The contact's friend owns a 1997 Buick LeSabre The contact stated that the hood was difficult to open and close. The latch was in the correct location. The contact stated that while her roommate was driving at 45 MPH, the hood opened and detached. The driver pulled over, and a 2012 Chevrolet crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The air bags did not deploy, and there was no fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was drivable. The contact called the dealer, who informed them that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 196,400.
The worst 1997 Buick Lesabre problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine120
- Electrical42
- Fuel system40
- Brakes36
- Airbags33
- Transmission33
- Visibility29
- Steering25
- Seat belts21
- Suspension20
- Body17
- Tires15
- Acceleration12
- Locks11
- Lights8
- Seats2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Buick Lesabre
Stalling 30Fire or smoke 14Overheating 12Won't start 12Check engine light 11Seat belt 10Wipers 10No deployment 9Transmission failure 9ABS 7Engine failure 7Fuel smell 6Hesitation 5
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
- Risk
- This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
- 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.
Recall number 96V116000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if an incorrect part is used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
Recall number 96V044000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1997 Buick Lesabre
Defect investigations
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 vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA02030
Engine compartment fires
PE02050
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Buick Lesabre 52
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking...
1997 Buick Lesabre fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 20 |
What 1997 Buick Lesabre owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Intake manifold failed water leaked internally into combustion chamber causing hydrolocking of engine. Upon researching causative actions I find that general motors is aware of this defect and has redesigned the faulty parts but disavow any culpability even though a conscientious owner who properly maintains the vehicle cannot know what is transpiring inside a composite materials intake manifold,many have been known to burst into a fire and destroy the vehicles. One would tend to believe this to be a significant safety threat that should be addressed in a recall to replace this recognized failure of significant numbers,I that would warrant manufacturers replacement to provide safe transportation. By the grace of god I noted the vehicle acting up and returned home just as the engine quit and now is hydrolocking due to coolant filling combustion cylinders.
Sub frame is completely roated out on the back drive. Complete safty hazard needs recall
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.
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.
Compare the 1997 Buick Lesabre
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Questions about the 1997 Buick Lesabre
Is the 1997 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Owners have filed 393 complaints about the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 2.4 times a typical Lesabre model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
Engine and cooling, with 120 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles. Next is electrical (42).
How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Lesabre have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and seat belts.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Lesabre get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Buick Lesabre range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.
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