1997 Buick Lesabre
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Buick › Lesabre › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Buick Lesabre. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Buick Lesabre. Newest first.
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if an incorrect part IS used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
Owner complaints
394 complaints26 involved a crash31 involved a fire24 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
The contact's friend owns a 1997 Buick LeSabre The contact stated that the hood was difficult to open and close. The latch was in the correct location. The contact stated that while her roommate was driving at 45 MPH, the hood opened and detached. The driver pulled over, and a 2012 Chevrolet…
The contact's friend owns a 1997 Buick LeSabre The contact stated that the hood was difficult to open and close. The latch was in the correct location. The contact stated that while her roommate was driving at 45 MPH, the hood opened and detached. The driver pulled over, and a 2012 Chevrolet crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The air bags did not deploy, and there was no fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was drivable. The contact called the dealer, who informed them that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 196,400.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While reversing the vehicle at approximately 10 mph into the driveway, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stopped and looked underneath the vehicle. He noticed that the a-frame on the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While reversing the vehicle at approximately 10 mph into the driveway, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stopped and looked underneath the vehicle. He noticed that the a-frame on the passenger side was hanging down without warning and the front subframe bushing was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. *bf *js
- Air bags · Electrical system
The horn will sound without pressing the horn button(s) when the car IS in motion or unoccupied. this occurs when the weather IS cold. I have researched this online and it IS apparently an issue for many owners. part of the air bag contracts during the winter months pressing on part of the horn…
The horn will sound without pressing the horn button(s) when the car IS in motion or unoccupied. this occurs when the weather IS cold. I have researched this online and it IS apparently an issue for many owners. part of the air bag contracts during the winter months pressing on part of the horn button. the only way to shut it off IS to pull the horn fuse. I am concerned this may lead to an electrical fire if the horn sounds for too long or an air bag malfunction. also, the vehicle has to be driven without the ability to use the horn.
- Power train
Transmission shudders between 30 to 40 mph. also at 50 mph on the highway. Have been told may need transmission. car only has 56,000 miles. transmission fluid has been drained. did not help. Please advise
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While driving unknown speeds, the driver side door latch failed to hook and lock, which caused the door to open. The door ajar warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 90,000. *Tt updated 8/1/18*jb
- Engine
We were driving and heard it missing and it started overheating, so we put more water in and decided to come home. So when we turned around it died 2X then the cylinders locked up and it wouldnt start. When we got home my husband found water in the intake and the oil. So we replaced the intake…
We were driving and heard it missing and it started overheating, so we put more water in and decided to come home. So when we turned around it died 2X then the cylinders locked up and it wouldnt start. When we got home my husband found water in the intake and the oil. So we replaced the intake gasket and put it back together and it did it again, but then it made a loud noise and we found that the bar connection the piston to the crank shaft busted. The car only has 103,K miles on it.. Dont understand how its even possible. The only other person that owned it was an old guy. We only put 300miles on it when this happened.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Intake manifold failed water leaked internally into combustion chamber causing hydrolocking of engine. upon researching causative actions I find that general motors IS aware of this defect and has redesigned the faulty parts but disavow any culpability even though a conscientious owner who…
Intake manifold failed water leaked internally into combustion chamber causing hydrolocking of engine. upon researching causative actions I find that general motors IS aware of this defect and has redesigned the faulty parts but disavow any culpability even though a conscientious owner who properly maintains the vehicle cannot know what IS transpiring inside a composite materials intake manifold,many have been known to burst into a fire and destroy the vehicles. one would tend to believe this to be a significant safety threat that should be addressed in a recall to replace this recognized failure of significant numbers,i that would warrant manufacturers replacement to provide safe transportation. by the grace of god I noted the vehicle acting up and returned home just as the engine quit and now IS hydrolocking due to coolant filling combustion cylinders.
- Power train · Steering · Suspension
Sub frame IS completely roated out on the back drive. Complete safty hazard needs recall
- Suspension · Visibility/wiper
The sub frame bushing IS completely rotted. Day it was sold to me passed inspection but on car fax it failed safety inspection? It cracks and creaks when turning left.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the key was turned in the ignition switch, the driver side air bag deployed. The contact stated that approximately 20 minutes later the passenger side air bag also deployed. The driver sustained…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the key was turned in the ignition switch, the driver side air bag deployed. The contact stated that approximately 20 minutes later the passenger side air bag also deployed. The driver sustained facial cuts, bruises, a fractured cheekbone and whiplash that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 197,000. the vin was not available.
- Engine
While entering the interstate highway, car started losing power at 50mph. after getting car up to a safe speed, got the car home where it then stopped running and would not re-start. mechanic checked and found that the head gasket failed at 130,000 miles. this car has always been well…
While entering the interstate highway, car started losing power at 50mph. after getting car up to a safe speed, got the car home where it then stopped running and would not re-start. mechanic checked and found that the head gasket failed at 130,000 miles. this car has always been well maintained. nearly caused me to be rear-ended as I was on a70mph interstate highway! also, your website keeps telling me I have an "invalid vin number!" this IS the only one ever issued for this vehicle. what's with this?
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owned a 1997 buick lesabre. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the rear driver side seat belt webbing tightened independently around the child's body. The occupant sustained a fractured back and torn spine. In addition, there was injury…
TL* the contact owned a 1997 buick lesabre. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the rear driver side seat belt webbing tightened independently around the child's body. The occupant sustained a fractured back and torn spine. In addition, there was injury to the abdomen. The injuries required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I own a 1997 buick LE sabre custom (3.8) the car will shutdown when I am driving it.also it drains the battery.the date IS the year that I purchased the car.
- Engine
My check ingine light wont go off and I was told I have mass air flow and now when I start it it misfires,my air conditioning doesnt work and the speedometer IS reading crazy
- Air bags
I was driving the car slowing down for an intersection and the driver side airbag deployed without warning. the horn began to blow and while looking for a spot to safely pull over, the passenger side airbag deployed. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Air bags
Airbag pushing against horn button causing horn to sound at various times. Car purchased used from buick dealer, their airbag recall does not go as far back as 1997! *tr
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal sound emitted from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the upper intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
Has a 1997 buick lesabre and having problems with ignition and I can be driving and it just like it don,t get no juice from engine then when tried to start up it don,t catch in ignition switch. I have spend over 2,000 in this car but every one I take it to says it in the ignition it sounds like it wants to start sometimes it takes up to 6 hours before it starts. *tr
- Engine · Steering · Suspension
Was driving car and it started steering hard drove home approx 35 miles to find the k frame washers had rusted off and the engine was not being support. Has it fixed and same thing happened again going less than 5 mph and steering went out and on inspection the front and lower frame mounts had…
Was driving car and it started steering hard drove home approx 35 miles to find the k frame washers had rusted off and the engine was not being support. Has it fixed and same thing happened again going less than 5 mph and steering went out and on inspection the front and lower frame mounts had fallen and car has been parked every since because I can not find parts that are reasonably priced! I was on the interstate doing 70 mph 10 mins prior to the last incident could have been a bad result. Have read about these problems in a forum someone started on google, cant believe there was never a recall! *tr
- Steering · Structure · Suspension
While accelerating up to speed from a stop, all of a sudden there was a noticeable thump, the steering was erratic, the car vibrated and shook. the power steering was inoperable. we slowly drove the car home (2 miles) and upon examination, we discovered the engine cradle frame was hanging down…
While accelerating up to speed from a stop, all of a sudden there was a noticeable thump, the steering was erratic, the car vibrated and shook. the power steering was inoperable. we slowly drove the car home (2 miles) and upon examination, we discovered the engine cradle frame was hanging down, only a few inches from the ground. the engine cradle mounting washers (2 on each side) had rusted thru, allowing the rear of the cradle to drop. I also noticed the right side sway bar was broken off at the mount on the lower control arm. the entire front suspension and wheel assemblies are fastened to this cradle, so that's why the steering became erratic - there was no longer any solid attachment to the car. after carefully examining the attachment points, it IS obvious that this IS a serious safety and structural design flaw. these cars should be recalled for the safety of the public. we were lucky that we were on a straight road at a slow speed when this happened. I noticed there are many, many complaints on the nhtsa website of this exact same issue. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes · Structure › Body
The brakes make a strange sound sometimes & stall;gas leak;undercarriage IS weak. *tr
- Air bags
My boyfriend was driving my car. I was in the passenger's seat. we had just pulled away from the curb and were going about 20 mph. for no reason, the passenger's side airbag deployed. we didn't hit anything, and nothing hit us. we pulled over and got out. the car was filled with smoke. I had…
My boyfriend was driving my car. I was in the passenger's seat. we had just pulled away from the curb and were going about 20 mph. for no reason, the passenger's side airbag deployed. we didn't hit anything, and nothing hit us. we pulled over and got out. the car was filled with smoke. I had pain in my abdomen and couldn't hear out of my right ear. the windshield on my side of the car(passenger's side) was broken from the impact. he took me to the local er to be checked out and I was examined and released with contusions of right knee, abdomen and right ear. it was a terrifying experience and scared us both very much. I reported this to my insurance carrier the next morning. my boyfriend was not injured. *Tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lasabre. The contact stated that the intake manifold was cracked causing the oil to leak into the radiator. The engine ran rough and backfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the upper intake manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lasabre. The contact stated that the intake manifold was cracked causing the oil to leak into the radiator. The engine ran rough and backfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the upper intake manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified who stated there was a recall nhtsa campaign number: 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the vin was not included. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the current mileage was 49,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph and the vehicle began to shake in a continuous jerking motion. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the retainer washer and the body mount was disengaged on the passenger's side, causing the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph and the vehicle began to shake in a continuous jerking motion. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the retainer washer and the body mount was disengaged on the passenger's side, causing the engine cradle to collapse on the rear driver's side. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Engine compartment fires
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 623615Information regarding extra clips in the 4t65e transmission. *Slc
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 603085Some customers may comment that there IS corrosion ( rust ) appearing on the left and /or right rocker panel(s).
- 602997Some vehicles may experience vehicle surging at 72 to 89 km/h ( 45 to 55 mph ).
- 602979Some comments on vehicle surge.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601775Information on fuel gauge intermittently inoperative: check for poor connection at C200.
- 601769Information on growling noise in transaxle during first four minutes after start up.
- 601398Some customers may comment about on a gap between the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) module and the instrument panel trim plate.
- 601052Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration between 20 and 40 mph.
- 600209Customers may complain that the fuel gauge remains on "full" too long.
- 54421Experience a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine.
- 54285Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54205Condition with outer rear seat belts are difficult to fasten.
Every Buick Lesabre model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.