1990 Buick Lesabre: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The front mounting bracket nearest to the door, for the drivers power seat fractured around the mounting bolt. This allowed the seat to rotate backward. *jb”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2006
“While the engine is running there is a constant sound of air escaping. There is an anticipation of the vehicle back firing at all times. Also, intermittently vehicle will stall, and use twice as much fuel.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2004
“The brakes on a 1990 buick lesabre failed in the dealer lot when I went to test drive the car. They assured me they would repair the brakes and call me when the car was ready for sale. After the repair, I purchased the car, but the brakes soon failed again. I then discovered that the brake line repair had been made with compression fittings instead of high-pressure inverted-flare hydraulic fittings. I suspect this was unlawful. I contacted general motors, and the agent I talked to doesn't seem to comprehend that the use of compression fittings in a brake line is unlawful, and trivializes my concerns since I bought the car "as-is".*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“A complete and sudden electrical failure while driving. Vehicle been to a repair shop on two occasions, and problem still occurring.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2002
“While backing out of a parking space vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control and forced vehicle to hit a phone pole, driver and passenger were injured. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2001
“While driving 55 mph consumer took foot off accelerator pedal to slow down, suddenly vehicle stalled. Also, dealer replaced ignition coil.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2001
“When traveling on the highway vehicle will shutdown without prior warning. He has to put it in neutral in order to start vehicle. Driver's side seatbelt doesn't work, the retractor is not operable. *ak the restraint mechanism failed and the seat belt buckle does not latch. *yh”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2000
“Firestone fr680 tires p205/70r14 experienced tread separation with less than 10000 miles on them, vehicle drove rough and dealer inspected tires inner tread was separating from sidewall. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2000
“Had started vehicle & shifted into reverse to back up when vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. Vehicle proceeded to hit part of garage & knocked the chrome off vehicle. Taking vehicle to dealership to have it checked out. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 1998
“When involved in a rear-end crash the driver's seat reclined at a 45 degree angle, causing neck and back injuires to the driver. Seat has not been repaired. Vehicle is at repair shop.”Owner report · Seats · Apr 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lesabre by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Buick Lesabre reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Buick Lesabre. The most complained-about area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Buick Lesabre problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 179,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Buick Lesabre have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.