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1999 Buick Lesabre transmission problems

15 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 42,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
42,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    14
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Buick Lesabre transmission problems in other years

1990199520002005

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 26, 1999 · 99,333 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.
Risk
If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

Recall number 99V089000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Transmission shift lever sequenceOpened May 26, 1999, closed February 8, 2002

RQ99007

What 1999 Buick Lesabre owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · SC

I took my 1999 buick lesabre to the local buick dealer, hancock buick-columbia,s.c. For recall work that you listed. My car was perfect before they did the recall work and after they did the recalls my car jumped and skipped between 32 MPH and 38 MPH. They kept my car for two weeks and when I got it back on oct. 11 they made me pay $282.00 to get my car. General motors have not helped me. They did the recall work you ordered, made mistakes and charge me for the mistakes they made. I would appreciate any help you could give me. My VIN #[xxx] and my gm file # [xxx], I told general motors that the dealer I bought my car from would verify that my car was fine before they worked on it. Thank you very much. *ak *sc information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 13, 2004 · Transmission · 49,129 miles · IL

Transmission does not drop into 1st gear when auto stops. When accelerating trasmission drops into 1st gear with a loud "bang". Buick service manager says is pressure valve or electronics controlling pressure valve is the cause. Problem is intermittent and, because of this service dept. Has been unable to identify exact problem through computer evaluation. Service manager states repair will require removal and partial disassembly of transmission to accurately diagnose problem.

Filed May 21, 2004 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · SC · fire

A fire ignited from under the hood and vehicle exploded. Vehicle was parked and turned off when the explosion occurred. The fire was caused by a ruptured intake manifold. *ak the vehicle had not been started the two days prior to the fire. When the consumer turned the key in the ignition she heard a loud explosion which was followed by smoke a flame coming from under the hood. The vehicle transmission shifted hard and shuttered when in overdrive. The dealer replaced the converter assembly, valve body, pressure control and reprogrammed the power train controller.

Filed Nov 16, 2003 · Transmission · 3 miles · PA

My 1999 buick lesabre VIN [xxx] transmission shudders hard sometimes when I accelerate on wet pavement. It also does this if I don't come to a complete stop for several seconds. It did this with only a few miles on it, but when checked by the auto dealer service personnel of course they failed to find this defect and wouldn't repair my transmission. I complained twice but to no avail. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Transmission · 29,829 miles · KY

When the consumer attempted to apply the gas, the vehicle vibrated. The dealer was notified. *ak the consumer knew of other buicks with the same problem. There was shuddering in the transaxle (transmission) and required replacing the solenoid assembly. Gm was unwilling to resolve the problem. *scc

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · LA

When driving suspension is rough. When appling pressure vehicle shakes. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak dealer refuses to replace the shocks. Air conditioner leak, dealer replaced compressor shaft seal. Pressure ocntrol solenoid replaced, consumer stated when shifting into reverse or drive, there is a shudder felt at times, dealer replaced the turbine shaft seal because it was worn and again the vehicle jumps when putting into gear as if gear is not engaging, dealer can not remedy this problem. Engine light has illuminated. Front rotors warped causing vibration. Turn signals inoperable, dealer found wire out of terminal.

Filed Mar 23, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

Vehicle would experience a rollback after releasing brake pedal on a incline. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that nothing was wrong with vehicle. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Filed Aug 1, 2000 · Transmission · OR

99 v 089 000/fmvss 102/transmission: vehicle experience a sudden surge while at a total stop on a incline waiting on exiting traffic to move; the surge causes the vehicle to hit another vehicle bumper a 1987 volkswagen gti. Dealer/mfr contacted.

Filed May 22, 2000 · Transmission · TN · crash · 1 injury

Rental car: the federal safety agency recall 99v08900 and manufacturer's recall 99011. Stopped at a stop sign in a parking lot, turned the vehicle off, consumer got out, and left wife in the passenger side. Vehicle had rolled down the hill. Transmission shift lever was in the reverse position. *ak

Filed May 10, 2000 · Transmission · FL

Initially when put into reverse the transmission will not shift. The consumer has to shift the vehicle several times before it will go into reverse.

Questions about the 1999 Buick Lesabre transmission

Does the 1999 Buick Lesabre have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the transmission of the 1999 Buick Lesabre, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Buick Lesabre transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 42,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Buick Lesabre transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V089000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Buick Lesabre have bad transmission?

The Buick Lesabre model years with the most transmission complaints are 1993 (33 complaints), 1997 (33 complaints) and 2001 (31 complaints).

Other 1999 Buick Lesabre problems

Engine 73Electrical 28Fuel system 28Brakes 20Suspension 19Airbags 13Acceleration 9Visibility 9Steering 8Body 6Seats 6Lights 5Tires 5Seat belts 3

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