2004 Buick Lesabre: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Buick Lesabre? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 162 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2004 Buick Lesabre Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2004 Buick Lesabre.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2004 Buick Lesabre Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Buick Lesabre has 162 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Lesabre
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 162
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Buick Lesabre Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Structural Problems, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Buick Lesabre?
The 2004 Buick Lesabre shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Buick Lesabre
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and fuses, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and fuses, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Buick Lesabre, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2004 Buick LeSabre are concentrated in electrical faults, which account for a large portion of the 162 total complaints. Structural problems and engine issues also appear frequently, though with lower counts. The data suggests potential concerns with electrical systems, but the low confidence level and limited model year range mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults are the most reported component, with 66 complaints.
- Structural problems and engine problems follow with 19 and 15 complaints respectively.
- Only 4 crash-related complaints were reported out of 162 total.
- Electrical faults are the most common complaint, with 66 reports.
- Structural problems are the second most reported issue, with 19 complaints.
- Engine problems are the third most reported, with 15 complaints.
All 2004 Buick Lesabre Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Buick Lesabre. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 66 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Buick Lesabre. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The backup camera will stay in 'night' brightness mode for 15 seconds while backing out of the garage into daylight. This makes the video screen usless until the 15 second delay is over. I have asked several times at the dealership since I purchased this vehicle new, and they s…
Car has hard shift's that get worse when the car is up to temperature. Fuel gauge show's false reading. Two window regulators failed.
fuel vapor system leaks gas fumes into car. Replaced all fuel lines, pulled tank, renewed canister. 10 months later fumes are again entering car cabin. 105,000 total miles.
Drove to the store, transmission was hard shifting and then wouldn't hardly move at all. Almost got hit three x!! Very tramatized. How is it that on just one of many web pages 400 people had this problem 140 complained about it! that's just one website! how has this problem not b…
The contact owns a 2004 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated while driving 35 mph and depressing on the brake pedal, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and the vehicle gradually decreased in speed to a stop. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact continu…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER …
I CONTINUE SMELLING AN OIL-BURNING SMELL AND MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL CONTINUE TO GO OUT AND I HAVE REPLACED TO BLUB OVER AND OVER
WHEN FIRST STARTING UP CAR AND THEN PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL, EITHER IN REVERSE OR FORWARD, THERE IS A SURGE, LIKE THE CABLE IS STICKING. NOT SURE WHY, MAYBE DUE FROM AGE OF CAR OR AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL ISSUE. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED ABOUT 85% OF ITS LIFE.
THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ACCELERATES AS HIGH AS 50-60MPH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR HAS TO BE THROWN IN NEUTRAL OR STOPPED SOME PLACE SAFE, AT WHICH POINT IT REVS UP PAST 3000 RPM UNTIL THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED TO THROTTLE IT BACK DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS IN REVER…
THE ENGINE STALLS AND JERKED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND TRYING TO GO THE GEARS DIDN'T SHIFT LIKE USUAL. DRIVING LONG DISTANCES IT DOESN'T DO THIS UNTIL YOU'RE DRIVING AND STOPPING EVERY SO OFTEN. SOMETIMES TURNING INTO A PLACE THE ENGINE WOULDN'T GO AND ALMOST CAUSED CRASHES.
TAKATA RECALL WIRE HARNESS AND BACK SEAT BELT NOT WORKING ,LOCKING IN MOTION
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 SUS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD FRACTURED ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRACTURE HAD SPREAD TO THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRACTURE COULD IMPEDE VISIBILITY. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE EQUIPPED WITH COPPER MASTERCRAFT MC440 TIRES, SIZE: 225/60/R16 (NA). UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE WAS SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO INDICATED THAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY VIBRATE WHILE THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD SEPARATED FROM THE SUB STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH EXPOSED THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE DASHBOARD WOULD MOVE BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE …
THE GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOP WORKING. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE AND NOT KNOW HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOP WORKING I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY CAR I HAVE TO FILL THE TANK AND CHECK IT EVERY TWO WEEKS SO I WILL NO…
THREE OF FOUR TIRES PURCHASED HAD A BELT SEPARATION - ONE LOST A SIZEABLE PIECE OF TREAD. THIS OCCURRED OVER A SPAN OF THREE MONTHS.
J & K MITCHELL CASEY, IL.62420 PURCHASED ON 4/11/2014, 98,104 MILEAGE. HEADLAMPS GO OFF AT NITE DRIVING, VERY UNNERVING, FUEL GAGE, HAYWIRE FROM THE START, WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE WHEN TURNING RIGHT. SWAYING/SUSPENSION, WHEN TURNING, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, REPORTED…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Buick Lesabre.
2004 Buick Lesabre Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Buick Lesabre. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2004 Buick Lesabre Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Buick Lesabre reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 162 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Buick Lesabre shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick Lesabre?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (66 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (19 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Buick Lesabre?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Buick Lesabre?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Buick Lesabre, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 162 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2004 Buick Lesabre in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2004 Buick Lesabre?▾
The 2004 Buick Lesabre shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Lesabre reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Buick Lesabre based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.