2001 Buick Lesabre visibility problems
102 owner complaints about visibility on the 2001 Buick Lesabre have been filed with NHTSA, including 1 crash. The average reported mileage at failure is 63,582 miles. No recall currently covers this component on this model year.
What exactly fails
- Visibility › power Window Devices And Controls 74
- Visibility 9
- Visibility › glass, Side/rear 7
- Visibility › windshield 4
- Visibility › defroster/defogger/hvac System 3
- Visibility › windshield Wiper/washer 2
- Visibility › rear Window Wiper/washer › switch/wiring 1
- Visibility › windshield Wiper/washer › switch/wiring 1
Latest 50 complaints
Jul 2, 2014 · failed May 25, 2007 · 66,386 miles · AZ
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the window regulators failed to close or open the side windows in the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently. The dealer stated that the window regulators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 66,386.
May 15, 2013 · failed May 13, 2013 · 214,000 miles · IL
Rear window regulator have malfunctioned for 3RD time in both rear windows. Oil leaking from valve/heads causing smoke under hood. Door controls shorted out,and electrical problems causing doors to lock and unlock without cause and switching from driver1 to driver2 and back while driving. *tr
Jan 23, 2013 · failed Jan 23, 2013 · 50,000 miles · IL
The windows of this car are undependable. In case of accident defective motors regulators do not work. All four windows are a problem. This is a safety issue as you would not be able to exit by a window if need be. This is a problem with many of the buick lesabre 2001. Buick manufacturing will not admit that there is a problem with their windows. Buick states that the cars are past warranty and therefore will not do any thing about it. I include these two sites as evidence to this fact and how wide spread this problem is. Http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-6617098213423805&output=html&h=90&slotname=7952013016&w=728&lmt=1358582400&flash=11.4.402.265&url=http%3A%2F%2fwww.aboutautomobile.com%2fcomplaint%2F2001%2fbuick%2flesabre%2fpower%2bwindow&dt=1358997446843&bpp=16&shv=r20130122&jsv=r20121214&prev_slotnames=6969891371&correlator=1358997446734&frm=20&adk=1032090657&ga_vid=657897228.1358997064&ga_sid=1358997064&ga_hid=919312188&ga_fc=1&u_tz=-360&u_his=6&u_java=1&u_h=768&u_w=1280&u_ah=738&u_aw=1280&u_cd=32&u_nplug=0&u_nmime=0&dff=arial&dfs=12&adx=265&ady=1015&biw=1259&bih=644&oid=3&ref=http%3A%2F%2fwww.google.com%2furl%3fsa%3DT%26rct%3DJ%26Q%3D%26esrc%3DS%26frm%3D1%26source%3dweb%26CD%3D5%26ved%3d0cfgqfjae%26url%3dhttp%253A%252F%252fwww.aboutautomobile.com%252fcomplaint%252F2001%252fbuick%252flesabre%252fpower%252bwindow%26EI%3djqqaubwzhsbh0wgf_iggda%26usg%3dafqjcnep6ywawyzgkeyutplih1jjfuubhg%26sig2%3dvlpverp_xpobzytn06rika&docm=8&fu=0&ifi=2&dtd=94&xpc=dgpdfquzhd&p=http%3A//www.aboutautomobile.com http://www.carcomplaints.com/buick/lesabre/2001/windows_windshield/power_window_stopped_working.shtml. *tr
Aug 19, 2012 · failed Apr 14, 2012 · 47,850 miles · IN
Window regulators fail due to poor design on part of manufactuer. Window is stuck in a down postion. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
Aug 6, 2012 · failed Jun 17, 2011 · 50,000 miles · MO
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the dashboard had begun separating from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the heat and temperature changes, which deteriorated the material. The vehicle was not repair and the dealer offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was notified who stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and to have the vehicle taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 61,000. Updated 10/10/12 *cn updated 10/11/2012 *js
Apr 26, 2012 · failed Jun 7, 2011 · 112,000 miles · GA
Passenger window would not go up july 2011. One week later left rear passenger window would not function. February 2012 right rear window failed. April 2012 left rear window would not go down. Fortunately, it was under warranty. So far, the windows have cost me $735.00 in less than a year. Catalytic converter rattles a lot in morning when car is cold. Only a matter of time before it will need to be replaced. Was told by aamco can be replaced at buick's expense, but have not been able to confirm this. *tr
Feb 15, 2012 · failed Oct 1, 2010 · 110,000 miles · NC
Another very common defect with multiple year buicks besides the window regulators that buick refuses to admit fault and refuses to do anything about them. This is about the dash covering pulling away from the windshield and likely cause air bag to discharge and soon will obstruct vision through the windshield. Both of these items are very costly to repair and gn/buick has offered nothing as far as I know to anyone. I will not buy another one. I have had to replace power steering hose at 60,000 and an axle at 90,000 and a tie rod at 50,000. And they wonder why sales from japan are booming?? *tr
Dec 12, 2011 · failed Dec 8, 2011 · IN
Tl* the driver owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the driver was driving approximately 30 MPH when the rear driver's window dropped down into its door panel. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
Sep 13, 2011 · failed Sep 1, 2011 · WI
2001 buick lesabre. Consumer states all four window mechanisms failed in rapid succession *tgw the consumer stated the failure was due to a plastic hook. However, the dealer stated it was due to normal wear and tear. *jb
Sep 13, 2011 · failed Sep 1, 2011 · WI
2001 buick lesabre. Consumer states all four window mechanisms failed in rapid succession *tgw the consumer stated the failure was due to a plastic hook. However, the dealer stated it was due to normal wear and tear. *jb
Jul 16, 2011 · failed Sep 25, 2009 · KY
We have had all 4 of our window regulators replaced on our 2001 buick lesabre within a month of each other. The windows fall down unexpectedly. It has cost US $200 each to have them replaced. I personally will never own another buick if this is the way GM handles things. Also, the dashboard skin has peeled away on the driver's side and slowly proceeding to the passenger side. *tt
Jul 10, 2011 · failed Jul 3, 2011 · 49,500 miles · FL
2001 buick lesabre limited 'dash mat' has separated and buckled in front of the steering wheel causing a visibility issue and is seems to continue to be separating towards the passenger side airbag - based on my online research it seems that this is a very common issue amongst 2000 - 2005 lesabre owners. I live in florida and am not sure if heat is a contributing factor. *tr
Oct 26, 2010 · failed Oct 15, 2010 · WV
We are beyond three replacements on window regulators for our 2001 buick lesabre in 2010 alone and we've learned some people have replaced 4-6 within a short span of time. *tr
Sep 12, 2010 · failed Aug 20, 2010 · 101,000 miles · NY
2001 buick lesabre rear window assembly failed on both sides, cost $400 each to fix. *tr
Aug 29, 2010 · failed Aug 22, 2010 · 50,000 miles · NJ
Rear windows failed within 2 days of each other. Rarely used windows. *tr
Aug 17, 2010 · failed Jun 22, 2010 · 55,000 miles · FL
My 2001 buick lasabre, all four power window regulators have failed in a 2-3 year time, vehicleehad 55,000 when failures occurred, failure was in the connection of of the cable attachment to the window lift regulator. Plastic retainers had split allowing cable to pull loose. Windows cannot be operated when failure occurs. *tr
Aug 15, 2010 · failed Aug 10, 2010 · 84,745 miles · TN
Had to replace rr window regulator, window would not operate. This is the second regulator that had to be replaced (lr window). I was told by one of the emoloyees that she had 3 window regulators to go bad. Just about everyone I talked to has had this problem with the 2001 model. *tr
Jul 5, 2010 · failed Jul 3, 2010 · MN
On buick lesabre, I have had defects on my back windows. I have had to replace the parts as the windows fall down and they will not go back up. It has also happened to my mother's buick lesabre. *tr
Apr 21, 2010 · failed Mar 10, 2010 · 51,230 miles · PA
Defective window regulator. Will not power window back up after it is powered down. Gm should be forced to fix this problem with a redesign of cheap plastic part causing the problem and then issue a recall. This is a $400 repair for each window and all four windows are likely to fail weather they are used or not. *tr
Nov 17, 2009 · failed Nov 1, 2009 · MA
2007 the right rear passenger window kept on going down on its own. Had a mechanic rip out floor board and found a defective electrical harness, wire exposed causing ground out. He learned this from a GM mechanic who said it was a know issue. Problem was fixed. 2009 now the same window went down. All windows except drivers will not function, automatic door locks will not work, and when I drive at nite I can see the lights on the passenger side door flicker on for about 10 seconds, again another electrical issue? *tr
Aug 9, 2009 · failed Aug 8, 2006 · FL
2001 buick lasabre all four windows had to be replaced. Three windows three months apart. I'm now driving with the fourth window to be replaced. I understand this has been a problem with the cheap plastic used. It could cause a real serious problem,the glass cracks,be happy it doesn't hit you or a grandchild. This is a problem that should have been recalled. *tr
Apr 20, 2009 · failed Dec 1, 2008 · NV
The power windows have all failed, the regulator and motor assembly in its entirety is replaced. I think it's ridiculous that the failed part rather than the whole assembly is replaced. *tr
Apr 15, 2009 · failed Apr 14, 2009 · 55,000 miles · MN
Transmission repaired in 2006 window switches replaced in two windows 2007 now I have a coolant leak. *tr
Nov 26, 2008 · failed Nov 26, 2008 · 73,000 miles · IN
2001 buick lesabre with the problems of failing power regulators. Have had two die in less then a month. Front and rear drivers side....rear one hardly ever used, but was the first to fail. *tr
Nov 18, 2008 · failed Oct 15, 2008 · 33,600 miles · FL
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. While the front passenger side window was in the down position, the mechanism and motor failed. The window was unable to be closed. A repair shop replaced the window motor. A month later, while the rear driver's side window was in the down position, the contact could not roll it back up. The vehicle was not returned to the shop, but he believes that the same failure has recurred. Through online research, the contact discovered numerous complaints for the same failure. She believes a recall should be issued. The current and failure mileages were 33,600.
Oct 25, 2008 · failed Aug 8, 2008 · 50,000 miles · UT
I own a 2001 buick lesabre. The window regulator just went out. I had it repaired at the dealership costing 450. I then did research online and found that this was a very common problem. Having to replace the regulator at 50,000 is ridiculous. It is a very expensive repair when I should expect to replace all 4 at 450 each for a total of 1800 dollars. *tr
Oct 4, 2008 · failed Nov 22, 2006 · 45,000 miles · TX
All four window regulators on my buick lesabre ltd. Have failed a least once. Bought new in 2001. Now right front window is intermittent. May work may not? These parts are made in korea. So much for outsourcing. All 2000 to 2005 buicks have defective window regulators & need to be recalled. Cost $500.00 per window to repair. *tr
Sep 9, 2008 · failed Aug 15, 2008 · 139,000 miles · ID
The passenger side rear power window in my 2001 buick lesabre broke. After researching the problem, there seems to be a common problem with all buick lesabres from 2000 and 2001. This is the first, but I doubt it will be the last. *tr
Aug 28, 2008 · failed Jul 10, 2008 · 53,000 miles · MN
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. While driving less than 2 MPH, the front passenger side window would not operate. Afterwards, the window went down and would not roll back up. The window was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 53,000. Updated 10/30/08. *lj updated 10/30/08. *jb
Aug 15, 2008 · failed Aug 8, 2008 · 42,000 miles · ME
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. On four separate occasions, the window fell down into the door. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and it was discovered that the window regulator failed. The windows have been replaced three separate times and now the fourth will have to be replaced. The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 42,000.update 09/10/08 *cw the ABS module failed. Updated 09/19/08. *jb
Aug 5, 2008 · failed Aug 4, 2008 · 57,345 miles · OK
2001 buick lesabre limited. Left rear power window regulator failed to return window to a closed position. Temperature outside the vehicle was 99 degrees f. Could not secure vehicle. This problem seems to be prevalent among this family of GM vehicles. Repair costs are exorbitant when the fault appears to be a small plastic bracket inside the window regulator. A simple repair kit is needed, rather than replacing the entire regulator. Vehicle has less than 60,000 miles on, and windows are not rolled down that often. Based on complaints I've seen on other web sites, I can expect to replace the other three regulators, with the cost approaching $2000 for all 4 regulator replacements. *tr
Jul 19, 2008 · failed Jul 17, 2008 · 28,000 miles · OH
Power windows on 2001 buick lesabre keep failing. I go to roll a window down, I hear a "crunching" noise, and the window will not either go back up, or it goes halfway up and stops. I have replaced 3 windows to date on a car that only has 28,000 miles on it. It costs 400-600 to replace each window. I searched the internet and there have been a lot of complaints about the windows in the lesabres. Gm needs to have a recall on this issue. *tr
Jun 6, 2008 · failed Jan 30, 2003 · TX
Power windows will not roll up and when pushed up continue to roll back down. This has been repaired several times. There is enough complaint about this defect that there should be a recall and the source of this problem should be solved instead of saying that it cannot be repaired to last. I think this is a disgrace and will not buy another GMC auto again. This should be reported to the government. Here is what they say: buick power windows drop / broken power windows most buick cars, and in fact most other GM cars, have this defect. The power window mechanism breaks - usually cheap plastic parts break in the power window pulley assembly. Gm dealers will only replace the entire assembly, to the tune of $450 per window. Many, many buick owners have written to say they have had to replace most or all four power windows assemblies, and some even had to replace the same power window assembly multiple times. Gm has not changed the design of the replacement parts, so once fixed by the dealer, the problem still exists. The best way to deal with the power window failures is to get the power window assembly from a salvage yard. A lot of people get sick & tired of replacing these again & again, & tape up the window permanently. Currently there is no recall for the power windows, because it is not a safety issue (according to the NHTSA). So far, a class action lawsuit has not been filed. This could be a dangerous situation as my window has gone down when I am in the store etc. Someone could easily get in the car or steal something out of it. I think this is indeed a safety hazard. Also when going down the freeway and the window drops suddenly, it can be startling and could cause a wreck. *tr
May 23, 2008 · failed Nov 28, 2007 · 58,000 miles · NY
The passenger side rear window regulator malfunctioned. My daughter was in her child seat and it was pouring rain. I had to pull over, manually pull the window up and from there I had to get a new window regulator online and install it myself. I've read about numerous complaints with the buick lesabre (mine is 2001) window regulators and apparently there's never been a recall. I have the records from the previous owner and sure enough she had at least one fixed also. *tr
May 22, 2008 · failed May 20, 2008 · 66,892 miles · CO
I have a 2001 buick lasabre that I have had to replace the window regulator in two windows and now the third window is broken. In july 2006 the passenger side front window quit working, and in april 2007 the right rear passenger window quit working. Each of these windows cost over $500 to repair. Now the rear driver side window is broken and I am assuming the driver side front window will break if I do not get rid of the car soon. I am going to get a new car, but you can bet it will not be a GM. *tr
May 2, 2008 · failed May 2, 2008 · 62,945 miles · AR
The right front window just failed to roll up. When I checked the internet I saw that the regulator on the windows of the buick 2001 were defective so that there were many, many reports that the window regulators had to be replaced at approx. $400 per window. Buick refused to do anything about it. *tr
May 2, 2008 · failed May 2, 2008 · 62,945 miles · AR
The right front window just failed to roll up. When I checked the internet I saw that the regulator on the windows of the buick 2001 were defective so that there were many, many reports that the window regulators had to be replaced at approx. $400 per window. Buick refused to do anything about it. *tr
Apr 18, 2008 · failed Apr 1, 2008 · 42,000 miles · FL
Driver side window will not go down. I am assuming the motor is defective. *tr
Mar 30, 2008 · failed Mar 28, 2008 · 80,990 miles · FL
Like dozens of others reporting on carsurvey.org my 2001 (2000-2005) buick le sabre power windows are defective. A plastic part breaks requiring replacement of the entire window regulator assembly including motor. Dealers charge $500 plus labor for each unit. I had a dealer replace the right rear window unit after the first time I used it. A loud crack upon activation and the window fell to the bottom of the door. Six months later I had to replace the left rear window unit. It took hours to remove and replace it with detailed instructions I found online (so many others had this problem one person documented what you need to know including diagrams). After market parts are available online also. So far they are holding up (2 years). Now my drivers door window has snapped but it did so while raising it the few inches it was open so it is closed and staying up for now. That makes three of the four windows. I'm sure the front passenger side will fail as well. Gm should have recalled 2999-2005 buicks for these defective windows. You can easily find dozens of similar reported cases online. Otherwise this is a fine, economical, reliable car. Too bad the windows ruin the experience. *tr
Mar 27, 2008 · failed Apr 21, 2007 · MI
Both rear windows failed to go up. One window broke last spring and the other broke shortly thereafter. We inquired from a local dealer the cost to have the regulators repaired and were told the price would be approx. $400 per window therefore we have not had them repaired. The front passenger window has recently begun to hesitate when operating it so we chose not to use the window fearing it would also become stuck in the down position. As of march 27 I began performing searches on the internet for similar complaints and learned this is a known and common problem with the 2001 buick lesabre. Therefore I feel a recall should be issued and GM should replace the regulators free of charge. *tr
Jan 2, 2008 · failed Dec 31, 2007 · FL
3RD incident of electronic window failure -- both back seat windows motors have had to be replaced, the front seat passenger window broke 12/31/07. The car has 36,304 miles on it. This is in addition to the cruise control breaking at less than 18,000 miles.*cn
Dec 3, 2007 · failed Nov 1, 2007 · FL
My left rear window in my 2001 buick lesabre made a loud noise and then slid down and will no longer raise up. Because I cannot keep the window up, this has become distracting and has LED to water getting in the car in bad weather, which could lead to mold and health problems. *tr
Nov 14, 2007 · failed Nov 11, 2007 · 55,000 miles · NY
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. On three different occasions, beginning on december 6, 2006, the window suddenly dropped when it was being rolled up. On each occasion, the dealer stated that the contact was responsible for replacing the rear passenger side window regulator. The first repair totaled $318 and the subsequent repairs were $270 each. It has currently been eleven months and this will be the third time that the window regulator has been replaced. The VIN and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage was 67,000 and failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 12/11/07 *tr
Nov 13, 2007 · failed Aug 1, 2006 · 39,271 miles · CA
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the passenger side rear power windows failed to close after they were opened. The mechanic stated that the window regulator caused the failure and he made the repair. Approximately one year later, the same failure occurred on the driver side rear power window. The mechanic stated once more that the window regulator caused the failure and he made the repair. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 39,271 and current mileage was 46,771. Updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
Nov 10, 2007 · failed Nov 1, 2007 · 97,000 miles · IN
Noticed driver side rear window was down on thursday 11/1/07. Tried to close it, but control didn't work and window kept sliding down into the door. Was able to pull up and tape shut until repair. On sunday 11/4/07 the rear passenger window was down and wouldn't go up. The rear windows are never lowered. Local mechanic was able to repair at a cost of $443 for both windows. Dealer was going to charge around $500 a window. After seeing hundreds of complaints of these plastic regulators failing, GM should be forced to recall or reimburse owners for this repeated failure that seems to have existed for several years. *tr
Nov 7, 2007 · failed Sep 15, 2007 · 57,415 miles · PA
Back rear window on drivers side of buick lasabel 2001 just dropped down without any warning or indication of any problems. I was told by mechanics and other individual who have buicks that this is a major problem with buicks and that this is not an odd occurrence. At the time of the incident I had to drive through the remains of a hurricane getting everything wet in the back. I managed to get paper and cardboard push up against both sides of the window while holding it up to keep it up till I was able to get it taped and fixed. This is a serious problem especially with individuals who may have small children. Gm should advise owners of the problem and not let owners hear this from their dealers. Additionally some sort of reimbursement should be made especially when GM is aware of this problem. *tr
Sep 30, 2007 · failed Sep 21, 2007 · FL
This complaint relates to the window problems associated with buick lesabres -- the fact the window mechanism fails, in our case both rear windows, and must be replaced at costs greater than $400. We had 34,00 miles on the car at time of 1ST failure. Also, our cruise control failed at 17,000 miles. *tr
Sep 19, 2007 · failed Dec 6, 2006 · 20,500 miles · PA
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. The driver side rear and front passenger power windows failed to close after they were opened. The dealer diagnosed the failure and replaced the regulators. The failure mileage was 20,500 and current mileage was 21,000.
Sep 19, 2007 · failed Jun 1, 2006 · 94,000 miles · NV
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 buick lesabre. The contact stated that three power windows failed and were repaired at his expense. The repair costs for each window ranged from $450 to $500. On june 1, 2006, the contact opened the front driver side window and it would not close. On july 1, 2006, the front passenger side window experienced the same failure. On august 23, 2007, the rear passenger side window followed suit. The motors and linkages were replaced on each window the same day they failed. The front passenger and driver side windows are currently making a noise when they are opened. The dealer stated that they would give the contact $500 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Case number 71-550213555 was filed with buick and he is awaiting a response from a representative regarding reimbursement. The failure mileage was 94,000 and current mileage was 96,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf.
Sep 12, 2007 · failed Aug 1, 2006 · 55,000 miles · AL
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick lesabre. While driving 45 MPH in the rain, the contact suddenly heard a sliding sound coming from the vehicle. He looked back and noticed that the passenger side rear window slid down and was unable to roll back up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the steel cable of the window regulator failed. The contact paid for the window to be replaced. Three months later, the failure recurred with the driver side rear window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the window regulator was replaced again. Thirteen months after the first incident, the failure recurred with the passenger side rear window. The window was replaced twice. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000 and current mileage was 78,000.
← All 2001 Buick Lesabre recalls and problems · Visibility problems in other cars