1994 Buick LeSabre problems
Owners have filed 220 complaints about the 1994 Buick LeSabre with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 16.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 16.4%.
Complaints220
Crashes38
Fires6
Injuries30
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 16.8% · 37
Service brakes, hydraulic 16.4% · 36
Electrical system 13.6% · 30
Air bags 9.5% · 21
Tires 7.3% · 16
Vehicle speed control 5.0% · 11
Structure 4.1% · 9
Steering 4.1% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 38 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 30 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 13 model years of the Buick LeSabre in this data, 1994 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 98,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving at any speed consumer noticed smoke coming from the front of vehicle, and determined that the problem was within the cooling system. When the vehicle is cold there is steam coming from the front of the vehicle, and there is an odor in vehicle. Also, throttle body seal may bnot be sufficiently compressed to prevent coolint from leaking. Engine and engine cooling
Engine quit/seized as vehicle was turning into bank parking lot. No indications/lights prior to failure to indicate that there was a problem. Dealer and manufacturer have yet to let me know what failed. Because vehicle was out of warranty (36/36000), had to pay for new engine, $3700. Engine and engine cooling
While driving at 40 mph smoke started coming into the vents, and consumer was able to drive to a gas station. Someone put water on the fire and the fire went out. Alternator overheated due to bad bearings and did not stop smoking until battery was disconnected. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Buick LeSabre years
1992 245 complaints · 32.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1993 264 complaints · 31.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 235 complaints · 19.1% air bags 1996 121 complaints · 15.7% engine and engine cooling 1997 514 complaints · 24.7% engine and engine cooling 1998 518 complaints · 42.5% engine and engine cooling