8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,330
Average Mileage:
80,750 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced new to assure future protection (5 reports)
  2. replace transmission (2 reports)
  3. not sure (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Buick LeSabre:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Buick dealer.

problem #8

Dec 012014

LeSabre Custom 3.8V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,782 miles

Bought the car used from a car dealer (first mistake). Trusted their story on the vehicle, with provided carfax (second mistake.) Drove it home. (third mistake, three strikes, you're OUT!) Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent car, in excellent shape.... except the transmission.

For the first thirty minutes or so on an extended drive, it's beautiful, and then you get a whining, a beating, and hesitation. It's like a child! It acts out sometimes, and then others it behaves! I took it to the mechanic's shop to find out what the issue is, the trans pump has gone out. COMMON problem for factory originals. So I am having to cough up $1500 for a reman with all updated internals from TREMEC transmissions. And the worst part is the car was owned by elderly folks, so it's not like its been beaten on. 156 thousand miles before transmission failure? GM, this is a common problem, issue recall.

- Adrian H., Tabor City, NC, US

problem #7

Jan 052011

LeSabre Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,880 miles

I purchased this car with only 69,000 miles two years ago and only have 75,000 on it now. on Jan. 5,I was leaving my house when there was a loud bang and the car locked upI called a tow company,they took the car to AAMCO.Upon removal and inspection they determined the Torque Converter completely broke apart destroying the transmission and final drive.The mechanic told me in 32 years he has never seen this on a car like this in this good condition,it even broke the case, he said if I were on the highway I could have had a serious accident and I should report this to Buick ,which I did asking for some type of compensation,That was denied because I didn't take it to a Buick dealer,I totally disagree with that,and that should have never happened.You can be sure I will advise anyone I now not to buy a Buick,I know there have been transmission issues with but not to this extent, and i,along with the service rep at AAMCO,who also talked to Buick,feel they should have offered some kind of compensation.I am planing to make a lot more noise than this any chance I get!!!

- John C., Bradenton, FL, US

problem #6

Sep 042009

LeSabre Custom 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

barely made it to work, had the car towed home, thanks to family. the car will not even move now on its own power.

- minimac97, sun city, CA, US

problem #5

Jul 012007

LeSabre

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

The transmission completely froze on my 2001 Buick LeSabre. Towed to the dealer. Warranty had expired. Approx $4,000 estimate. I called GM and complained that NO transmission should break at 25,000 miles. GM called the dealer. I had it repaired for the cost of labor ($800). My window motor broke while it was still under warranty. The dealer admitted that it was a "known" problem, and replaced ALL of the window motors for free.

- A A., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #4

Sep 082008

LeSabre LX 3800

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Purchased the car new, sticker price 26000. This is a popular 4 speed overdive that obviously has problems. Car was well taken care of garaged most of its life. This type of problem is unacceptable for a car with this mileage age and condition.

- Jim P., Defiance, OH, US

problem #3

Aug 262008

LeSabre 308

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,026 miles

36026 miles and transmission was out. cost $2200.00 to replace. not covered by any warranty. At this amount of miles there should not have been a problem. Vehicle had been serviced regularly and well cared for. Most miles are highway. Bought vehicle new and still have vehicle. Other note window failed at 36450 miles and cost $584.00 to replace control assembly.

- Don C., Bellevue, NE, US

problem #2

Dec 212004

(reported on)

LeSabre LE

  • 77,250 miles

When going to the dealer to have "Service engine Soon" light checked out, found that the transmission needed major repairs to the tune of about $2000. Having done all the maintenance as suggested (service of trans at 70,000 miles) feel this is not right, and that there is a defect.. Never had another car have transmission problems. I do mainly highway driving. Any suggestions/help?

- julieg, Galena, MO, US

problem #1

Aug 112006

(reported on)

LeSabre

  • 67,000 miles

I think the problem began at 20,000 miles when I would get a slight hesitation in shifting. This was not a frequent occurance so I paid little attention after questioning the problem with my mechanic.

- Robert L., Elkin, NC, US