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2004 Buick LeSabre: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints for the 2004 Buick LeSabre and lists no recalls for this model year[1][2]. Electrical complaints are the largest group, and the EPA rates the car at 21 mpg combined[3][4].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA[1]. They mention 4 crashes, 5 fires and 12 injuries, and no deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System[3] | 66 |
| Structure[5] | 19 |
| Engine[6] | 14 |
| Air Bags[7] | 14 |
| Power Train[8] | 12 |
| Exterior Lighting[9] | 8 |
| Tires[10] | 8 |
Electrical. The median mileage at failure was 59,912, and 1 fire is listed[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe instrument cluster, gauge and panel light faults in 10 of 12 texts, and a dead battery, lost power or no start in 5 of 12[3].
Structure. The group has 19 complaints and 1 injury, with a median of 54,000 miles[5]. In the sample we read, 9 of 12 texts describe the top of the dashboard buckling or pulling away[5].. Owners say they worry about their view out and about the air bag[5].
Engine. There are 14 complaints and 3 fires, with a median of 75,000 miles[6]. In the sample, owners describe stalling, power loss or no start in 4 of 12 texts, and vibration in 2 of 12[6].
Air bags. There are 14 complaints, with 4 crashes and 10 injuries[7]. In the sample, 4 of 12 texts say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[7]. Another 2 of 12 say they deployed in a very light impact[7].
Power train. The 12 complaints list no crashes, fires or injuries, with a median of 87,497 miles[8].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2004 model year[2]. Check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup before you buy, because this page only reflects what is on file for the model year.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the LeSabre with the 3.8L 6-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic at 18 mpg city, 27 highway and 21 combined[4]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,200, using its current fuel price assumptions rather than 2004 prices[4].
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this car as not rated[11]. That means there are no star scores to compare.
Engine and size
The EPA fuel economy listing is for a 3.8L 6-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and regular fuel[4]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4-door sedan Custom/Limited and can differ slightly from US models[12].
How 2004 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 178 | 1 |
| 1996 | 98 | 2 |
| 1997 | 394 | 2 |
| 1998 | 400 | 1 |
| 1999 | 209 | 2 |
| 2000 | 669 | 5 |
| 2001 | 328 | 0 |
| 2002 | 310 | 2 |
| 2003 | 164 | 1 |
| 2004 | 162 | 0 |
| 2005 | 77 | 0 |
NHTSA lists 162 complaints and 0 recalls for 2004[2]. Only two years have fewer complaints, 1996 with 98 and 2005 with 77[2]. The 2003 year is close at 164[2]. The 2000 year is the highest at 669 complaints and 5 recalls[2]. Both 2001 and 2005 also have 0 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2004 LeSabre?
The 2004 year has a lower complaint count than most LeSabre years and no recalls on file[2]. The complaints that stand out are electrical faults and dashboard separation in the sample we read[3][5]. Look at the dashboard top and the instrument cluster, and test that the battery holds a charge. Check the VIN for recalls and ask for service records. Our data does not cover repair costs, so get a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick LeSabre?
- Electrical System has the most complaints at 66[3]. Structure follows with 19, and in the sample we read owners describe dashboard separation[5].
- Does the 2004 Buick LeSabre have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2004 model year[2]. Check your VIN to be sure.
- What gas mileage does the 2004 LeSabre get?
- The EPA rates it at 18 city, 27 highway and 21 combined mpg[4].
- Is the 2004 LeSabre a good year compared with others?
- It has 162 complaints, fewer than most years, though 1996 (98) and 2005 (77) have fewer[2].
- What safety rating does the 2004 LeSabre have?
- NHTSA lists it as not rated[11].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Buick LeSabre (4 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick LeSabre model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 66 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,912). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for LeSabre, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 19 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,497). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,654). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LESABRE 4DR SEDAN CUSTOM/LIMITED: length 200 in, width 74 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,567 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov