1988 Buick Lesabre
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1987 | 40 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 46 |
| 1991 | 30 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 194 |
| 1994 | 158 |
| 1995 | 178 |
| 1996 | 98 |
| 1997 | 394 |
| 1998 | 400 |
| 1999 | 209 |
| 2000 | 668 |
| 2001 | 328 |
| 2002 | 309 |
| 2003 | 164 |
| 2004 | 162 |
| 2005 | 77 |
| 2006 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 21 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE STEERING HAS BEEN HARD SINCE DAY ONE AND CONSUMER HAS BEEN PATCHING UP VEHICLE TO KEEP IT RUNNING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER MADE AN ALUMINUM ROD FOR THAT YEAR VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030612
STEERING STIFFNESS DURING MORNING STARTUP. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950519
RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950407
2 of 21 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 21 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
OWNERS MANUAL DID NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER USAGE OF REAR SEAT SAFETY BELT SYSTEMS.
Remedy: FURNISH OWNERS WITH UPDATED OWNERS MANUALS THAT CONTAIN THE OMITTED INSTRUCTIONS.
Campaign 88V006000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 88V067000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
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.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE FAILURE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V006000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V067000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Buick Lesabre reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Lesabre have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.