The Buick LeSabre has 28 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1981–2003. On average a defect was admitted 4.39 years after the car was built, the slowest took 20 years. The most recalled system is Fuel System, Gasoline (6 campaigns). Owners also filed 2,949 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Buick LeSabre
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Fuel System, Gasoline 6 Read
What's wrong. 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 mistimed spark can cause a backfire
Risk. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire
Fix. 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 contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668
What's wrong. 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 mistimed spark can cause a backfire
Risk. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire
Fix. 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 contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668
What's wrong. 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 mistimed spark can cause a backfire
Risk. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire
Fix. 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 contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 5 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts may be loose
Risk. If these nuts are loose, the brake pedal may be low, the assembly may be loose, the brakes may not release, and if the nuts back completely off, braking may be lost. Also fume and water intrusion to the passenger compartment can occur
Fix. Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit
Risk. When the rear brake proportioning, antilock brake, traction control, or stability control feature is activated in some driving situations, the feature may not perform as designed
Fix. Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator
What's wrong. 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 hydraulic pump motor and/or loss of the ABS function
Risk. Loss of the hydraulic pump motor would result in a totalloss of rear brakes as well as power assist to the front brakes. The red brakewarning light would illuminate and stay on. If this warning is not heeded, aloss of rear brakes at a time when minimum stopping distance is required couldresult in a vehicle crash. An…
Fix. 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
Exterior Lighting 3 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Driver visibility may be impaired increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. 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 the horizontal vhad indicator
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance: if these head lamps are re-aimed using a mechanical aiming device that utilizes the aiming pad numers, the resultant aim would be out of the specified range. This may cause a visibility problem increasing the potential for a vehicle accident
Fix. Dealers will replace the driver side headlamp on vehicles with the correct outboard lower pad number
What's wrong. 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 prior warning
Fix. Replace headlight switch as necessary
Steering 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost and a vehicle crash could result
Fix. 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 date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The inner tie rod nuts are loose and can result in separation of a tie rod
Risk. Separation of a tie rod can cause unexpected steering input increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will check and adjust the vehicle toe-in and tighten the inner tie rod nuts to the specified torque
Power Train 2 Read
What's wrong. 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 driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve
Risk. If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur
Fix. Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Vehicle fires can occur due to the spillage of transmission fluid
Fix. Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Vehicle fires can occur due to the spillage of transmission fluid
Fix. Dealers will replace the transmission oil cooler lines
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. 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. 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
Fix. Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts
What's wrong. Owners manual did not include instructions on proper usage of rear seat safety belt systems
Risk. Vehicles do not conform to fmvss 209
Fix. Furnish owners with updated owners manuals that contain the omitted instructions
Electrical System 2 Read
What's wrong. 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, "theft protection" and fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in addition, other chime reminder functions, interior lighting controls, and power door locking features are also affected
Risk. Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled
Fix. Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module
What's wrong. An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire
Risk. The in line fusible link located in the area of theplastic windshield washer bottle bracket may, under a high resistance load,melt down and ignite the washer bottle bracket resulting in an enginecompartment fire
Fix. The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced
Vehicle Speed Control 2 Read
What's wrong. 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)
Risk. Servo rod assembly could catch on engine components andresult in a stuck throttle with potential for a vehicle crash
Fix. Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail
What's wrong. 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)
Risk. Servo rod assembly could catch on engine components andresult in a stuck throttle with potential for a vehicle crash
Fix. Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail
What's wrong. 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)
Risk. Servo rod assembly could catch on engine components andresult in a stuck throttle with potential for a vehicle crash
Fix. Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail
Air Bags 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver
Fix. 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 service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at…
What's wrong. 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
Risk. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver
Fix. 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 service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at…
Parking Brake 1 Read
What's wrong. When applied, the parking brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth, reducing the cable load to the rear brakes
Risk. Depending on the extent of the lever release and roadlevel. The parking brake may not hold the vehicle, allowing it to roll, whichcould result in an accident. Vehicle does not comply with fmvss 105
Fix. Replace parking brake lever assembly
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 4.39 years |
| Slowest campaign | 20 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 27.3% |
| Campaigns on record | 28 |
Which LeSabre years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Air Bags | |
| 2002 | Steering | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1998 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1997 | Seat Belts | |
| 1996 | Electrical System | |
| 1995 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1993 | Power Train | |
| 1992 | Parking Brake | |
| 1991 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1990 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1989 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1988 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1987 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1986 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1985 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1984 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1982 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1981 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Buick LeSabre have?
28 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1981–2003. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my LeSabre still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 4.39 years, and the slowest campaign came 20 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.