1996 BUICK LeSabre Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

111

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

18 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE, THE ENGINE DROPPED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND BUSHING WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

Aug 29, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE VEHICLE BACK FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO STOP AN EVAPORATOR LEAK. THE REPAIR DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE FROM BACK FIRING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OLDER THAN 10 YEARS OF AGE, THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mar 17, 2010

1996 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING,OVERHEATED AND SHUT OFF ON INTERSTATE AT 60 MPH. OWNER HAD CAR TOWED AND CHECKED BY MECHANIC. CRACKED MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT WAS THE CAUSE, ENGINE BLOWN IS DIAGNOSIS. *TR

Dec 19, 2008

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE WHICH HAS A HOLE IN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE GENERAL MOTORS DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. HE THEN CALLED THE BUICK DEALER WHO CONCERURED. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL 96V116000 ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. *AK

Jan 03, 2007

A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WARPED INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Jan 06, 2005

+ 13 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND MADE A CONSTANT BEEPING NOISE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD AAA TOW IT TO THE DEALER. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER IN SEPTEMBER OF 2008 AND NOW SHE NEEDS NEW BRAKES. WITHIN TWO HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $400. SHE WAS VERY SKEPTICAL OF THE REPAIRS AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CLOGGED. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/09/09.*JB

Mar 16, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. ONE YEAR AGO, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND ON THE VEHICLE WHILE LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND STRUCK ANOTHER ONE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS SPLIT IN HALF DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE LINES AND INSTALLED NEW ONES. RECENTLY, THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION AGAIN. THE DRIVER STRUCK THE CURB AT 10 MPH IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT MADE THE REPAIRS HIMSELF. HE HAS NOT YET NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Feb 23, 2009

Crash: 1

VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP DUE TO A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. INSPECTION REVEALED STEEL BRAKE TUBES SEVERELY RUSTED ONLY IN THE AREA OF THE LEAK. LEAK LOCATION IS DIRECTLY BELOW ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT IN THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALL FOUR OUTPUT LINES FROM THE ABS SYSTEM TO THE WHEEL WERE AFFECTED. THE BALANCE OF THE BRAKE LINES ON THIS VEHICLE EXHIBIT A NORMAL LEVEL OF CORROSION. *NM

Nov 07, 2005

MY 1996 BUICK LESABRE ABS WARNING LIGHT DID NOT LET ME KNOW THAT THE ABS WERE NOT WORKING, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Mar 02, 2004

Crash: 1

BRAKE LINE RUBBING AGAINST TRANSFER CASE, CAUSING A HOLE IN STEEL LINE. *AK

Mar 13, 2001

+ 9 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Jun 29, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE HORN WOULD NOT STOP BLOWING FOR 50 MILES AFTER THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE DOOR LOCK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL AND THE REMOTE KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN WAS BLOWING WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPROGRAM THE REMOTE KEY; HOWEVER, THE HORN STOPPED BLOWING. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THE OLD REMOTE KEY SINCE IT WAS UNABLE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE HORN BEGAN BLOWING AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO VIN INFORMATION IN THEIR DATABASE. THE VIN WAS CONFIRMED WITH THE CONTACT, BUT APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE ENGINE SIZE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mar 31, 2008

1996 BUICK LESABRE ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE LIST OF RECALLS. *KB *JB

Sep 15, 2006

CONSUMER STATES BATTERY EXPLODED, AND REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM MANUFACTURER.*JB

Feb 16, 2001

CONSUMER STATES BATTERY EXPLODED, AND REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM MANUFACTURER.*JB

Feb 16, 2001

+ 7 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP ON A CITY STREET BEHIND A CITY BUS WHICH WAS LOADING PASSENGERS WITH NO COLLISION OR CONTACT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG CAUSED BURNS TO THE PASSENGER'S HAND AND BOTH KNEES. IT ALSO CAUSED DEEP CONTUSIONS ON THE LEFT KNEE, CAUSING DIFFICULTIES WITH WALKING.

Apr 28, 2019

Injuries: 1

WHILE WAITING IN A PARKING LOT LANE FOR A PARKING SPACE TO OPEN, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I WAS NOT LEANING FORWARD, BUT I WAS LOOKING SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT. THE BAG JUST HIT ME ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOREHEAD AND COVERED ME IN POWDER. I COULD NOT HEAR OUT OF MY RIGHT EAR, AND STILL CANNOT TODAY. *TR

Jan 09, 2010

Injuries: 1

1996 BUICK LESABRE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.*MR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT 11 AM WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. ON THE SAME DAY AT 2 PM THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF COLLISION NOR DID THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. *NM

Jun 28, 2005

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. *AK

Sep 27, 2004

WHEN VEHICLE HIT A DEER, THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS INJURED BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER, DRIVER RECEIVED RED MARKS, WHICH LOOKED LIKE BURNS, ON BOTH ARMS, PASSENGER LEGS WERE BADLY BRUISED, ALSO THE SMELL AND THE AMOUNT OF POWER RELEASE FROM THE AIR BAGS MADE IT HARD TO BREATHE.

Jan 09, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

+ 2 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP POSITION WHILE THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. VEHICLE TOOK OFF FROM 0-45 MPH. CONSUMER RODE THE BRAKES, AND DOWN SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION TO GAIN CONTROL. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

Mar 08, 2005

WHILE DRIVING OH HIGHWAY VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE COMING OFF AN EXIT RAMP THE RPMS WENT UP. BUT AS CONSUMER REAPPLIED GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO. NO PRIOR WARNING. NO INDICATION OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND DIDN'T WANT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE .TOOK THE CAR TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND REGISTERED A COMPLAINT. *AK

Sep 14, 1999

VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY HESITATES WHILE ACCELERATING.

Oct 04, 1997

THROTTLE STUCK, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Apr 09, 1997

SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Feb 26, 1997

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

6 complaints

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *TT

Nov 05, 2002

A CRACK IN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK, ALSO CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TO SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *SLC

Jan 24, 2001

FUEL PUMP MAKES A LOUD HUMMING OR BUZZING NOISE AT IDLE OR ANY SPEED. *AK

Feb 07, 2000

UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FRACTURED RESULTING IN FAILURE.

Oct 27, 1997

HE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND HE CALLED THE DEALER AS INSTRUCTED IN THE LETTER AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PART ISN'T IN YET. (RECALL-96V116000). *AK

Jul 12, 1996

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION

6 complaints

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OR ABOVE ENTIRE VEHICLE VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jul 26, 1999

VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT CONTINUALLY EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT WORK COMPLETED.

Sep 13, 1996

THE VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MPH, CAUSING THE REAR TIRES TO WEAR OFTEN.

Jun 18, 1996

FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS RUSTED DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. *DH

Mar 25, 1996

VEHICLE DRIFTS TO RIGHT. *DSH

Mar 05, 1996

+ 1 more complaint for this component

STRUCTURE

5 complaints

THE SUBFRAME RUSTED AND DROPED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE STEERING AND SENDING IT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC . *TT

Jul 12, 2011

1. WHILE DRIVING A BUICK LESABRE ON DRY, SMOOTH, HARD-SURFACE ROAD... IN AN INSTANT... 2. ALL STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP WITH BRAKES. NO DEATH, NO INJURY, NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE 3. THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WERE FOUND BROKEN... THIS ALLOWED THE STEERING MECHANISM TO BECOME DISCONNECTED.... THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED, THE MECHANISM WAS CONNECTED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO SERVICE 4. I CONTACTED THE PEOPLE AT BUICK 25 MAY.... AFTER FOUR DAYS OF DELAYS, THEY INFORMED ME OF THEIR DISINTEREST IN THIS CRITICAL FAILURE, REGARDLESS OF IT'S CERTAINTY TO RESULT IN FATALITIES.... PLEASE DISSEMINATE AN IMMEDIATE ALERT/RECALL/NOTICE/OTHER FYI..... YOUR FORM IS ENTITLED 'COMPLAINT'..... UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE, FACTUAL REPORT, NOT A COMPLAINT. *TR

Jun 09, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POTHOLE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE FOUR REAR WASHERS WERE RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE FRAME TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. AS OF OCTOBER 24, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED FOUR UPPER AND LOWER WASHERS AND ISOLATORS, IN ADDITION TO FOUR BOLTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,620 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,670. UPDATED 12/07/07

Oct 24, 2007

Crash: 1

DT: THE MOUNTS ON THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE AND DROPPED AND STEERING DISENGAGED. THE RACK AND PINION FELL WITHIN THE ENGINE. OWNER WAS IN A PARKING LOT DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE SPEED WAS BETWEEN 5-10 MPH. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THE OWNER WILL NOT BE GETTING ANY HELP RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM TODAY. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 20, 2005. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE 4 REAR MOUNTS ON THE ENGINE CRADLE BROKE. THE OWNER WAS HAVING THIS REPAIRED EVENTUALLY. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE CONSUMER WAS WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS RELEVANT TO THE COMPLAINT. ALL THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IS WHAT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE HAS WISH TO PROVIDE. THE OWNER WAS ON THE PHONE WITH BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY CONTACTED THE OWNERS DEALER AND TOLD THE OWNER THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEND ANYONE TO THE OWNERS HOME TO EXAMINE THE DAMAGE. *AK

Jul 21, 2005

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUNK LID FLIES UP WITH OUT INDICATIONS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

May 04, 1998

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME FROM A FRIENDS HOUSE AND HAD THE CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND IT WAS LEFT RUNNING AND IT WAS IN PARK THEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 3 MIN SITTING THERE AND I PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE NO MATTER WHAT SO I TRIED ALL THE GEARS IT WOULDN'T WORK SO I SHUT OFF THE CAR LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 5 MIN AND STARTED IT UP THEN PUT IT INTO REVERSE AGAIN AND IT DID THEN I DROVE ABOUT 50-100 FT AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING AND THEN JUST THE OTHER DAY I WENT OUT TO START IT AND IT WAS STILL IN PARK AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A POWERSTEERING PUMP WITH NO FLUID AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A BIG NEST OF BEES AND I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL AND THE FLUID WAS BURNT AND THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE FLUID SO THE CAR DON'T WORK. SO MY FAMILY HAD TO GO BUY A NEW CAR WHEN WE ARE BROKE AND NOW I HAVE NO WAY TO GET TO WORK. THERE WAS NOTHING DONE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE YET IM GOING TO GO BUY A NEW TRANSMISSION. *TR

Dec 24, 2009

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY @ 60 MPH, HEARD POPPING NOISE AND FELT THUMP UNDER CAR. AS ACCELERATED AGAIN, ENGINE REVS INCREASED W/O ANY INCREASE IN SPEED. ENGINE DID NOT SEEM TO BE ENGAGED WITH TRANSMISSION. MANUALLY DOWN SHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR. ENGINE REENGAGED WITH DRIVE TRAIN. SHIFTED BACK TO 4TH (D), LOSS OF ENGAGEMENT. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, INFORMED THAT "PLANETARY GEAR" HAD FAILED, AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY.

Oct 20, 2000

I HAD A PREVIOUS TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THIS CAR IN 1996, AFTER ABOUT 12,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CURRENT FAILURE OCCURED AS I WAS STARTING TO GO UP A STEEP GRADE. CAR SHUDDERED, AND ENGINE REVED WITHOUT ANY INCREASE IN SPEED. THERE WAS LOSS OF DRIVE CONNECTION BETWEEN ENGINE AND WHEELS. I DOWNSHIFTED TO LOWER GEAR MANUALLY, AND MANAGED TO KEEP CAR MOVING FORWARD. AFTER REACHING TOP OF GRADE, I RESUMED DRIVING IN HIGH GEAR. AS I WOULD START ON SLIGHT UPGRADES, OR TRY TO ACCELERATE SPEED, ENGINE WOULD REV TEMPORARILY WITHOUT ACCELERATION OF CAR. AFTER STOPPING ON SIDE OF ROAD TO CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID, I RESUMED TRANVEL. PROBLEM SEEMED TO RESOLVE ITSELF, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME "HUNTING" OF THE TRANSMISSION AS IT UPSHIFTED GEARS. WHEN I RETURNED TO HOME AREA, I TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED, PLANETARY GEAR HAS BROKEN OFF AND "GROUND UP" TRANSMISSION. NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS SECOND FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE,

Oct 20, 2000

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Jun 23, 1997

POOR TRACTION CONTROL.

Feb 26, 1997

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND HAS BEEN REPLACED ON EACH OCCASION. *AK

Mar 28, 2001

ON AND WHILE DRIVING IN ADVERSE WEATHER IF DEFROST/DEFOGGER IS ENGAGED THEN ALL INSIDE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL DEFROST/DEFOGGER IS DISENGAGED, CAUSES BIG PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAYS/HIGHWAYS BECAUSE I CAN'T USE THE WINDOW CLEARING TOOLS AS I NEED TO. AND THE MANUAL STATES TO REPORT IF THE SECURITY LIGHT STAYS ON ANYWAY AS IT MAY BE CAUSE FOR SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN FUTURE. *AK

May 31, 2000

ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED.

Aug 29, 1997

NO MATTER WHAT CLOTH OR LINING PLACED ON DASH, REFLECTION SHOWS UPON WINDSHIELD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Feb 09, 1996

EQUIPMENT

4 complaints

DRIVER WENT TO CHANGE TIRE BY USING JACK THAT CAME EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE WHEN IT FOLDED OVER WHILE SUPPORTING VEHICLE, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED INJUIRES. *AK

Oct 25, 1999

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED CAUSING LEAK.

Oct 27, 1997

AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR FAILED.

Oct 21, 1996

AIR CONDITIONER ACCUMULATOR FAILED.

Oct 21, 1996

TIRES

3 complaints

THE GENERAL (TPCSPEC10T2MS) TIRES TREAD SEPARATION FROM THE SIDEWALL. *MJS

Nov 28, 2000

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE/ IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE. RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. FIRESTONE # P205/P0R15/70R15 CONSUMER NOTIFIED FIRESTONE. *AK BEFORE THE TIRE WAS SEPARATED COMPLETELY, PIECE OF CHROME TRIM WAS RIPPED OFF. DOOR HANDLE ON FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS DAMAGED TOO. *YH

Aug 30, 2000

Injuries: 1

GENERAL TIRE TREAD WORN. ( SIZE P205/70R15 WORN)

Feb 12, 1997

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COURTESY LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AT ANY TIME EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO EXHIBIT A CHIMING NOISE, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Aug 30, 2011

WHILE DRIVING ON A COUNTY ROAD AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE. CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS, AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. TOKK TO DEALER, DEALER SAID IT WAS THE HEADLAMP CONTROL MODULE. *AK

Jan 14, 2000

STEERING

2 complaints

WHEN PARKING BOLTS SHREDDED OFF THE FRONT RACK AND PINION. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Oct 06, 2004

VEHICLE DRIFTS TO RIGHT AND TIRES WEAR UNEVENLY, TRIED TO FIX THREE TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WORKED ON THE VEHICLE, SUGGESTED THAT STEERING RACK WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED DIFFICULTY THAT MECHANIC HAD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PERFORM AN ALL-WHEEL ALIGNMENT. *AK

Jan 24, 1997

WHEELS

2 complaints

WHEN CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE NOTICED WHEELS WERE RIPPED AROUND THE RIM, BIG CRACKS. *AK

Nov 09, 1998

WHEEL RIMS CRACKED, CAUSING A LOSS OF AIR INTO THE TIRES. *AK

Nov 14, 1996

SEATS

2 complaints

HEAD RESTS ARE DESIGNED TO LOW FOR PROTECTION.

Nov 06, 1996

AFTER ADJUSTING, HEAD REST DOESN'T PROVIDE NECK PROTECTION. OWNER HAS CONTACTED GM MOBILITY GROUP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Feb 09, 1996

ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A TUNE-UP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Feb 04, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

HAD TO REMOVE DOME LIGHT BULBS BEAUSE IT DOESNT TURN OFF, THE LIGHTS ON THE REAR ST TIMES AND I'V JUST BOUGHT A SECOND BATTERY 3 DAYS AGO BECAUSE THE LIGHTING PROBLEM CAUES THEM TO BURN OUT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS WILL FADE OUT. MST TIME IT DOESNT AND I CAN'T TURN THEM OFF MANUALLY EITHER. JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Oct 12, 2014

STEERING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THE GROMMETS AND/OR WASHERS THAT HOLD UP THE ENGINE FRAME CRADLE RUSTED OUT AND ALLOWED THIS PART TO DROP THROUGH THE RETAINING BOLTS, ONCE THIS HAPPENED THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE OR 60 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY THIS WOULD HAVE TURNED INTO A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I WAS SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT AND THE MOMENT I ACCELERATED I HEARD A VERY LOUD METALLIC THUD/SOUND, WHICH I ASSUME WAS THE CRADLE DROPPING DOWN. I'M AMAZED THAT THIS ALL HAPPENED WITH ZERO WARNING THAT THEY WERE ANY ISSUES WITH THE STEERING. THERE WAS NEVER ANY INDICATION THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, MEANING NO LOOSENESS, NO VIBRATION, NO SENSORY CHANGES IN HOW THE STEERING FELT BUT ALL IN A MATTER OF 2 SECONDS, A LOUD NOISE AND THEN I COULDN'T STEER OR GUIDE THE CAR. I HIT THE BRAKES BECAUSE I WAS TRYING TO TURN RIGHT AND THE CAR WAS MOVING LEFT SO I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND I BELIEVE THAT THE CORROSION WAS ADVANCED DUE TO ALL THE SALT THAT IS PLACED ON THE ROADS TO MELT THE ICE/SNOW DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. I'M WRITING THIS IN HOPE THAT OTHERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AND POSSIBLY HAVE THE CONDITION OF THEIR CRADLES CHECKED OUT TO AVOID LOSING THEIR STEERING. *TR

Sep 06, 2008

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON YOUR SITE RELATED TO MY VEHICLE. TWO DEALERS TELL ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS ONE CAMPAIGN STICKER LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD. I HAVE A BUICK LASABRE 1996 IT BACK FIRES WHEN STARTING. CAN YOU CHECK AND SEE IF THE TWO YOU LIST ARE ASSSOCEATED WITH MY VEHICLE. *JB

Jun 22, 2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE CAR WAS PARKED BUT RUNNING, CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED. THE FUEL LINE, FUEL PUMP AND FUEL SENDER WERE REPLACED. *AK

Jun 13, 2005

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING COURTESY LIGHTS INSIDE VEHICLE WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE VISUAL PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Aug 29, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES BUT HIT OTHER VEHICLE ON RIGHT FRONT. UPON IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS JAMMED IN SEAT, AND UNABLE TO GET OUT. VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE AN POWDER SUBSTANCE WHICH CAUSED DRIVER'S EYES AND THROAT TO BE IRRITATED.*AK

Aug 22, 2001

Crash: 1

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. ALSO, BOLTS THAT HOLD RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE. TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER IT APPEARED VEHICLE WAS TOO OVERTORQUED FROM THE FACTORY. *AK BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE INSPECTED AND FOUND WORN ON SIDE EDGES. 2 BOLTS THAT HOLD THE RACK TO THE FRAME ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, ONE BOLT HAD BROKEN OFF. BATTERY WAS LEAKING AND CAUSED CORROSION IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTER, DEALER HAD TO REMOVE ALL CABLE INSULATION AND REPLACE POSITIVE CABLE BOLT AND BATTERY, LEAK CAUSED VEHICLE NOT TO START. *SLC

Jun 21, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

THE DISC BRAKE PADS WORN PREMATURELY. NLM

Oct 29, 1999

POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WHEN TAKING IT OUT OF ANY GEAR ,ALL 3 DOORS WILL UNLOCK EXCEPT FOR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. ,IT MUST BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED BEFORE PASSENGER CAN GET OUT. *AK

Oct 19, 1999

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TRUNK POPS OPEN WHEN DRIVING DUE TO FAILURE OF THE LATCH.

Mar 03, 1998

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

DASHBOARD VIBRATES WHEN HEAT/AC SYSTEM IS ENGAGED.

Feb 26, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LOCKED UP AND MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISE SEVERAL TIMES. CAR ALSO ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN WITH APPLICATION OF BRAKE.

Feb 26, 1997

4.4/5.0

95 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 BUICK LeSabre have?

The 1996 BUICK LeSabre currently has 111 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 BUICK LeSabre?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 BUICK LeSabre are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 BUICK LeSabre problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 BUICK LeSabre comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.