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1992 Buick Lesabre: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 189 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996

2
recalls
189
owner complaints
24
fire reports
130,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 130,000 mi)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (33%)24 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)33% · 59 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)11% · 20 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)11% · 20 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 14 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 12 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 9 complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 buick lesabre. The contact noticed coolant leaking from under the vehicle. While the parking brake was engaged, the contact had to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling down an incline. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign numbers: 96v015000 (power train) and 91v167000 (parking brake) however, the contact's VIN was excluded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
1) driving on smooth pavement at 35mph, sudden and harsh thud was felt vehicle veered out of it's traffic lane, steering the vehicle was nearly impossible. Operated brake to stop vehicle. 2) inspection reveals both rear engine cradle mounting bolts failed, dropping engine/transaxle onto steering column, steering gear being pulled away and nearly separated from steering column. 3) initial inspection determines vehicle minimally needs replacement of engine cradle bolts, replacement of damaged sway bar links. Repairs pending. This failure is similar to recall of buickregal 1988-1991, ford taurus/merc sable 1987-1995 and others... *trOwner report · Steering · Apr 2009
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 buick lesabre. While driving 15 mph, the entire subframe that holds the engine separated from the vehicle. The failure caused a crash. The contact's husband suffered moderate neck pains. The contact had no control of the steering at the time of the crash. There was a police officer on the scene, but no report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer. The manufacturer has not yet been notified. The failure and current mileages were 200,000.Owner report · Structure · Dec 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 buick lesabre. The contact searched online and found NHTSA campaign id number 96v015000 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines) and stated that her vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer and they repaired two hydraulic hose parts, four hose clamps, and replaced all the transmission oil and additional brackets. The contact paid $111 for the repair and would like to be reimbursed. The current and failure mileages were 140,000. Updated 03-05-08 *bfOwner report · Power Train · Feb 2007
The fuel pump is near the gas tank or inside the gas tank. It is like placing a lighter near the gas tank. The design is poor. Fuel pump is defective, and consumer is waiting for a manufacturer's response.*akOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2004
The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of a recall related to the transmission oil cooler line. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *nlmOwner report · Power Train · Jun 2003
My 1992 lasabre has paint peeling on the top and trunk. And now I'm seeing other 92 lasabres peeling also. Is there a recall??Owner report · Structure · Jul 2002
Vehicle would wander to the left while driving. Vehicle taken to a repair shop and informed that cradle bolts have pulled through retainer, and needed to be replaced. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*akOwner report · Structure · Apr 2002
While driving vehicle engine just dropped out. Vehicle just stopped suddenly. Contacted tow company & driver indicated motor mounts broke. Vehicle towed to dealership & mechanic indicated the "k" frame had separated. This caused a lack of steering control. Motor mounts were still intact.*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
Rear tire tread separation, same problem occurred 3 days earlier on front tire - general tires ameritech st made in early and mid 1990's need investigation/recall( dot number: tire size: p205/70r15 )Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL91V167000 · Sep 1991

WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.

Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES96V015000 · Jan 1996

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.

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 decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1992 Buick Lesabre reliable?

NHTSA has 189 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Buick Lesabre. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (33% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1992 Buick Lesabre problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 130,000 miles or less.

Does the 1992 Buick Lesabre have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning parking brake:conventional:mechanical. 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.