1997 BUICK LESABRE

2 recalls — 50 complaints

96V116000 Jul 1, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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.
275,811 vehicles affected
96V044000 Mar 5, 1996
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
15,122 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Feb 28, 2024
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.
Crash
ENGINE Feb 28, 2024
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.
Crash
STRUCTURE:BODY Oct 23, 2019
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 Aug 21, 2018
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 21, 2018
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 Jul 6, 2018
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 Oct 19, 2017
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 Jul 26, 2017
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 Feb 21, 2017
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.
STEERING Nov 30, 2016
SUB FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROATED OUT ON THE BACK DRIVE. COMPLETE SAFTY HAZARD NEEDS RECALL
SUSPENSION Nov 30, 2016
SUB FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROATED OUT ON THE BACK DRIVE. COMPLETE SAFTY HAZARD NEEDS RECALL
POWER TRAIN Nov 30, 2016
SUB FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROATED OUT ON THE BACK DRIVE. COMPLETE SAFTY HAZARD NEEDS RECALL
VISIBILITY/WIPER Apr 17, 2016
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.
SUSPENSION Apr 17, 2016
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 Dec 23, 2015
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.
1 injured
ENGINE Oct 14, 2015
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 Oct 2, 2015
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.
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 27, 2015
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jun 27, 2015
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 Jun 24, 2015
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 Mar 27, 2015
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 Dec 16, 2014
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 Nov 25, 2014
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 AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Oct 31, 2014
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.
ENGINE Oct 31, 2014
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 20, 2014
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 20, 2014
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 Aug 20, 2014
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
SUSPENSION Apr 10, 2014
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
ENGINE Apr 10, 2014
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 Apr 10, 2014
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
SUSPENSION Mar 31, 2014
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
STRUCTURE Mar 31, 2014
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
STEERING Mar 31, 2014
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 Jul 29, 2013
THE BRAKES MAKE A STRANGE SOUND SOMETIMES & STALL;GAS LEAK;UNDERCARRIAGE IS WEAK. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 29, 2013
THE BRAKES MAKE A STRANGE SOUND SOMETIMES & STALL;GAS LEAK;UNDERCARRIAGE IS WEAK. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 29, 2013
THE BRAKES MAKE A STRANGE SOUND SOMETIMES & STALL;GAS LEAK;UNDERCARRIAGE IS WEAK. *TR
AIR BAGS May 31, 2013
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
1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Mar 22, 2013
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 Mar 13, 2013
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.
POWER TRAIN Jul 11, 2012
MY CAR JERKS LIKE A FISH TUGGING ON YOUR LINE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND WHEN COMING UP AN INCLINE. IT ALSO HAS A VERY STRONG ODOR THAT I SMELL WHEN RUNNING THE A/C. I SMELL IT OUTSIDE THE CAR AND OCCASIONALLY I SMELL IT INSIDE THE CAR. *TR
ENGINE Jul 11, 2012
MY CAR JERKS LIKE A FISH TUGGING ON YOUR LINE AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND WHEN COMING UP AN INCLINE. IT ALSO HAS A VERY STRONG ODOR THAT I SMELL WHEN RUNNING THE A/C. I SMELL IT OUTSIDE THE CAR AND OCCASIONALLY I SMELL IT INSIDE THE CAR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 17, 2012
I HAVE NOT SEEN A FIRE YET BUT IT HAS BEEN SMOKING IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR SINCE 2010 WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR USED FOR 2800.00 AT JIMS TOWING SERVICE IN ELIZABETH NEW JERSEY AND EVERY TIME THE CAR BROKE DOWN WHETHER IT WAS ELECTRICAL OR WHAT HE HAD GOTTEN MAD AT ME FOR NOT BRINGING IT TO HIM AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE KEPT ON COMING ON AND COME TO FIND OUT LAST MONTH AND THE CAR COST ME 2000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX AND THE MONTH BEFORE THAT THE GARAGE I WENT TO NAVARRO'S HAD FIXED THE HORN BECAUSE THAT WAS GOING ON AND OFF AGAIN AND SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS FLICKER AND OTHER THINGS AND NOW THE SECURITY ALARM DOES NOT WORK AND YESTERDAY WHILE SHOPPING I ASKED MY DAUGHTER WHAT THAT SOUND WAS IT WAS MY HORN AGAIN SHORTING AND DISCONNECTED IT AGAIN IT HAS DONE THAT TOO MANY TIMES AND I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR WITH 6 PEOPLE LIVING IN MY HOUSE AND IAM THE ONLY ONE WORKING RIGHT NOW AND DOES ANY MECHANIC KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING ANYMORE AND I NEED THE CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE AND WHEN I SAID THAT THE CAR COST ME 2000.00 TO FIX THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE BLOCK OF THE ENGINE AND FOR AWHILE NOW I HAVE MANUALLY DO THE LOCKS ON MY DOORS AND CANNOT REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRIC SWITCH BECAUSE NO ONE HAS IT ANYMORE HELP DON'T NEED CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE AND IT HAS BEEN SMOKING ALOT LATELY WITH THE HORN CONNECTED IT IS NOT CONNECTED NOW. WHEN THE NEW INCIDENT HAPPENED IT WAS PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AND SECURITY OFFICER CAME. *JS
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Jun 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LASABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE BEGAN TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WASHERS, WHICH WERE BOLTED TO THE FRAME, WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO COVER A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, BECAUSE THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD COVER ALL COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Oct 14, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY BACKFIRED AND WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND REFERENCED RECALL 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,874.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Sep 18, 2010
SEPTEMBER 15TH DRIVING MY 1997 BUICK LESABRE HEARD AND FELT A LOUD BANGING NOISE. LOST ALL STEERING. CAR TAKEN TO GARAGE WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR REAR SUBFRAME CRADLE MOUNT RETAINERS HAD FAILED. ENTIRE ENGINE AND CRADLE FELL DISENGAGING THE STEERING COMPLETELY. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF LESABRE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SAME THING OCCUR. GM DID A RECALL ON THE REGALS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WAS THERE EVER A RECALL ON THE LESABRES AND IF NOT...WHY NOT. THIS IS AN OBVIOUSLY VERY SERIOUS DESIGN FAILURE WHICH IS POTENTIALLY FATAL. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED IN MY CASE OR THE LAWYERS WOULD BE HARD AT WORK. MY BUICK IS WELL CARED FOR...SERVICED AND INSPECTED REGULARLY AND THIS STILL OCCURRED. HAS ONLY 87,700 MILES ON IT. IT COST ME OVER $1000 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND MAKE THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN GET GM TO STEP UP AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS? CAN NHTSA HELP? *TR
STEERING Sep 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD THUMP NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL STEERING POWER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A COOLANT LEAK. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REMOVE THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND BEGAN TO STALL ONLY IN THE MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PAID $850 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND WAS STILL EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A THIRD MECHANIC WHO ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,844. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM May 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,212.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Apr 19, 2010
ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORT WASHERS RUST OUT CAUSING THE SUPPORT TO FALL DOWN WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. *TR