1997 Buick LeSabre problems
Owners have filed 514 complaints about the 1997 Buick LeSabre with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 24.7% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 8.8%.
Complaints514
Crashes30
Fires49
Injuries26
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 24.7% · 127
Electrical system 8.8% · 45
Fuel system, gasoline 8.4% · 43
Power train 6.4% · 33
Air bags 6.4% · 33
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.4% · 33
Visibility 5.8% · 30
Steering 4.9% · 25
Severity
Of those complaints, 30 describe a crash, 49 describe a fire, 26 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 13 model years of the Buick LeSabre in this data, 1997 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 96,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The mechanic noticed a leak in the upper plenum manifold. Upon performing a routine service, the upper plenum manifold was leaking antifreeze into the engine. The antifreeze was mixing with the engine oil. This would have resulted in the engine seizing up if the leaked had gone unnoticed. The dealership is going to replace the plenum manifold with a newer designed manifold. The engine is a 3800 series. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 59,000 miles
While driving vehicle commenced to run roughly. Vehicle was pulled over, and found coolant missing because of design defect in part caused fluid to be drawn into engine. This caused the 3engine to seize and an overhaul to be needed. Possible recall scrapped because problem was not a saftey issue. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed consumer that the upper manifold needed to be replaced.*Ak Engine and engine cooling · reported at 100,570 miles
Since I bought the vehicle, the car has gotten horrendous gas mileage, the horn intermittently does not work and the transmission has slipped. The car was taken back to the dealer and nothing was done. I was told "we were unable to find a problem." The horn issue nearly resulted in a car accident lastnight as the horn, again, decided to take the night off. This is not right!! Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…