1996 Buick Lesabre: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 98 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While at a complete stop on a city street behind a city bus which was loading passengers with no collision or contact, the passenger side airbag deployed. The airbag caused burns to the passenger's hand and both knees. It also caused deep contusions on the left knee, causing difficulties with walking.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. The vehicle was taken for a tune-up where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gaskets, upper intake manifold, and the oil pan gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred three times. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 116,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Had to remove dome light bulbs beause it doesnt turn off, the lights on the rear st times and I'v just bought a second battery 3 days ago because the lighting problem caues them to burn out. Sometimes the lights will fade out. Mst time it doesnt and I can't turn them off manually either. Just found out about the recalls on this vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the courtesy lights would illuminate at any time even when the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle would also exhibit a chiming noise, causing the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was also contacted and denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 108,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, he heard a loud clunking noise, the engine dropped, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop, where they diagnosed that the engine cradle and bushing were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2011
“The subframe rusted and droped out of the car, causing the car to lose steering and sending it into oncoming traffic . *tt”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact could hear the vehicle back fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where repairs were made to stop an evaporator leak. The repair did not stop the vehicle from back firing. The manufacturer stated that because the vehicle was older than 10 years of age, they could not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2010
“While waiting in a parking lot lane for a parking space to open, the driver's airbag deployed. I was not leaning forward, but I was looking slightly to the left. The bag just hit me on the right side forehead and covered me in powder. I could not hear out of my right ear, and still cannot today. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick lesabre. While driving down a hill at an unknown speed, the brake indicator illuminated and made a constant beeping noise. The contact parked the vehicle and had aaa tow it to the dealer. She purchased the vehicle from the dealer in september of 2008 and now she needs new brakes. Within two hours, the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $400. She was very skeptical of the repairs and took the vehicle to a private mechanic. She was informed that the brake lines were clogged. The repair would cost $500. The failure mileage was 114,000. 4/01/09 *nj updated 04/09/09.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
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 1996 Buick Lesabre reliable?
NHTSA has 98 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Buick Lesabre. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Lesabre problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,500 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Buick Lesabre have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module. 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.