear passenger side window rolled down in november of 2007 and would not go back up. the contact was informed that the repair was her responsibility. gm wanted $673 for the repairs. the current mileage was 43,000 and failure mileage was 26,149. updated 01/24/08 *bf updated 01/24/08 *tr | |||
| 12/26/2007 | 150000 | 3 | 05/26/2004 |
| Jan 2007 - front driver side window fell down in door while rolling down to pay airport toll - window motor replaced ~$500 oct 2007 - rear driver side window fell into door while car was parked - window motor replaced ~$500 dec 2007 - rear passenger side window fell into door while driving in 25 m.p.h. zone - being repaired. *tr | |||
| 09/01/2005 | 2 | 10/18/2001 | |
| 2002 buick lesabre. letter on behalf of constituent, expressing concern about the regulator that controls the window glass. *kb the rear door regulator on the drivers side failed. the consumer stated in september 2007, the regulator on the rear passenger door failed. *jb | |||
| 11/24/2007 | 2 | ||
| It is currently 39 degrees and raining in san antonio texas and i just had the second window on my 2002 buick lesabre fail. this is ridiculous! my grandfather worked for gm for 40 years and i have been loyal to a fault. please help me understand why this is happening to me and apparently many others and buick won't recall the cars to fix them. at 500 dollars each i am furious. shame on you gm. *tr | |||
| 11/04/2007 | 68000 | 2 | 10/18/2007 |
| Both rear passengers car window regulators broke and the windows fell down with in 2 days of each other. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2007 | 58534 | 1 | 11/10/2002 |
| I own a 2002 buick le sabre. i have a broken rear window regulator on the right side rear. it is stuck in the down position. i am awaiting aftermarket part to repair myself since on-line information indicates this is a very prevalent problem, and quite expensive (>$500) to repair at the dealer or in a body shop. there are numerous reports of problems with buick regulators, and it seems nobody has addressed the problem: not buick not nhtsa. there should be a recall, and there should be compensation for repairs people have been forced to pay out of their pocket. i own 2 buicks at this time, and will probably never buy another. *jb | |||
| 10/18/2007 | 111279 | 1 | 12/18/2006 |
| 10-18-07 went out to check windows before storm and noticed right side rear window was down slightly. when i tried to put it up i found that the window regulator had failed and just let the window drop. this is the second one to fail this month. first one failure 10-3-07 this is plainly a factory defect that buick will not address on it's own. *tr | |||
| 10/03/2007 | 1 | ||
| 10/3/07 while driving down road with nobody in rear passenger side, rear window just dropped and wouldn't go up. took to betten auto for repair and was told the regulator was broke and repair cost was $592.00. and that this is a common problem. and when 1 goes the other are sure to follow. *jb | |||
| 09/08/2007 | 1 | 06/26/2002 | |
| I have a 2002 buick lesabre with just over 23,000 miles and after closing the door the power window behind the driver's seat, had dropped down and would not go up. i retrieved a web site below with numerous others that have experienced the same problem.(see below) could you see that the manufacturer of this power assembly issue a recall for this faulty workmanship. purchased at sharpe buick dealership 1010 28th st. s.e. grand rapids, mi. 49508 in year 2002 with 6,000 miles on odometer. http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_52823.html *tr updated 01-15-08. *kb updated *jb | |||
| 08/17/2007 | 104500 | 1 | 01/10/2002 |
| 2002 buick lasabre - a rarely used (no childern) back window fell suddenly while driving. just had it replaced at the dealership at a cost of $442 (after getting them to lower the price $50 - so total would have been $492). this is an known problem by gm. the dealership and gm has not owned up to this problem. the part on the open market is only $99 - the dealership charges $344 for the same part. | |||
| 08/21/2007 | 3 | 11/14/2002 | |
| I own a 2002 lesabre and in the last six months i have had (3) of my window regulators to break. first was the passenger window in the front and two weeks ago the one in the back on the passenger side broke and today 08/21/2007 the one behind the driver broke while i was driving on the highway. *tr | |||
| 06/10/2007 | 51000 | 1 | 11/11/2002 |
| 1) no evidence leading up to failure 2) window mechanism failed, window would not return to closed position 3) had to have buick replace mechanism at over $500 expense there are over 82 records of this exact problem on carsurvey (.org) - and not everyone surfs to record their problem. *tr | |||
| 08/13/2007 | 11000 | 2 | 07/10/2002 |
| On june 18, 2007, i heard a loud noise from the back of the car. i had no idea what it was until i got home and noticed the rear right window was open. i tried to close it but it would not close. i brought it to my mechanic and he said it was the regulator/motor that broke. he said that it was common in buicks because the parts are made of plastic. today it happened again, this time to the left rear window. slight popping noise and the window slid down and i couldn't get it back up. i was alone both times and no one ever rides in the back. i think i may have opened those windows less than a dozen times. i only have 11,000 miles on the car and can't believe that this has happened. *jb | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 112000 | 2 | 12/02/2001 |
| Window on right driver side and on left rear driver side broken in down position. neither window was used excessively. *jb | |||
| 03/26/2007 | 2 | 07/08/2002 | |
| Defective power window regulators on my 2002 buick lesabre cost to repair @ $500.00 each. this is a huge problem with this vehicle from 2000-2005 model gm needs to recall this defective part. *tr | |||
| 03/13/2007 | 33900 | 1 | |
| Rear power window failed to go back up when lowered while driving. there was no warning or indication that there was a problem until it stopped working. 2002 buick, lesabre, has only 34,000 miles, but was no longer under warranty. the rear power window had only been lowered 10-12 times since purchased brand new, as i hardly ever had rear seat passengers. based on symptoms and research it appeared to be a defective power window regulator. based on internet complaints this appeared to be a chronic problem with buicks. in fact, when i called the local buick dealer for a cost estimate , about $500, they said that they had just fixed o another lesabre that day! also, they suggested it was likely the window regulator based on my brief description. however, they said there was no recall on that recurring failure, and i would have to pay full price.*ak i have been driving with the rear window held up with black duct tape, but it does not hold that well. i is obviously not a fix, but i refuse to pay $500 to fix something that has only been used about a dozen times, is a known defect and has the probability of breaking again after another dozen uses based on what i have read. | |||
| 03/11/2007 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Just replaced my first window regulator in my 2002 buick lesabre. the dealer wanted to charge $500+ but after arguing about it being such a widespread issue, they did agree to do it for the labor cost ($140). but i know that won't work for the future repairs and if the postings on the web sites are any indicator, the next one could happen any day now. i am afraid to use the window! but i now know to carry duct tape in the car. buick has quite a deal going - install cheap plastic parts and charge consumers $500 a pop to fix them with the same cheap plastic part. *jb | |||
| 02/18/2007 | 62000 | 2 | 01/30/2003 |
| General motors cars: (a) 2001 oldsmobile aurora, with 55,000 miles & (b) 2002 buick lesabre, with 62,000 miles 1. in june 2006, within 2 weeks of one another, both rear power windows on car a just dropped. repair and replacement cost about $500 for each window. old parts are not available. 2. last night (2/18/2007), in 28 degree weather, we got into car b to return home and when we shut the doors, both right side windows dropped. it was frigid and i put a blanket up to keep the cold out. this blocked my view of the left side of the vehicle and i almost hit a pedestrian. i will take the car to a dealership for repairs and replacement which will undoubtedly cost over $1000. in both cases, i engage the child door locks and window control to prevent children from opening or falling out of the window. when the rear window falls as it did, children are in danger. while researching this problem on the internet, i have discovered that this has been a problem for buick since 2000. why has the problem persisted for over many years, until the 2002 model year and beyond!? this problem demands a recall! *jb | |||
| 09/15/2006 | 1 | 12/30/2001 | |
| Driver side rear window failed. actuator broken. after review on internet learned that defective actuator very common on buick lesabre. *nm | |||
| 12/15/2006 | 1 | ||
| 2002 buick lasabre. window regulator failure. i have not replaced it yet. the motor works fine, it is the plastic regulator that fails. i have been unable to purchase just the regulator without the motor. appears to be a very high number of these failures, yet buick refuses to recall the part or supply the part minus the motor, which would cost significantly less than the current price of $400. *nm | |||
| 12/29/2006 | 67000 | 4 | 04/28/2002 |
| Power window regulators continue to fail. if not fixed properly could cause damage to individuals and vehicle. failure is very common and due to a manufacturers defect in design. *nm | |||
| 12/03/2006 | 108015 | 2 | 02/03/2004 |
| The rear driver's side window made a pop noise as i was driving. the window then slowly slid down into the door. the window now will not return to the up position. this could be a safety issue during poor driving conditions causing the driver to be distracted by anything coming through the window; snow, rain, etc. it is also a personal safety issue as well as a child safety issue. i have a child in the back seat and i keep the child locks engaged to keep him from opening the door but what is to stop him from going out the window even if i have the windows locked. the cause of the failure is cheap plastic parts used in the window regulator that break even if the window is not used. i have already replaced one window regulator and now i am going to have to replace this one as well. i know gm is aware of the problem because they reimbursed me for the first one but refuse to do so on this one. the dealership has said that it is not a question of if the windows will fail, but when. there are many websites on the internet of this same problem. when is someone going to look after the consumer and not the corporation. i have detailed in this letter the possibility of a crash hazard if the window fails and causes a distraction to the driver, personal safety, and personal security of children in the rear seat. *jb | |||
| 11/29/2006 | 22965 | 2 | 08/27/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph on normal road conditions, both side windows in the rear began to slip down into the door, causing an inability to properly secure the vehicle, as well as damage to the vehicle from rain. there were no warning signals prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to a dealership, who replaced the power window switch, but the problem persisted. | |||
| 11/24/2006 | 57000 | 1 | 08/27/2006 |
| Dt: the contact stated the passenger front window controls were inoperable and the dealer replaced the regulator. the problem has occurred in the rear driver side window. the dealer has been alerted. | |||
| 11/24/2006 | 83000 | 2 | 01/21/2003 |
| Window regulators on both rear windows have gone out on my buick lesabre.. windows never used as no passengers in my vehicle. *nm | |||
| 11/26/2006 | 53500 | 3 | 07/27/2002 |
| The power window regulator on my 2002 buick lesabre have failed three times. the first was the driver side window which was replaced by the dealer for $550.00. several days later the passenger side window failed. this was fixed by me after doing some reseach on how to repair this item. now the same window has broke again and i will fix it again, but in doing more research i have come across a site on the internet that has numerous complaints about this window regulator assembly in the buick lesabre and i feel that i should file my complaint becaue this is obviously a design/manufacturing defect from gmc. *jb | |||
| 11/05/2006 | 62000 | 3 | 03/30/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph under normal road conditions, the window regulator fractured. the service dealer replaced the window regulator. updated 11/30/2006 - *nm | |||
| 08/14/2006 | 2 | ||
| I purchased a 2002 buick lesabre on feb 10, 2006 with 26,000 miles from a buick dealer. since then two window motors have failed, costing me around $900. it seems that a $450 repair bill is the only way to fix this, the window cannot stay up otherwise. two windows in less then a year, no help from buick. pathetic. *nm | |||
| 10/06/2006 | 3 | 06/01/2001 | |
| Power window failure. *jb | |||
| 10/03/2006 | 34368 | 3 | 01/12/2006 |
| I just noticed my rear passenger side window was down. i never use the rear windows. i could not raise it with the power button. my front passenger window will not respond to the controls at all. my cruise control switch went out with less than 30,000 miles. the repair shop has had several of these and internet message boards were amazing. some people reported as many as 3 separate occurrences of window failure( or window regulator failure).jb | |||
| 09/11/2006 | 32500 | 3 | 07/24/2006 |
| Window regulator failure three windows. *jb | |||
| 07/15/2006 | 35000 | 3 | 02/11/2002 |
| 3 power windows have failed on my 2002 buick lesabre. *jb | |||
| 09/05/2006 | 43000 | 1 | 12/11/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the driver's side rear power window would not go up or down. an independent mechanic determined the regulator and motor were bad. | |||
| 09/01/2006 | 30623 | 2 | |
| Both rear power windows failed operation in down position. dealer stated this was common and would cost owner $1000 to fix both windows. owners are retired on fixed income with no passengers in read seating. rear windows rarely operated. *nm | |||
| 08/30/2006 | 63264 | 1 | 12/03/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side power window would not go up. the dealership determined that the regulator was bad and this was a common problem with these vehicles. the dealership replaced the regulator. the contact was provided the old part. there was concern expressed that the other power windows will also fail. | |||
| 08/28/2006 | 3 | ||
| Power window dropped or fell into door and broke after failure of regulator or track. this is the third such incident on the same vehicle in approximately 12 months, but involved a different window each time. each repair cost approximately $500. both manufacturer and dealer claim it has not received an unusual number of complaints, but manufacturer has released at least one technical service bulletin on this problem (tsb #3483, nhtsa id #10017398). *jb | |||
| 07/19/2006 | 48800 | 1 | |
| I own two buick lesabre's, one is from 2000 and the other is from 2002. both vehicles have or are under 50,000 miles. the windows have stopped working in three of the 2000 model and two of the windows in the 2002 model no longer work. the failures have occurred within 1-7 days of each other on each vehicle. seems to be timed. *jb | |||
| 08/17/2006 | 40152 | 2 | 08/10/2002 |
| Recently, my 2002 buick lesabre (purchased new in 2002) had the two rear windows fail within a few months of each other. in both cases, the cable which raises/lowers the window broke. the cable cannot be replaced alone but the motor and regulator must also be replaced. the cost for this at a gm dealer was $479.00 while the same job cost $290 at a non-gm repair center (gemini/goodyear). i lodged a complaint with buick and then researched the problem on the internet. i found a complaint about the same problem on a 1999 buick lesabre. this is obviously a defective design and one which is known to buick for several years prior to the 2002 model. while it is not a safety issue (unless there is adverse weather such as freezing cold or driving rain), it is an economic one. why no recall by buick? is it because the problem crops up after the 3 year warranty is no longer in effect. i suspect so. *jb | |||
| 07/22/2006 | 2 | 08/08/2002 | |
| Rear window regulator on 02 buick lesabre needed to be replaced-over $500. less than a year later the front passengers window regulator needed to be replaced-$400. the dealer indicated a bulletin existed. the mechanic on the 2nd occurrence said it is a common problem. my brother has a lesabre as well, and guess what? window regulator problems!!! with a bad design like this, why can't someone force gm to recall these parts? *jb | |||
| 03/28/2006 | 68355 | 2 | 04/27/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the rear passenger window was opened and would not close. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer who replaced the power window motor regulator. the problem has now occurred on the rear driver side window. the dealer and manufacturer have been alerted of the current problem. prior to the failure, there was a loud noise before the incident happened. updated 07/05/06. *jb | |||
| 12/27/2005 | 120000 | 1 | 08/23/2002 |
| In october of 2005 the passenger rear window slipped down and would not roll up again and i had to have the components replaced at a cost of $400 to me because there are no aftermarket parts and i had to buy the entire unit, half of which i did not need. now the driver side rear window has done the same and i will have to spend an additonal $400 to fix this. i have to add that these windows were rarely rolled up or down. i feel this is totally planned obselescence by the auto maker and an effort to make more money on the car. *nm | |||
| 09/07/2005 | 27000 | 2 | 10/10/2001 |
| Dt: the consumer stated that while traveling 20 mph on the 2002 buick lesabre the window in the back passenger's door shattered. the consumer had the window repaired. three weeks later the other side broke. the consumer consulted with his dealership, and they said that the cable loosened from the window motor. the consumer called gm. the first window they fixed for free, and they charged the consumer for the next window repair. both of the windows were operating correctly now. the consumer stated that there was never anyone riding in the back seat that would have caused this to happen. the first window shattered on 9-7-2005, and the second one was on 10-3-2005. there were no injuries reported. *ak (11/08/05) the left rear power window was inoperative. the regulator was replaced. on the second occasion, the passenger rear window fell down due to a loose regulator cable. *sc | |||
| 07/13/2005 | 2 | ||
| Dt: the rear passenger's side window broke inside the door on july 13,2005. the rear driver's window broke on september 12, 2005. contacted the dealer, they were going to charge the consumer for repairs. there was no warning when this happened. *ak | |||
| 09/04/2005 | 25000 | 2 | 10/18/2001 |
| Dt: the rear driver's side window will go all the way down when it should only go half way down for child safety. it will not come back up. one end of the cable inside the window came loose. contacted he dealer, and the consumer was taking the vehicle in today. noticed this on september 4, 2005. *ak the dealer removed the regulator however he was unable to put back. the dealer wanted to charge the consumer $600.00 the consumer purchased the regulator from another dealer for a lesser charge and installed it himself. *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||
| 08/05/2003 | 2003 | 1 | |
| The mirrors on the driver and passenger side fell down while closing the door. *ak *sc | |||
| VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 02/28/2009 | 146304 | 1 | |
| The rear driver side window made a grinding noise and dropped down. the window had become inoperative. this is the second window to become inoperative. previously, the front passenger window regulator became defective and inoperative. the window regulator is going out one at a time. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||
| 08/13/2003 | 1 | 03/01/2003 | |
| Reduced & impaired visibility through front windshield due to reflection of dash/slope of windshield. causes loss of clarity, especially during bright daylight driving.*ak | |||
| 10/25/2002 | 20000 | 1 | |
| Consumer was unable to see out of the front windshield, a reflection from the windshield caused a glow. *jb | |||
| 05/01/2002 | |||
| There is a reflection from the windshield which is very blinding to the driver. also the defroster vent on the dash reflects off the windshield so that visibility is impaired. dealer has no fix. my fix was to place a dark rug on the dash. i feel that this is a design flaw and the manufacturer should correct it.*ak | |||
| 05/15/2002 | |||
| Defroster vent on dash is designed in such a way that it reflects off the windshield even on a cloudy day. consumer is unable to drive vehicle due to this reflection. dealer admitted it was a design flaw, but has no remedy.*ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 06/24/2004 | 22000 | 2 | 05/15/2002 |
| While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wiper blades separated. this caused the windshield wiper blades to scratch the windshield, resulting in poor visibility. the consumer contacted the dealer, but there was no response from theem. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| 07/09/2003 | 10639 | 1 | 10/15/2002 |
| While driving and with no warning the left windshield wiper stopped working. *ak it was raining hard when the left wiper failed, but the right wiper continued to work, and then the left wiper arm nut had come off. the dealer replaced the nut with a nylon insert so that it would not come off. *scc *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | |||
| 01/01/2012 | 40000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 buick lesabre. the contact stated that while driving, the windows would fall into the door panel suddenly and intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was found that the window regulator motor had fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the failure mileage was approximately 40,000. the current mileage was approximately 62,000. mh | |||
| 01/01/2012 | 40000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 buick lasabre. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, all four windows would drop on different occasions without any warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the motor regulator fractured and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the two rear windows. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer. the failure mileage was approximately 40,000. the current mileage was approximately 62,000. tb | |||