Owners have filed 220 complaints
about the 1994 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Buick Lesabre. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
32.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1352.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
936.0%
150,000+ miles
14.0%
NHTSA crash tests
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
1994 Buick LeSabre 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
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.
Feb 1995peak 10Jul 2016
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesCaldwell, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TURNING LEFT AT A STOP SIGN ANOTHER VEHICLE COME UP THE HILL ON THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE ON THE SEEN BUT NOBODY WAS CITED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR HEAD INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10087520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMonroe, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED BURNS TO THE PASSENGERS THIGHS. THE FUMES EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG ALSO CAUSED EYE IRRITATION AND BREATHING PROBLEMS. THE PASSENGER HAS DEVELOPED ASTHMA AND HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE EYE IRRITATION. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT LEAKED. THE CALIPERS WERE DEGREASED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED. *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10026600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMonroe, NCCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
THE DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED BURNS TO THE PASSENGERS THIGHS. THE FUMES EMITTED FROM THE AIR BAG ALSO CAUSED EYE IRRITATION AND BREATHING PROBLEMS. THE PASSENGER HAS DEVELOPED ASTHMA AND HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE EYE IRRITATION. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT LEAKED. THE CALIPERS WERE DEGREASED, THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCKS WERE REPLACED. *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10026600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesGreensboro, PACrash
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND DROVE OVER A MEDIAN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE ENGINE SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIR BY THE CONTACT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10887402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN COLD WEATHER CAR WON'T START CHECKED THE LIGHTS WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON IT READS, VOLT AND TEMP OBVIOUSLY BATTERY PROBLEMS. I GOT A NEW BATTERY WHEN I GOT THE CAR... I GOT A JUMP FROM RANDOM PERSON NEXT TO MY JOB AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP IN LIKE 2 MINUTES AND I WENT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10825001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN COLD WEATHER CAR WON'T START CHECKED THE LIGHTS WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON IT READS, VOLT AND TEMP OBVIOUSLY BATTERY PROBLEMS. I GOT A NEW BATTERY WHEN I GOT THE CAR... I GOT A JUMP FROM RANDOM PERSON NEXT TO MY JOB AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP IN LIKE 2 MINUTES AND I WENT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10825001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
IN COLD WEATHER CAR WON'T START CHECKED THE LIGHTS WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON IT READS, VOLT AND TEMP OBVIOUSLY BATTERY PROBLEMS. I GOT A NEW BATTERY WHEN I GOT THE CAR... I GOT A JUMP FROM RANDOM PERSON NEXT TO MY JOB AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP IN LIKE 2 MINUTES AND I WENT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10825001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,565 milesFlemington, WV
SEAT BELTS
I WAS CLEANING MY 1994 BUICK LESABRE WHEN I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE FLOOR AROUND THE REAR SEATBELT. I'M VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS. WILL THE PERSON SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT GET HURT OR KILLED IF THE SEATBELT DOESN'T HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A ACCIDENT. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. I KNOW THIS IS A OLDER VEH,BUT ITS ALL I HAVE.I THOUGHT THAT GM WOULD OF FIXED THIS BY NOW,OR IS MINE THE ONLY ONE THAT IS RUSTED? I REALLY DO NOT THINK THAT IT IS THE ONLY ONE.
NHTSA complaint #10631174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,565 milesFlemington, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS CLEANING MY 1994 BUICK LESABRE WHEN I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE FLOOR AROUND THE REAR SEATBELT. I'M VERY WORRIED ABOUT THIS. WILL THE PERSON SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT GET HURT OR KILLED IF THE SEATBELT DOESN'T HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A ACCIDENT. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. I KNOW THIS IS A OLDER VEH,BUT ITS ALL I HAVE.I THOUGHT THAT GM WOULD OF FIXED THIS BY NOW,OR IS MINE THE ONLY ONE THAT IS RUSTED? I REALLY DO NOT THINK THAT IT IS THE ONLY ONE.
NHTSA complaint #10631174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMiami, FL
STEERING
WHILE MERGING ONTO I95 NORTH MY CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING TRAFFIC. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT WAS OFF UNTIL MY LITTLE GIRL ASKED ME TO TURN THE RADIO BACK AND MY SPEED BEGIN TO DECREASE. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER SUCH A HUGE TANK LIKE MY LESABRE WHEN THE POWER STEERING GIVES. IT CRANKS RIGHT UP AFTER SHUTTING OFF AS IF NOTHING IS EVEN WRONG, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ALWAYS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT BOTHERS ME BECAUSE MY CAR IS ALL I HAVE AND IT'S THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION THAT I HAVE FOR TRAVELING WITH MY LITTLE GIRL.
NHTSA complaint #10562310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE MERGING ONTO I95 NORTH MY CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING TRAFFIC. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT WAS OFF UNTIL MY LITTLE GIRL ASKED ME TO TURN THE RADIO BACK AND MY SPEED BEGIN TO DECREASE. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER SUCH A HUGE TANK LIKE MY LESABRE WHEN THE POWER STEERING GIVES. IT CRANKS RIGHT UP AFTER SHUTTING OFF AS IF NOTHING IS EVEN WRONG, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ALWAYS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT BOTHERS ME BECAUSE MY CAR IS ALL I HAVE AND IT'S THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION THAT I HAVE FOR TRAVELING WITH MY LITTLE GIRL.
NHTSA complaint #10562310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesMiami, FL
ENGINE
WHILE MERGING ONTO I95 NORTH MY CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF MOVING TRAFFIC. I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT WAS OFF UNTIL MY LITTLE GIRL ASKED ME TO TURN THE RADIO BACK AND MY SPEED BEGIN TO DECREASE. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER SUCH A HUGE TANK LIKE MY LESABRE WHEN THE POWER STEERING GIVES. IT CRANKS RIGHT UP AFTER SHUTTING OFF AS IF NOTHING IS EVEN WRONG, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ALWAYS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT BOTHERS ME BECAUSE MY CAR IS ALL I HAVE AND IT'S THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION THAT I HAVE FOR TRAVELING WITH MY LITTLE GIRL.
NHTSA complaint #10562310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalama, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE SURGES AND STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE TRAVELING. OCCURS ATLEAST TWICE DAILY.
NHTSA complaint #10421517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,522 milesMesquite, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BUICK LASABRE DIES ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. LOOSES ALL POWER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO TRY TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHILE UNDER NO POWER. NO BRAKES, POWER STEERING . HAPPENS ABOUT 8 TO 12 TIMES A DAY. I DRIVE 47 MILES TO WORK. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED 8 TIMES, HAD TO MAKE UNSAFE TURNS TO KEEP FROM HAVING A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET TOTALED. REPLACED COIL PACKS PER DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATION. STILL DIES. NOT EVEN THE DEALERSHIP CAN DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. SEEMS ALL MECHANICS WANT TO PICK A PART TO REPLACE AT RANDOM TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY HERE. ALOT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DRIVE THESE VEHICLES AND THEY CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN THIS BEGINS TO HAPPEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES THEN SPUTTERS AND DIES. WHEN THIS STARTS, IF YOU KEEP PATTING THE ACCELERATOR IT SOMETIMES HELPS TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING BUT NOT ALWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10353894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,522 milesMesquite, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BUICK LASABRE DIES ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. LOOSES ALL POWER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO TRY TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHILE UNDER NO POWER. NO BRAKES, POWER STEERING . HAPPENS ABOUT 8 TO 12 TIMES A DAY. I DRIVE 47 MILES TO WORK. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED 8 TIMES, HAD TO MAKE UNSAFE TURNS TO KEEP FROM HAVING A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET TOTALED. REPLACED COIL PACKS PER DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATION. STILL DIES. NOT EVEN THE DEALERSHIP CAN DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. SEEMS ALL MECHANICS WANT TO PICK A PART TO REPLACE AT RANDOM TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY HERE. ALOT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DRIVE THESE VEHICLES AND THEY CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN THIS BEGINS TO HAPPEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES THEN SPUTTERS AND DIES. WHEN THIS STARTS, IF YOU KEEP PATTING THE ACCELERATOR IT SOMETIMES HELPS TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING BUT NOT ALWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10353894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,522 milesMesquite, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BUICK LASABRE DIES ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. LOOSES ALL POWER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO TRY TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHILE UNDER NO POWER. NO BRAKES, POWER STEERING . HAPPENS ABOUT 8 TO 12 TIMES A DAY. I DRIVE 47 MILES TO WORK. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED 8 TIMES, HAD TO MAKE UNSAFE TURNS TO KEEP FROM HAVING A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET TOTALED. REPLACED COIL PACKS PER DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATION. STILL DIES. NOT EVEN THE DEALERSHIP CAN DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. SEEMS ALL MECHANICS WANT TO PICK A PART TO REPLACE AT RANDOM TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY HERE. ALOT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DRIVE THESE VEHICLES AND THEY CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. WHEN THIS BEGINS TO HAPPEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES THEN SPUTTERS AND DIES. WHEN THIS STARTS, IF YOU KEEP PATTING THE ACCELERATOR IT SOMETIMES HELPS TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING BUT NOT ALWAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10353894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,522 milesMesquite, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BUICK LASABRE DIES ON HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. LOOSES ALL POWER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO TRY TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHILE UNDER NO POWER. NO BRAKES, POWER STEERING . HAPPENS ABOUT 8 TO 12 TIMES A DAY. I DRIVE 47 MILES TO WORK. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED 8 TIMES, HAD TO MAKE UNSAFE TURNS TO KEEP FROM HAVING A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET TOTALED. REPLACED COIL PACKS PER DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDATION. STILL DIES. NOT EVEN THE DEALERSHIP CAN DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. SEEMS ALL MECHANICS WANT TO PICK A PART TO REPLACE AT RANDOM TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE ISSUE. THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY HERE. ALOT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DRIVE THESE VEHICLES AND THEY CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10353893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesSelma, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1994 BUICK LESABRE HAS A RUNAWAY ACCELERATOR PROBLEM, DURING A SLOW DOWN OR BRAKING CONDITION IN GEAR AT RANDOM TIMES THE ENGINE ACCELERATES THE CAR FORWARD, YOU MUST STAND ON THE BRAKES WITH HIGH FORCE TO BRING THE CAR UNDER CONTROL AND THEN KILL THE IGNITION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS CONDITION HAS OCCURRED AT CROSS WALKS WITH PEOPLE CROSSING, AND APPROACHING STOP LIGHTS, PULLING INTO GAS STATIONS ECT. REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING BUICK DEALERS SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS. I HAVE ELIMINATED THE FOOT ACCELERATOR AND THE CRUISE CONTROL AS THE PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE TO A TROUBLESHOOTING SITE AND TALKED TO A BUICK SPECIFIC TECH WHO HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM MANY TIMES BEFORE AND SAID THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FAILURE WAS THE PROBLEM PART, AND THAT A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN WOULD HELP IN IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER AFTER SEVERAL SCANS AND DRIVE TESTS THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER DUPLICATED OR IDENTIFIED. THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE IDENTIFIED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. BECAUSE TO DATE I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE FIND ANY RECALLS OR DEALERS WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10260836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesTunkhannock, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2008 AND CONTINUES TO STALL WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OR LESS. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE DRY. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL BECAUSE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKING ABILITY. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE TAKES LONGER THAN A MINUTE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, BUT THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. UPDATED 12/12/08 *CN UPDATED 12/15/08.
NHTSA complaint #10249138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I AM A MECHANIC AND WORK ON CARS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE GM CARS OF THE EARLY TO MID 90'S LIKE THE BUICK LE SABRE CLASS ARE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE HEATER ENCLOSURE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR THE PLASTIC ENCLOSURES ARE CRACKING AND PIECES OF IT ARE FALLING OFF, AND IF YOU TOUCH THE PLASTIC, IS WILL CRUMBLE APART. I FEE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD, AS THIS WILL ALLOW THE FUMES FROM THE ENGINE LIKE EXHAUST,GAS AND OIL TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THEN THE OCCUPANTS WILL BE BREATHING THE FUMES. I FEEL THAT GM NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10224268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1994 BUICK LASABRE CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOME LIGHT IT WAS SO HOT THAT IT MELTED THE LIGHT COVER AND RUINED THE TWO SIDES OF THE BULB INSERTS*
NHTSA complaint #10186843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesCarbondale, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE CONSUMER GIVING THE VEHICLE GAS. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT.
NHTSA complaint #10117527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muncie, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
WIFE STRANDED WHEN CAR OVERHEATED. UPON INSPECTION OF ENGINE I FOUND THAT THE PLASTIC FITTING IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD BROKEN OFF LETTING ALL COOLANT RUN OUT. WE HAVE BEEN LOOSING COOLANT FOR SOME TIME. (A YEAR AND A HALF AGO I REPLACED PUMP, THERMOSTAT AND SERPENTINE BELT WHILE TRAVELING, BUT ALWAYS HAD A LOSS OF COOLANT THAT I COULD NOT FIND. WHEN I CALLED TO GET A NEW FITTING, THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS BEFORE I COULD TELL HIM. HE SAID THIS HAPPENS A LOT AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS NOW MADE OUT OF METAL. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH DAMAGE THAT THIS HAS CAUSED MY ENGINE. YOU CAN'T EVEN SEE THE FITTING WITHOUT A MIRROR. WHAT A LOUSY DESIGN TO USE A PLASTIC FITTING! IT HAS CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR US.
NHTSA complaint #10102730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,338 milesColumbus, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER HAD NOT HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED, EXCEPT FOR THE OIL BEING CHANGED.
NHTSA complaint #10097853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesCaldwell, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TURNING LEFT AT A STOP SIGN ANOTHER VEHICLE COME UP THE HILL ON THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE ON THE SEEN BUT NOBODY WAS CITED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR HEAD INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10087520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
PAINT IS STARTING TO PEEL OFF ON TOP OF CAR. THERE HAS BEEN NO DAMAGE TO THIS AREA OR ANY OTHER AREA OF THE CAR. THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10047449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.