MYRModel Year Report

1987 Buick Lesabre

▲ Better than typical
1987 Buick Lesabre
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:58.331Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
44
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
9

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1987: 44 complaints 1987 44 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 191 complaints 1993: 196 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1996: 98 complaints 1997: 394 complaints 1997 1998: 400 complaints 1999: 209 complaints 2000: 669 complaints 2000 2001: 328 complaints 2002: 310 complaints 2003: 164 complaints 2003 2004: 162 complaints 2005: 77 complaints 2006: 3 complaints 2006
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1987: 44 complaints 1987 44 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 30 complaints 1992: 191 complaints 1992 1993: 196 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1996: 98 complaints 1996 1997: 394 complaints 1998: 400 complaints 1998 1999: 209 complaints 2000: 669 complaints 2000 2001: 328 complaints 2002: 310 complaints 2002 2003: 164 complaints 2004: 162 complaints 2004 2005: 77 complaints 2006: 3 complaints 2006
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 44 complaints 1987 44 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 191 complaints 1992 1993: 196 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1995 1996: 98 complaints 1996 1997: 394 complaints 1997 1998: 400 complaints 1998 1999: 209 complaints 1999 2000: 669 complaints 2000 2001: 328 complaints 2001 2002: 310 complaints 2002 2003: 164 complaints 2003 2004: 162 complaints 2004 2005: 77 complaints 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006

1987: 44 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19821
19831
19845
19855
198616
198744
198821
198927
199047
199130
1992191
1993196
1994168
1995178
199698
1997394
1998400
1999209
2000669
2001328
2002310
2003164
2004162
200577
20063

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

39% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

'cold power steering'.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-08-31

Power steering locks/releases, making it very difficult to turn vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-06-01

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

FIRE

Electrical system

16% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Service brakes

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seat belts

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 9 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1987-07-10Service brakes, hydraulic87V093000 The anti lock brake system (ABS) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump…

    Remedy: The ABS and hydraulic pump motor electrical relays and 30 amp fuses will be replaced. In addition, the hydraulic pump motor assembly and pressure/warning switch will be inspected and, if required…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-08-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-30 Throttle system failure
  3. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  4. R
    1987-09-16Electrical system87V135000 An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.

    Remedy: The windshield washer bottle bracket will be replaced.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1988-02-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-15 Instrmnt light on windshld
  6. R
    1988-05-13Service brakes, air88V067000 Low torque of the brake hydraulic unit mounting bolts could cause increased brake pedal travel and/or poor pedal feel if attachment loosens.

    Remedy: Replace hydraulic unit mounting bolts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  8. I
    1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
  9. I
    1989-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-28 Rear brake pin
  10. R
    1989-07-20Vehicle speed control89V102000 A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (Engine run on with ignition off).

    Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. I
    1989-07-28Engineering analysisClosed 1990-07-27 Rear brake pin
  12. I
    1989-09-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-26 Brake failure
  13. I
    1990-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-22 Brake failure
  14. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V093000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 87V135000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 88V067000 · Service brakes, air
  • Recall 89V102000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Buick Lesabre is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Buick Lesabre have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.