1997 Buick Lesabre: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 394 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints); the 1995 and 1996 and 1999 model years look more trouble-free.
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 394 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While reversing the vehicle at approximately 10 mph into the driveway, the contact noticed an abnormal cracking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stopped and looked underneath the vehicle. He noticed that the a-frame on the passenger side was hanging down without warning and the front subframe bushing was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. *bf *js”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While driving unknown speeds, the driver side door latch failed to hook and lock, which caused the door to open. The door ajar warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 90,000. *tt updated 8/1/18*jb”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 2017
“Transmission shudders between 30 to 40 mph. Also at 50 mph on the highway. Have been told may need transmission. Car only has 56,000 miles. Transmission fluid has been drained. Did not help. Please advise”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“We were driving and heard it missing and it started overheating, so we put more water in and decided to come home. So when we turned around it died 2x then the cylinders locked up and it wouldnt start. When we got home my husband found water in the intake and the oil. So we replaced the intake gasket and put it back together and it did it again, but then it made a loud noise and we found that the bar connection the piston to the crank shaft busted. The car only has 103,k miles on it.. Dont understand how its even possible. The only other person that owned it was an old guy. We only put 300miles on it when this happened.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2017
“The sub frame bushing is completely rotted. Day it was sold to me passed inspection but on car fax it failed safety inspection? It cracks and creaks when turning left.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the key was turned in the ignition switch, the driver side air bag deployed. The contact stated that approximately 20 minutes later the passenger side air bag also deployed. The driver sustained facial cuts, bruises, a fractured cheekbone and whiplash that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 197,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2015
“While entering the interstate highway, car started losing power at 50mph. After getting car up to a safe speed, got the car home where it then stopped running and would not re-start. Mechanic checked and found that the head gasket failed at 130,000 miles. This car has always been well maintained. Nearly caused me to be rear-ended as I was on a70mph interstate highway! Also, your website keeps telling me I have an "invalid VIN number!" this is the only one ever issued for this vehicle. What's with this?”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“I was driving the car slowing down for an intersection and the driver side airbag deployed without warning. The horn began to blow and while looking for a spot to safely pull over, the passenger side airbag deployed. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2015
“The horn will sound without pressing the horn button(s) when the car is in motion or unoccupied. This occurs when the weather is cold. I have researched this online and it is apparently an issue for many owners. Part of the air bag contracts during the winter months pressing on part of the horn button. The only way to shut it off is to pull the horn fuse. I am concerned this may lead to an electrical fire if the horn sounds for too long or an air bag malfunction. Also, the vehicle has to be driven without the ability to use the horn.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2015
“Airbag pushing against horn button causing horn to sound at various times. Car purchased used from buick dealer, their airbag recall does not go as far back as 1997! *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 26 of these complaints and injuries in 23 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE INCORRECT SAFETY BELT AND/OR SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ENDS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FRONT AND REAR SAFETY BELT LATCH ENDS AND SAFETY BELT BUCKLES FOR CORRECT PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT PARTS.
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 1997 Buick Lesabre reliable?
NHTSA has 394 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Buick Lesabre. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Lesabre problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 97,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Buick Lesabre have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. 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.