Owners have filed 268 complaints
about the 1999 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA between 1999 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 40
Against the median year of the Buick Lesabre. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
32.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% 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.
Gasoline
3840.4%
Automatic Transmission
1414.9%
Engine
1313.8%
Frontal
77.4%
Delivery
77.4%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
66.4%
Front
55.3%
Fuel Injection System
44.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
44.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2121.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2222.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2424.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1212.0%
150,000+ miles
1616.0%
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
1999 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.
Jan 1999peak 11Apr 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Buick Lesabre
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.
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
RQ99007Opened 26 May 1999Closed 8 Feb 2002POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE
Recalls on the 1999 Buick Lesabre
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200328340,397 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, a combination of a low battery condition and fuel in the upper intake manifold while the ignition key is activated at engine start could cause an elevated rate of manifold over-pressurization events. The operator may experience a loud bang / intake backfire that could rupture the intake manifold, resulting in emitting dust from under the hood and a no-start condition. If this event were to occur, and if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel pressure regulator.
Recall 199912811,876 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1101 - Emission Device. Vehicles were built with incorrect emission control labels. The emission control (tune up) labels have an incorrect emission vacuum hose routing schematic. Correction: Dealers will install a new vehicle emission control label on the radiator support.
Recall 19990803,193 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 102 - Transmission Shift Control Sequence. A retaining clip which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, may become loose and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve. If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated 'PRNDL' state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. This does not affect the 'PARK' position, but if a driver selects 'DRIVE' and the transmission is actually in 'REVERSE', a crash could occur without warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 240,000 milesAuburn, CACrash
AIR BAGS
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR. LEAVING HIGHWAY 193 TURNING ONTO HWY 49, (GOING TOWARD AUBURN) BEING A 2 LANE NARROW WINDING ROAD, THE ENGINE OF THE ABOVE VEHICLE DIED, LOCKED UP THE STEERING, AND HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. IN TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IT CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOSS OF BRAKES. PASSENGER IN CAR ON TRIP FROM FRESNO TO AUBURN, IN MARCH OF 2013, (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR ENGINE, DIED, NO STEERING), THIS HAPPENED TWICE, ON SAME DAY. CSAA WAS CALLED TO TOW CAR. CONTACT: [XXX] CAR BEING DRIVEN BY [XXX]., (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR, ENGINE DIED, NO STEERAGE), ON HWY 49 AND LONESTAR ROAD. CALLED CSAA. [XXX] THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING HAD HAPPENED ON OTHER OCCASIONS AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN THE CAR STARTING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE BUICK LESABRE HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. RECORDS OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. THE IGNITION KEYS FOR THE BUICK HAD EXTRA KEYS ATTACHED TO IT. THERE WERE 4 ADDITIONAL KEYS, PLUS KEY LIGHT. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10598192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAuburn, CACrash
STEERING
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR. LEAVING HIGHWAY 193 TURNING ONTO HWY 49, (GOING TOWARD AUBURN) BEING A 2 LANE NARROW WINDING ROAD, THE ENGINE OF THE ABOVE VEHICLE DIED, LOCKED UP THE STEERING, AND HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. IN TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IT CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOSS OF BRAKES. PASSENGER IN CAR ON TRIP FROM FRESNO TO AUBURN, IN MARCH OF 2013, (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR ENGINE, DIED, NO STEERING), THIS HAPPENED TWICE, ON SAME DAY. CSAA WAS CALLED TO TOW CAR. CONTACT: [XXX] CAR BEING DRIVEN BY [XXX]., (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR, ENGINE DIED, NO STEERAGE), ON HWY 49 AND LONESTAR ROAD. CALLED CSAA. [XXX] THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING HAD HAPPENED ON OTHER OCCASIONS AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN THE CAR STARTING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE BUICK LESABRE HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. RECORDS OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. THE IGNITION KEYS FOR THE BUICK HAD EXTRA KEYS ATTACHED TO IT. THERE WERE 4 ADDITIONAL KEYS, PLUS KEY LIGHT. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10598192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAuburn, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR. LEAVING HIGHWAY 193 TURNING ONTO HWY 49, (GOING TOWARD AUBURN) BEING A 2 LANE NARROW WINDING ROAD, THE ENGINE OF THE ABOVE VEHICLE DIED, LOCKED UP THE STEERING, AND HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. IN TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IT CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOSS OF BRAKES. PASSENGER IN CAR ON TRIP FROM FRESNO TO AUBURN, IN MARCH OF 2013, (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR ENGINE, DIED, NO STEERING), THIS HAPPENED TWICE, ON SAME DAY. CSAA WAS CALLED TO TOW CAR. CONTACT: [XXX] CAR BEING DRIVEN BY [XXX]., (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR, ENGINE DIED, NO STEERAGE), ON HWY 49 AND LONESTAR ROAD. CALLED CSAA. [XXX] THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING HAD HAPPENED ON OTHER OCCASIONS AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN THE CAR STARTING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE BUICK LESABRE HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. RECORDS OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. THE IGNITION KEYS FOR THE BUICK HAD EXTRA KEYS ATTACHED TO IT. THERE WERE 4 ADDITIONAL KEYS, PLUS KEY LIGHT. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10598192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGallitzin, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY ONCE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN ADJUSTER SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FLOOR MATS, WHICH HAD BECOME SATURATED AND CORRODED THE AIR BAG WIRING OVER A TIME. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10521054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesScranton, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE EVENT LEADING TO THE INCIDENT INVOLVED TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER. AFTER TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER I SMELT SMOKE AND BURNT ELECTRONICS. THE REAR WINDOW WOULD NOT DEFROST. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND PULLED OFF THE PANEL NEAR THE WIRE RUNNING TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD AND DISCOVERED THE "POWER RADIO AMPLIFIER" HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT FIRE, RESULTING IN BURNS TO THE PANEL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF RADIO AND REAR DEFROSTER. THIS OF COURSE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DEFROST THE REAR WINDSHIELD. A REPLACEMENT PART WAS BOUGHT AND INSTALLED BY MYSELF (THE WIRING HARNESSES AND CABLES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO SEVERE BURNING AS WELL). I STILL OWN THE OLD BURNT PART.
NHTSA complaint #10414645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesScranton, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS SUDDEN IN NATURE. THE FAILURE WAS THE BRAKES ON MY CAR WHICH RESULTED IN A MINOR (NO DAMAGE) ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF STOPPING POWER. THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH (PICTURES AVAILABLE, THE LINES MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE) CAUSING NEARLY COMPLETE LOSS OF STOPPING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BUT DID RUN INTO SHRUBBERY RESULTING IN MINOR SCRATCHES TO THE EXTERIOR. I HAD THE CAR BROUGHT HOME AND REPLACED THE RUSTED BRAKES LINES MYSELF WITH NEW TEFLON COATED LINES TO ENSURE FAILURE WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10414639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Shelbyville, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AS I WAS DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION I TOOK A LEFT AND AS I ACCELERATED, THE ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE. I I HAD NEVER NOTICED THIS BEFORE THAT DAY. SO PROCEED TO TAKE MY TIME CAREFULLY BACK TO WORK. I EXAMINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY 99 LESABRE CUSTOM AND THAT'S WHERE I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS HAVE ALL BUT FELL OUT DUE TO SEVERE RUST. THANKFULLY THE PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL FIRMLY ATTACHED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM CARS OF THIS ERA AND THE DORMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE READILY AVAILABLE. HAD THIS COMPONENT FAILED ON BOTH SIDES THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE OR JUST A BAD CHOICE OF VEHICLE DESIGN BY GM AND THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE PUBLICS WELL BEING. THESE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN OR SHOULD BE A VIABLE RECALL CONCERN TODAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11196784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelbyville, IN
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION I TOOK A LEFT AND AS I ACCELERATED, THE ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE. I I HAD NEVER NOTICED THIS BEFORE THAT DAY. SO PROCEED TO TAKE MY TIME CAREFULLY BACK TO WORK. I EXAMINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY 99 LESABRE CUSTOM AND THAT'S WHERE I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS HAVE ALL BUT FELL OUT DUE TO SEVERE RUST. THANKFULLY THE PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL FIRMLY ATTACHED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM CARS OF THIS ERA AND THE DORMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE READILY AVAILABLE. HAD THIS COMPONENT FAILED ON BOTH SIDES THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE OR JUST A BAD CHOICE OF VEHICLE DESIGN BY GM AND THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE PUBLICS WELL BEING. THESE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN OR SHOULD BE A VIABLE RECALL CONCERN TODAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11196784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesOrange Park, FL
AIR BAGS
I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN MY AIR BAG FROM THE STEERING COLUMN DEPLOYED IN MY FACE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. IT WAS ON OR ABOUT 1/25/18. ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS EVENT MY HORN BEGAN TO STEADILY BLOW INEXPLICABLY. I DID NOT HAVE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT ANYTHING OTHER THAN A MALFUNCTIONING HORN SO I DISCONNECTED THE WIRES TO THE HORN. WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ABOUT A WEEK LATER I CONCLUDED THE AIR BAG WAS INFLATING INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE HORN SENSOR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO, AFTER WEEKS OF INVESTIGATION, CONCLUDED THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR IT AND SUGGESTED I CALL GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER ASSIST CENTER. AFTER REVIEWING PICTURES, (NO ONE ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY LOOKED AT IT) GM DECIDED CORROSION TO THE SENSING MODULE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I CONTEND THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE VALVE WHICH OVERTIME BEGAN LEAKING GAS INTO THE AIR BAG, HENCE THE ISSUE WITH THE BLOWING HORN.
NHTSA complaint #11074558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST. Louis, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE 5 -10 MINUTES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL RING WAS CAUSING THE FUEL ODOR. THE RING WAS REPLACED, BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL NECK WERE THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE CONTINUING FUEL ODOR, AND BOTH PARTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT HAD THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL NECK REPLACED, BUT THE FUEL ODOR CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL BUICK DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11015353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,262 milesShelby, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FULL FUEL LINE REPLACEMENT. TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT THE BODY AND SUB-FRAME ARE CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10990949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,262 milesShelby, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FULL FUEL LINE REPLACEMENT. TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT THE BODY AND SUB-FRAME ARE CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10990949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 276,262 milesShelby, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR A FULL FUEL LINE REPLACEMENT. TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT THE BODY AND SUB-FRAME ARE CORRODED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10990949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St.louis, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10981300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesScarsdale, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG AND AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE ON THE CONTACT'S BEHALF. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. ....UPDATED 0711/16 *BF
NHTSA complaint #10870746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesMount Vernon, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR AND OBSERVED FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #10735704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission Viejo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999 BUICK LESABRE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH- ANTI THEFT WIRING ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE ANTI-THEFT WIRES WAS BROKEN AND THE SECOND WIRE HAD THE PROTECTIVE INSULATION COATING CRACKED THROUGH TO THE COPPER WIRE. IT APPEARED THAT ROTATION OF THE CYLINDER HAD CHAFED OVER TIME AND COMPROMISED THE INTEGRITY OF BOTH WIRES AND THE CAUSE THE SECURITY DASH LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE NOT TO START.
NHTSA complaint #10682285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesPlainfield, IN
AIR BAGS
DRIVING NORTH ON AVON RD, PLAINFIELD IN, BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT BLEW THE DRIVERS HANDS OFF THE WHEEL GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR. DID NOT CRASH. THE PASSENGER HAS BRUISES ON LEG. IT HAPPENED EARLY EVENING, STILL LIGHT OUTSIDE, GOOD WEATHER. NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER.
NHTSA complaint #10678878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreen BAY, WI
ENGINE
MY CAR IS A 1999 BUICK LA SABRE WITH A 3.8L ENGINE. JULY/20/2012 MY CAR HAD 80,000 MILES ON IT WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED TO MISS. WHEN I GOT IT LOOKED AT BY MY FRIEND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS. THE ENGINE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE PLENUM LEAKING COOLANT, BECAUSE OF THE EGR SYSTEM. HE THEN FIXED THE CAR. ON NOVEMBER 20, 2014 MY ENGINE HAD 138,000 MILES WHEN IT OVERHEATED ON THE HIGHWAY. I FOUND NO COOLANT IN THE RESERVOIR WITH COOLANT IN THE OIL. WHEN MY FRIEND LOOKED AT MY CAR HE SAID IT WAS THE PLENUM AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME THE COOLANT IN THE OIL MAY HAVE WIPED THE MAIN BEARINGS. THE OVERHEATING MAY HAVE ALSO WARPED THE CYLINDER HEADS. HE TOLD ME AT THE LEAST THERE WAS DAMAGE DONE TO THE BEARINGS. BEING UPSET I LOOKED ONLINE FOR INFORMATION TO FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THAT ENGINE. ALSO THAT GM DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. HAS GM FINALLY ADMITTED TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING? EVEN IF MY CAR IS FIXED I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. IT MAY LEAVE ME ON THE ROAD IN WINTER SOMEDAY WITH MY YOUNG SON. OR WORSE, STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP? I AM A SINGLE MOTHER GOING TO COLLEGE AND MONEY IS TIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10663342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,927 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,927.
NHTSA complaint #10653847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,927 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,927.
NHTSA complaint #10653847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesAugusta, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TRAVELING ABOUT 65 - 70 MPH I NOTICED MY SPEEDOMETER WENT 'WACKY', MEANING IT WENT DOWN TO 0 - 20 MPH AND BACK UP AGAIN TO THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED. THE NEXT TIME, MAYBE A WEEK TO A COUPLE WEEKS LATER IT DID I IT AGAIN, ONLY I HEARD THE DOORS UNLOCK AND IT HAD DIED. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO START IT RIGHT BACK UP. I CAN BE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN. I USUALLY PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL, START IT AND KEEP GOING. IT HAS HAPPENED AS MANY TIMES AS 3 TIMES A DAY, OR IT WON'T DIE FOR 3-4 DAYS. I DID HAVE ONE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH A SEMI-TRAILER TRUCK BEHIND ME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST DIED.
NHTSA complaint #10637715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesAugusta, KS
ENGINE
TRAVELING ABOUT 65 - 70 MPH I NOTICED MY SPEEDOMETER WENT 'WACKY', MEANING IT WENT DOWN TO 0 - 20 MPH AND BACK UP AGAIN TO THE SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED. THE NEXT TIME, MAYBE A WEEK TO A COUPLE WEEKS LATER IT DID I IT AGAIN, ONLY I HEARD THE DOORS UNLOCK AND IT HAD DIED. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO START IT RIGHT BACK UP. I CAN BE OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN. I USUALLY PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL, START IT AND KEEP GOING. IT HAS HAPPENED AS MANY TIMES AS 3 TIMES A DAY, OR IT WON'T DIE FOR 3-4 DAYS. I DID HAVE ONE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH A SEMI-TRAILER TRUCK BEHIND ME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST DIED.
NHTSA complaint #10637715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY WENT DOWN WHEN CLOCK LEFT ON BECAUSE IGNITION WAS LOOSE OR FAULTY. SO NOW I MAKE SURE CLOCK IS OFF WHEN I SHUT IT DOWN. CAR STARTED UP FINE - DROVE IT 6 MILES - CAME BACK OUT TO START IT AFTER AN HOUR AND NOTHING-NO SOUND NOTHING-ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER I TRIED IT AGAIN AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. THERE HAS BEEN A GRINDING SOUND N CASSETTE PLAYER WITH NO CASSETTE IN IT AT ONE TIME. DASH LIGHTS LIT UP WHILE DRIVING SO AUTOMATICALLY THOUGHT THERE IS SHORT IN DASH BOARD. SECOND TIME I PUT KEY IN AND NOTHING HAPPENED-NO SOUND-NOTHING, WHEN IT FINALLY DECIDED TO START THIS TIME I TOOK TO AUTO ZONE. FIRST THEY SAID BATTERY, BUT BATTERY IS PRETTY NEW, THEN ANOTHER MAN SAID ALTERNATOR. GOT ALTERNATOR FROM SHOP THAT REBUILDS ALTERNATORS AND THEY DON'T THINK IT IS ALTERNATOR. REAR DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK AND FOR SOME REASON I THINK SHORT OR PROBLEM COULD BE HERE, BUT NOT SURE. I'VE DRIVEN IT MANY TIMES WITH DASH LIGHTS ON, KNOWING THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH CAR. OIL IS GOOD, COOLING GOOD, TRANSMISSION GOOD. IT HAS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ALTERNATOR BELT IS NOT LOOSE. TODATE, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I EVEN THOUGHT IT WAS KEY, SO GOT SECOND KEY AND TRIED IT - NOT THE KEY.
NHTSA complaint #10633247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesShippenburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED FOR AN OIL LEAK, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CABLE WAS FRACTURED CAUSING THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNTIL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PART IN THE IGNITION WAS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10622460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesShippenburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED FOR AN OIL LEAK, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CABLE WAS FRACTURED CAUSING THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNTIL AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PART IN THE IGNITION WAS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10622460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesRidley Park, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN APPROX 2010 MY BUICK LESABRE HAD ISSUES STARTING AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY STOP OPERATING DURING TRAVEL. ALL IGNITION FUNCTIONS WOULD CEASE TO WORK. TOWED TO BUICK DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH. THIS YEAR A SIMILAR ACTION HAPPENED WHERE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AGAIN AT THE DEALERSHIP THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. IS THIS IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE INCLUDED IN THE GM RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10618484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesRidley Park, PA
ENGINE
IN APPROX 2010 MY BUICK LESABRE HAD ISSUES STARTING AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY STOP OPERATING DURING TRAVEL. ALL IGNITION FUNCTIONS WOULD CEASE TO WORK. TOWED TO BUICK DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH. THIS YEAR A SIMILAR ACTION HAPPENED WHERE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AGAIN AT THE DEALERSHIP THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. IS THIS IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE INCLUDED IN THE GM RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10618484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPataskala, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRE IN STEERING COLUMN OPENS. CAR WON'T START.
NHTSA complaint #10610230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAuburn, CACrash
AIR BAGS
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR. LEAVING HIGHWAY 193 TURNING ONTO HWY 49, (GOING TOWARD AUBURN) BEING A 2 LANE NARROW WINDING ROAD, THE ENGINE OF THE ABOVE VEHICLE DIED, LOCKED UP THE STEERING, AND HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. IN TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IT CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOSS OF BRAKES. PASSENGER IN CAR ON TRIP FROM FRESNO TO AUBURN, IN MARCH OF 2013, (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR ENGINE, DIED, NO STEERING), THIS HAPPENED TWICE, ON SAME DAY. CSAA WAS CALLED TO TOW CAR. CONTACT: [XXX] CAR BEING DRIVEN BY [XXX]., (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR, ENGINE DIED, NO STEERAGE), ON HWY 49 AND LONESTAR ROAD. CALLED CSAA. [XXX] THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING HAD HAPPENED ON OTHER OCCASIONS AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN THE CAR STARTING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE BUICK LESABRE HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. RECORDS OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. THE IGNITION KEYS FOR THE BUICK HAD EXTRA KEYS ATTACHED TO IT. THERE WERE 4 ADDITIONAL KEYS, PLUS KEY LIGHT. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10598192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesAuburn, CACrash
STEERING
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR. LEAVING HIGHWAY 193 TURNING ONTO HWY 49, (GOING TOWARD AUBURN) BEING A 2 LANE NARROW WINDING ROAD, THE ENGINE OF THE ABOVE VEHICLE DIED, LOCKED UP THE STEERING, AND HAD NO BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR CONTROL THE CAR. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES. IN TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IT CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE VERIFIED BY WITNESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOSS OF BRAKES. PASSENGER IN CAR ON TRIP FROM FRESNO TO AUBURN, IN MARCH OF 2013, (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR ENGINE, DIED, NO STEERING), THIS HAPPENED TWICE, ON SAME DAY. CSAA WAS CALLED TO TOW CAR. CONTACT: [XXX] CAR BEING DRIVEN BY [XXX]., (MECHANICAL FAILURE OF CAR, ENGINE DIED, NO STEERAGE), ON HWY 49 AND LONESTAR ROAD. CALLED CSAA. [XXX] THE ENGINE TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING HAD HAPPENED ON OTHER OCCASIONS AND THERE WAS DIFFICULTY IN THE CAR STARTING DURING COLD WEATHER. THE BUICK LESABRE HAS HAD REGULAR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. RECORDS OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. THE IGNITION KEYS FOR THE BUICK HAD EXTRA KEYS ATTACHED TO IT. THERE WERE 4 ADDITIONAL KEYS, PLUS KEY LIGHT. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10598192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.