Common issues with 2002 LeSabres?

[Dave-ROR]

Ok so I had this big post typed up with a lot of various questions, things I saw searching, etc, but the forum didn't save it and gave an "invalid link" error or something to that effect.. instead of retyping all of it I'll just ask the simple question that is the thread title, what are the common issues/problems with the 2002 (and other years of it's generation) LeSabres?

Yes I did search, and found some items but there wasn't a great amount of detail, and like I said my post highlighting my research thus far was loss when the forum screwed up.. I'll retype parts of it later, need sleep now..

anyways thanks for any info you guys can provide!

-Dave

 

[jase386]

most common will be the Window Regulators. They are expensive if you take them to the shop to have them replaced, but if youre a little bit handy, you can order them online for around $60 and it takes about an hour to replace them.

The plastic intakes are still a little brittle, but not as bad as the 94-99 models, just make sure you keep your coolant fresh, it doesnt last 70k miles like the sticker says.

The transmission has some solenoid issues that makes for real stout shift changes. Other than those 3, the 2000-2005 are really reliable cars.

 

[glterpening]

Defining a particular issue as "common" is difficult unless one has some way to see how often that issue comes up. You may have seen this site, but here is a list of TSB's I found for my '02: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/LeSabre/2002/tsbs.shtml

Here are failures I have had and the car just turned over 60,000 mi.:
- Window regulator (1)
- Coolant leak on the top of the engine. Fixed under warranty and I was told there was a recall for this.
- ABS EBCM module died
- Sticking headlight switch (push it in...will not return) My cousin's 2001 had the same problem. Plastic clearance too tight...took it apart and filed it.
- Premature RF brake pad wear...one pad only...now on 3rd set.
- Dirty MAF sensor
- Leaking hydraulic fluid from rear shock
- LF outer tie rod end failed (no zerk...new one has zerk)
- Intermittant electrical problem...only notice at night...lights all momentarily dim. No pattern and has not caused further problem.
- Restarting the hot engine causes some sort of wierd sucking/blowing sound like maybe a sticking valve or who knows what. It has always done it and the dealer says it is normal. Maybe so...I ignore it!

Some of these problems are probably not common issues. Overall, I really like the car. In my version of a perfect world, they would address and fix all of these issues (and whatever else has come up) in their mfg. process. Then they would continue to sell the same model at a reduced price reflecting the economies of scale. My impression of the Lucerne is that it is less quality for more money. And who knows what the future holds for GM now that they have thoroughly screwed the business up and the gubbermint is in charge! Sadly, I'm thinking a foreign car is in my future...probably a green, glorified roller skate!

Gerald

PS Just was reading the TSB's from the above link...TSB #030604030 under "ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE" addresses something called "chuggle". I'll bet that is the sucking/blowing sound I mentioned in the last problem I listed. Normal, indeed!