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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2006

Buick LeSabre recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 2,992 owner complaints for the Buick LeSabre, covering model years 1995 to 2006. The 2000 model year drew the most complaints (669), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Buick LeSabre VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 12 recall campaigns on file
  • 2,992 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (1995–2006)
  • most complaints: 2000 (669 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (548 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V090000 (reported Feb 24, 2004)
  • 151 complaints reporting a crash (5.0%)
  • 173 complaints reporting a fire (5.8%)
  • 129 complaints reporting an injury (4.3%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Buick LeSabre complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2000 model year has the most complaints: 669 of 2,992, or 22.4%. Next come 1998 (400) and 1997 (394). The fewest are for 2006, with 3 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Buick LeSabre owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2006Column chart of 2,992 complaints across 12 model years. The highest is 2000 with 669. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 178 complaints17819951996: 98 complaints9819961997: 394 complaints39419971998: 400 complaints40019981999: 209 complaints20919992000: 669 complaints66920002001: 328 complaints32820012002: 310 complaints31020022003: 164 complaints16420032004: 162 complaints16220042005: 77 complaints7720052006: 3 complaints32006
Buick LeSabre complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Buick LeSabre complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995178133200
1996988060
19973942631211
1998400154370
19992091920152
20006692630180
2001328102290
20023101512150
20031649470
20041624580
2005776330
200630000
All model years2,9921511731293

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Buick LeSabre components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 548 complaints (18.3% of all 2,992), followed by Visibility (536) and Electrical System (412).

Components named most often in Buick LeSabre complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Buick LeSabre complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling54818.3%
Visibility53617.9%
Electrical System41213.8%
Structure2558.5%
Air Bags2468.2%
Fuel System, Gasoline2087.0%
Power Train1886.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1755.8%
Steering1655.5%
Suspension1314.4%
Tires1073.6%
Unknown or Other1023.4%
Engine983.3%
Vehicle Speed Control953.2%
Exterior Lighting732.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Buick LeSabre recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name LeSabre, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. The 2000 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 12 recall campaigns
Buick LeSabre recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 1 campaign1996: 2 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 1 campaign1999: 2 campaigns
2000: 5 campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V090000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

    Model years 1998–2000

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.

    Consequence:
    The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 02V222000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2002–2003

    Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

    Consequence:
    Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 02V067000

    Reported

    Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion)

    Model year 2002

    Certain passenger vehicles were built with missing or under-torqued steering gear attachment bolts. If a bolt is missing, the driver may notice uneven steering response or unusual noises during turns.

    Consequence:
    If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost and a vehicle crash could result.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the vehicles for presence and proper torque of both steering gear bolts. Owner notification began April 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 00V114000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.

    Consequence:
    When the rear brake proportioning, antilock brake, traction control, or stability control feature is activated in some driving situations, the feature may not perform as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 99V355000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." The head lamp adjustment device horizontal adjuster may not move the head lamp reflector when the shaft is rotated in a normal manner during aiming.

    Consequence:
    Driver visibility may be impaired increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    An insert containing instructions for optically aiming the headlamps will be provided to owners for the owner's manual. Owners should follow the procedure in the insert for headlamp aim adjustment, rather than using the horizontal vhad indicator.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V301000

    Reported

    Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The inner tie rod nuts are loose and can result in separation of a tie rod.

    Consequence:
    Separation of a tie rod can cause unexpected steering input increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will check and adjust the vehicle toe-in and tighten the inner tie rod nuts to the specified torque.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 99V238000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts may be loose.

    Consequence:
    If these nuts are loose, the brake pedal may be low, the assembly may be loose, the brakes may not release, and if the nuts back completely off, braking may be lost. Also fume and water intrusion to the passenger compartment can occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 99V089000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1999

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 96V116000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System

    Model years 1996–1997

    A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 96V044000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 1997

    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."

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 2 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 95V204000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module

    Model year 1996

    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.

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 95V158000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 1995

    The driver side headlamp lens has an incorrect aim pad number on the lens. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: if these head lamps are re-aimed using a mechanical aiming device that utilizes the aiming pad numers, the resultant aim would be out of the specified range. This may cause a visibility problem increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver side headlamp on vehicles with the correct outboard lower pad number.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Buick LeSabre questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Buick LeSabre have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Buick LeSabre, covering model years 1995 to 2006. The most recent, 04V090000, was reported on February 24, 2004 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 2000 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Buick LeSabre model year has the most complaints?

The 2000 model year, with 669 of the 2,992 complaints in NHTSA’s file (22.4%). The next are 1998 (400) and 1997 (394). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Buick LeSabre complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 548 complaints, or 18.3% of all 2,992. Visibility (536) and Electrical System (412) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Buick LeSabre?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Buick dealer.

How many Buick LeSabre complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 2,992 complaints, 151 report a crash, 173 a fire, 129 at least one injury and 3 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Buick models

8 models · most complaints first

The Buick models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Buick VIN decoder with every Buick model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Buick models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.