FaultScore report
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 1991 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA between 1995 and 2009. The largest single group is the electrical system.
46
Complaints
1
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
96,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
0%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 90,600 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 57,343 mi
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Median failure at 172,000 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Buick LeSabre 2-DR. | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SEATS
MY DAUGHTER TURNED ON THE CAR AND MOVED THE DRIVER'S SEAT FORWARD. SHE SMELLED SMOKE AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDER THE SEAT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10249402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE FIRE AFTER FUEL RAN OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 07/02/2003.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. THE CONSUMER FIGURED THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK SINCE HE HAD FILLED THE VEHICLE UP THE DAY BEFORE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA complaint #10026618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE STARTING CAR THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #811745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 30MPH, WHEN MADE ATTEMPT TO SLOW/STOP BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, GOING THROUGH GARAGE HITTING WALL, NO PRIOR WARNING. TT
NHTSA complaint #979282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE HAS FOUR COOPER FUTURA 2000 RADIAL LTE TIRES, SIZE P2-05/70R14 (NA). IN DECEMBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AS IF AN ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND, AS A RESULT, TWO BOLTS DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THREE OF THE FAILURE TIRES AND NOW HAVE ONE MORE TO REPLACE. HE FEELS THAT THE BUMPS IN THE TIRES ARE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000. UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT YET THEY CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE A SHAKE/WOBBLE IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/18/09
NHTSA complaint #10268776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE HAS FOUR COOPER FUTURA 2000 RADIAL LTE TIRES, SIZE P2-05/70R14 (NA). IN DECEMBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AS IF AN ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND, AS A RESULT, TWO BOLTS DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THREE OF THE FAILURE TIRES AND NOW HAVE ONE MORE TO REPLACE. HE FEELS THAT THE BUMPS IN THE TIRES ARE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000. UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT YET THEY CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE A SHAKE/WOBBLE IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/18/09
NHTSA complaint #10268776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
MY DAUGHTER TURNED ON THE CAR AND MOVED THE DRIVER'S SEAT FORWARD. SHE SMELLED SMOKE AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDER THE SEAT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10249402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
AN ILLEGAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON ONE OF MY VEHICLES -USING ANOTHER CAR AT THIS LOCATION, PUTTING IN INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE & PASSING SAID VEHICLE AS BEING LEGAL TO DRIVE & PROPERLY INSPECTED-I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT THIS LOCATION DOES THESE TYPES OF INSPECTIONS QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE OWNER PAYS HIS EMPLOYEES UNDER THE TABLE TO KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE WITH CHILD SUPPORT-HE LIES ABOUT EARNED WAGES-AND RUMOR HAS IT THAT THE ENTIRE SHOP IS EITHER HIGH ON CRACK, COCAINE OR MARIJUANA-THEY ARE HEAVY DRINKERS THAT FREQUENT THE BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR-GARY'S SPOT-THE OWNER (NABIL) HAS ALL OF HIS FRIENDS COME IN FOR THESE INSPECTIONS-SOMETIMES THEY CHARGE THEM -SOMETIMES NOT. I REALLY THINK THIS LOCATION NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED & DRUG TESTED. I PAY GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR MY THINGS-AND I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT THESE FOREIGNERS CAN COME OVER HERE & DO AS THEY PLEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10218951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AN ILLEGAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON ONE OF MY VEHICLES -USING ANOTHER CAR AT THIS LOCATION, PUTTING IN INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE & PASSING SAID VEHICLE AS BEING LEGAL TO DRIVE & PROPERLY INSPECTED-I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT THIS LOCATION DOES THESE TYPES OF INSPECTIONS QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE OWNER PAYS HIS EMPLOYEES UNDER THE TABLE TO KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE WITH CHILD SUPPORT-HE LIES ABOUT EARNED WAGES-AND RUMOR HAS IT THAT THE ENTIRE SHOP IS EITHER HIGH ON CRACK, COCAINE OR MARIJUANA-THEY ARE HEAVY DRINKERS THAT FREQUENT THE BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR-GARY'S SPOT-THE OWNER (NABIL) HAS ALL OF HIS FRIENDS COME IN FOR THESE INSPECTIONS-SOMETIMES THEY CHARGE THEM -SOMETIMES NOT. I REALLY THINK THIS LOCATION NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED & DRUG TESTED. I PAY GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR MY THINGS-AND I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT THESE FOREIGNERS CAN COME OVER HERE & DO AS THEY PLEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10218951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
AN ILLEGAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON ONE OF MY VEHICLES -USING ANOTHER CAR AT THIS LOCATION, PUTTING IN INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE & PASSING SAID VEHICLE AS BEING LEGAL TO DRIVE & PROPERLY INSPECTED-I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT THIS LOCATION DOES THESE TYPES OF INSPECTIONS QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE OWNER PAYS HIS EMPLOYEES UNDER THE TABLE TO KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE WITH CHILD SUPPORT-HE LIES ABOUT EARNED WAGES-AND RUMOR HAS IT THAT THE ENTIRE SHOP IS EITHER HIGH ON CRACK, COCAINE OR MARIJUANA-THEY ARE HEAVY DRINKERS THAT FREQUENT THE BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR-GARY'S SPOT-THE OWNER (NABIL) HAS ALL OF HIS FRIENDS COME IN FOR THESE INSPECTIONS-SOMETIMES THEY CHARGE THEM -SOMETIMES NOT. I REALLY THINK THIS LOCATION NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED & DRUG TESTED. I PAY GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR MY THINGS-AND I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT THESE FOREIGNERS CAN COME OVER HERE & DO AS THEY PLEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10218951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH HAS FAILED, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10151031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS 1991 BUICK LASABRE, THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. THE CONSUMER IS VERY UPSET WITH GM THAT THEY ONLY LAST 14 YEARS BEFORE RUSTING. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM NOR THE DEALERSHIP. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS ALL THAT THE CONSUMER KNOWS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DURING HIS YEARLY INSPECTION. LAST YEAR THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION, AND THIS YEAR THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS. AND THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA complaint #10128864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLE FIRE AFTER FUEL RAN OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 07/02/2003.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. THE CONSUMER FIGURED THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK SINCE HE HAD FILLED THE VEHICLE UP THE DAY BEFORE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA complaint #10026618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
POWER WINDOW MOTOR REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
VEHICLE STALLING CONTINUALLY FINAL REMEDY WAS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL UNIT. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION COIL MODULE SHORTED OUT BURNING SPARK PLUG WIRES. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL JOIN. I BELIEVE BUICK SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE THIS CAN LEAD TO A FIRE INSIDE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #719776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY DURING MANUFACTURING (2-3 ACCUMULATOR FEED CHECK BALL HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY PLACED DURING ASSEMBLY) , RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #543952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION COIL AND COMPUTER FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START.
NHTSA complaint #604276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
IGNITION COIL AND COMPUTER FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START.
NHTSA complaint #604276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS
THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUCKET SEAT COLLAPSED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. DEALER SAID THE SPOT WELDS LET GO OFF THE SEAT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #833335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE HAS ABS BRAKES. BRAKES PULSATE WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED.VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER FOR PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. ONWER VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #821361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE LACK OF SAFETY OF DOOR MOUNTED SEATBELTS.
NHTSA complaint #516833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #517453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
DURING DECELERATION NO RESPONSE FROM BRAKING SYSTEM. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. CONSEQUENCE: DESTRUCTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY.
NHTSA complaint #813557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE STARTING CAR THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #811745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK REPLACED DUE TO LOOSE BAFFLE.
NHTSA complaint #506733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKES REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #506733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SPARK PLUGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #506733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.