1997 BUICK LESABRE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

514

Owner Complaints

30 Crashes 49 Fires 1 Death

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

The 1997 BUICK LESABRE has received a total of 514 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (45 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe (22 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (21 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE, potentially affecting up to 290,933 vehicles.

Recall 96V116000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

| 275,811 vehicles affected

Defect: A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 96V044000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 15,122 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

514 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 45 20 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 22 3 Fires
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 21 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 20 2 Fires 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 16 3 Crashes 6 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 16 3 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 14 6 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 13 4 Fires
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 12 11 Crashes 1 Fire 8 Injuries 1 Death
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 12
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 11 3 Fires
Engine
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 10 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 10
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 9
Steering
Complaints: 9
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 8 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 8
Tires
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Fire
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 8
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8
Electrical System
Complaints: 7
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 7
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 6
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 6
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 5
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 5
Power Train
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Parking Brake
Complaints: 4
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 4
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 3
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanical
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11574509 | ENGINE | | 196,400 miles Crash
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.
#11574509 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH | | 196,400 miles Crash
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.
#11270491 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 130,000 miles
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
#11121343 | AIR BAGS | | 65,000 miles
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.
#11121343 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 65,000 miles
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.

View all Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 BUICK LESABRE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

General Motors, LLC has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

98839011 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT ON A GAP BETWEEN THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) MODULE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM PLATE. *YC

9810008 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION ON FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE: CHECK FOR POOR CONNECTION AT C200. *YC

738325 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE FUEL GAUGE REMAINS ON "FULL" TOO LONG. *TT

971101731615 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

CONDITION WITH OUTER REAR SEAT BELTS ARE DIFFICULT TO FASTEN. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 BUICK LESABRE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK LESABRE

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Other BUICK Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report