RoadVitals

1991 Buick Lesabre

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest May 14, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Buick Lesabre, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1025.0%
  • Brakes717.5%
  • Engine512.5%
  • Seat belts37.5%
  • Fuel system37.5%
  • Tires & wheels25.0%
  • Interior & seats25.0%
  • Transmission25.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE92039ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION

Opened Apr 15, 1992
Closed Aug 14, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed May 14, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE HAS FOUR COOPER FUTURA 2000 RADIAL LTE TIRES, SIZE P2-05/70R14 (NA). IN DECEMBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE DROVE ROUGHLY AS IF AN ALIGNMENT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND, AS A RESULT, TWO BOLTS DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THREE OF THE FAILURE TIRES AND NOW HAVE ONE MORE TO REPLACE. HE FEELS THAT THE BUMPS IN THE TIRES ARE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000. UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT YET THEY CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE A SHAKE/WOBBLE IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/18/09*JB

NHTSA ID
10268776
Incident
Apr 26, 2009
Mileage
96,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 20, 2008
Fire reported

MY DAUGHTER TURNED ON THE CAR AND MOVED THE DRIVER'S SEAT FORWARD. SHE SMELLED SMOKE AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND A FIRE BROKE OUT UNDER THE SEAT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10249402
Incident
Nov 6, 2008
Mileage
57,343 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2008

AN ILLEGAL INSPECTION WAS DONE ON ONE OF MY VEHICLES -USING ANOTHER CAR AT THIS LOCATION, PUTTING IN INFORMATION ON MY VEHICLE & PASSING SAID VEHICLE AS BEING LEGAL TO DRIVE & PROPERLY INSPECTED-I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT THIS LOCATION DOES THESE TYPES OF INSPECTIONS QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE OWNER PAYS HIS EMPLOYEES UNDER THE TABLE TO KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE WITH CHILD SUPPORT-HE LIES ABOUT EARNED WAGES-AND RUMOR HAS IT THAT THE ENTIRE SHOP IS EITHER HIGH ON CRACK, COCAINE OR MARIJUANA-THEY ARE HEAVY DRINKERS THAT FREQUENT THE BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR-GARY'S SPOT-THE OWNER (NABIL) HAS ALL OF HIS FRIENDS COME IN FOR THESE INSPECTIONS-SOMETIMES THEY CHARGE THEM -SOMETIMES NOT. I REALLY THINK THIS LOCATION NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED & DRUG TESTED. I PAY GOOD HARD EARNED MONEY FOR MY THINGS-AND I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT THESE FOREIGNERS CAN COME OVER HERE & DO AS THEY PLEASE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10218951
Incident
Apr 3, 2006
Seat belts
Filed Feb 23, 2006

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH HAS FAILED, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10151031
Incident
Feb 23, 2006
Mileage
90,600 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 5, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS 1991 BUICK LASABRE, THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. THE CONSUMER IS VERY UPSET WITH GM THAT THEY ONLY LAST 14 YEARS BEFORE RUSTING. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM NOR THE DEALERSHIP. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS ALL THAT THE CONSUMER KNOWS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DURING HIS YEARLY INSPECTION. LAST YEAR THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION, AND THIS YEAR THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS. AND THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK *NM

NHTSA ID
10128864
Incident
Apr 20, 2005
Mileage
172,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2003
Fire reported

VEHICLE FIRE AFTER FUEL RAN OUT OF VEHICLE. NAR 07/02/2003.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF GAS. THE CONSUMER FIGURED THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK SINCE HE HAD FILLED THE VEHICLE UP THE DAY BEFORE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *NM

NHTSA ID
10026618
Incident
Oct 17, 2002
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Jun 16, 2000

IGNITION COIL MODULE SHORTED OUT BURNING SPARK PLUG WIRES. *MJS

NHTSA ID
552691
Incident
Mar 24, 2000
Electrical
Filed Mar 6, 2000

I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL JOIN. I BELIEVE BUICK SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM SINCE THIS CAN LEAD TO A FIRE INSIDE THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ID
719776
Incident
Mar 5, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

731608

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW

931531

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

LITTLE TO NO AIR FLOW FROM SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTER DUCTS. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Lesabre by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013000—
2006300—
2005770040.3
20041620036.7
20031641040.9
20023092154.7
20013280143.0
20006685258.9
19992092362.2
19984001253.9
19973942259.5
1996982256.1
19951781046.7
19941580042.1
19931941253.8
19921892364.2
1991Viewing301148.9
1990461151.0
1989273054.4
1988214352.7
1987405966.8
19861631158.2
1985514—
1984524—
1983101—
1982110—
1981030—
1979120—
1978030—
1977130—
1976020—
1975031—
1974010—
1972010—
1971130—
1970020—
1967010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.