Buick Lesabre Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 46 safety recalls and 3,728 owner complaints across 36 model years of the Buick Lesabre (1967–2006). The most-complained-about year is 2000.

Pick your Buick Lesabre model year

• 1967
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• 1978
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• 1981
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• 1985
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• 2006

What Buick Lesabre owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 3,728 complaints with NHTSA. The 2000 model year has the most, with 669.

• Visibility: power window devices and controls366
• Engine and engine cooling: gasoline244
• Electrical system171
• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip134
• Air bags125
• Structure120
• Power train: automatic transmission104
• Engine and engine cooling: engine99

All Buick Lesabre recalls (46)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Buick Lesabre, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Delivery (fuel system)

   NHTSA 04V090000 Reported February 24, 2004 910,873 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a…

   Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. Owners should…

   Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000

2. Air bags: frontal

   NHTSA 02V222000 Reported August 9, 2002 133,221 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger, MINI vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…

   Model years: 2002, 2003

3. Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)

   NHTSA 02V067000 Reported March 6, 2002 249 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles were built with missing or under-torqued steering gear attachment bolts. If a bolt is missing, the driver may notice uneven steering response or unusual noises during turns.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began april 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…

   Model years: 2002

4. Foundation components (service brakes)

   NHTSA 00V114000 Reported April 17, 2000 8,132 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.

   Model years: 2000

5. Headlights (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 99V355000 Reported December 17, 1999 35,725 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the head lamp adjustment device horizontal adjuster may not move the head lamp reflector when the shaft is rotated in a normal manner during aiming.

   Remedy: An insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps will be provided to owners for the owner's manual. Owners should follow the procedure in the insert for headlamp aim adjustment, rather than using…

   Model years: 2000

6. Tie rod assembly (steering)

   NHTSA 99V301000 Reported October 29, 1999 1,284 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The inner tie rod nuts are loose and can result in separation of a tie rod.

   Remedy: Dealers will check and adjust the vehicle toe-in and tighten the inner tie rod nuts to the specified torque.

   Model years: 2000

7. Vacuum (service brakes)

   NHTSA 99V238000 Reported August 27, 1999 988 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts may be loose.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque.

   Model years: 2000

8. Automatic transmission (power train)

   NHTSA 99V089000 Reported April 26, 1999 99,333 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

   Model years: 1999

9. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

   NHTSA 96V116000 Reported July 1, 1996 275,811 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

   Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

   Model years: 1996, 1997

10. Buckle assembly (seat belts)

    NHTSA 96V044000 Reported March 5, 1996 15,122 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or safety belt buckle ends. This does not conform with the requirements of FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.

    Model years: 1997

11. Cooling unit and lines (power train)

    NHTSA 96V015000 Reported January 23, 1996 585,182 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines.

    Model years: 1992, 1993

12. Electrical system: control module

    NHTSA 95V204000 Reported October 23, 1995 32,869 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 114,…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Model years: 1996

13. Headlights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 95V158000 Reported August 4, 1995 12,832 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The driver side headlamp lens has an incorrect aim pad number on the lens. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver side headlamp on vehicles with the correct outboard lower pad number.

    Model years: 1995

14. Mechanical (parking brake)

    NHTSA 91V167000 Reported September 23, 1991 20,765 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    When applied, the parking brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth, reducing the cable load to the rear brakes.

    Remedy: Replace parking brake lever assembly.

    Model years: 1992

15. Frame and members (structure)

    NHTSA 89V188000 Reported November 7, 1989 6 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicles may have discrepant welds in the left rear rocker panel which can cause deformation of the panel.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement kit.

    Model years: 1989

16. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported June 16, 1989 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

    Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.

    Model years: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

17. Storage (fuel system)

    NHTSA 88V143000 Reported August 29, 1988 1,655 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Fuel rollover valve assembly may not have been installed.

    Remedy: Replace fuel sender and pump assembly.

    Model years: 1989

18. Antilock (service brakes)

    NHTSA 88V067000 Reported April 19, 1988 1,889 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Low torque of the brake hydraulic unit mounting bolts could cause increased brake pedal travel and/or poor pedal feel if attachment loosens.

    Remedy: Replace hydraulic unit mounting bolts.

    Model years: 1987, 1988

19. Seat belts

    NHTSA 88V006000 Reported January 20, 1988 34,574 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Owners manual did not include instructions on proper usage of rear seat safety belt systems.

    Remedy: Furnish owners with updated owners manuals that contain the omitted instructions.

    Model years: 1988

20. Fuses and circuit breakers (electrical system)

    NHTSA 87V135000 Reported September 1, 1987 479,715 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.

    Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.

    Model years: 1987

21. Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

    NHTSA 87V093000 Reported June 23, 1987 6,004 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The anti lock brake system (ABS) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump motor and ABS electrical relays may have been exposed to water contamination during vehicle assembly. This condition can cause loss of the…

    Remedy: The ABS and hydraulic pump motor electrical relays and 30 amp fuses will be replaced. In addition, the hydraulic pump motor assembly and pressure/warning switch will be inspected and, if required, replaced.

    Model years: 1987

22. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V131000 Reported September 19, 1986 106,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

23. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 84V103000 Reported September 5, 1984 520 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rubber fuel hose could allow a slow fuel leak while the engine is running.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace rubber fuel hose.

    Model years: 1984

24. Cables (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 83V077000 Reported August 19, 1983 19,108 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Accelerator pump lever retaining pin may loosen after repeated heavy accelerator pedal applications. This could cause the throttle to become stuck in the open position.

    Remedy: Dealer will install a special cotter pin, to retain the accelerator pump pin, and a spring clip thrust washer on the accelerator pump link.

    Model years: 1981

25. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V012000 Reported January 3, 1982 79,686 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the governor weight assembly in the injection pump at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

26. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 81V037000 Reported March 23, 1981 93 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The power brake vacuum hoses may fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses". The material used in the hoses will not perform according to specifications. The purpose of this regulation is stated as, "to reduce death and injuries occurring as a result of brake system failure from pressure or vacuum…

    Remedy: The vacuum pump inlet and outlet hoses will be replaced free of charge.

    Model years: 1981

27. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 80V125000 Reported September 25, 1980 4,615 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The involved vehicles may have been assembled with a brake pedal support bracket which was designed for use in diesel engine vehicles. The incorrect bracket may cause the service brakes to remain partially applied, resulting in brake overheating and reduced braking effectiveness.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect vehicles and, if necessary, replace the pedal support bracket at no charge to owner.

    Model years: 1981

28. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 79V247000 Reported November 13, 1979 1,326,404 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The heads may break off the front outboard seat belt anchor bolts during normal vehicle operation even under no load conditions. This is due to the combination of bolts used, high installation torque and arrangement of the body anchorage.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace all original equipment front outboard seat belt anchor bolts on the affected vehicles at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

29. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported June 6, 1979 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

30. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported June 13, 1978 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

31. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 77V200000 Reported November 16, 1977 4,504 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear wheel mounting bolts on the affected vehicles, are brittle and therefore may fracture. This brittleness is due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. If the bolts break, the tire and wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, will replace defective bolts on all axles and the ten rear axle wheel mounting bolts, free of charge.

    Model years: 1978

32. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 77V012000 Reported January 1, 1977 33 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles, the cotter pin may have been omitted and the retaining nut improperly secured. Consequently, the steering linkage could detach from the pitman arm.

    Remedy: The dealer will tighten the attaching nut to specifications and install a cotter pin, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1977

33. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 76V175000 Reported November 3, 1976 66,632 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

34. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 76V132000 Reported September 7, 1976 55,564 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1977

35. Gear position indication (prndl) (power train)

    NHTSA 76V016000 Reported February 10, 1976 3,011 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

36. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V214000 Reported December 19, 1975 39,278 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1976

37. Wheels

    NHTSA 75V142000 Reported July 28, 1975 687 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

38. Hubcap/cover (wheels)

    NHTSA 74V217000 Reported November 14, 1974 2,578 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

39. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 74V140000 Reported September 4, 1974 2,562 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

40. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 73V250000 Reported December 27, 1973 782,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

41. Underbody shields (structure)

    NHTSA 73V013000 Reported January 24, 1973 3,707,064 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible…

    Remedy: Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1971, 1972

42. Wheels

    NHTSA 72V013000 Reported January 15, 1972 30,885 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

43. Defroster/defogger/hvac system (visibility)

    NHTSA 71V127000 Reported August 2, 1971 15,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

44. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 70V003000 Reported January 15, 1970 1,178 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

45. Wheels

    NHTSA 70V002000 Reported January 13, 1970 4,527 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

46. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 67V027000 Reported March 17, 1967 6,919 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1967

Other Buick models

• Regal3,264 complaints
• Enclave2,501 complaints
• Lacrosse2,122 complaints
• Century1,817 complaints
• Park Avenue1,368 complaints
• Rendezvous1,241 complaints
• Lucerne943 complaints
• Encore601 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.