1989 Buick Lesabre
Only 27 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 27 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 | 44 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 27 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 30 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 196 |
| 1994 | 168 |
| 1995 | 178 |
| 1996 | 98 |
| 1997 | 394 |
| 1998 | 400 |
| 1999 | 209 |
| 2000 | 669 |
| 2001 | 328 |
| 2002 | 310 |
| 2003 | 164 |
| 2004 | 162 |
| 2005 | 77 |
| 2006 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN VEHICLE WAS STANDING STILL THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO FULL THROTTLE AND CAUSED ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960214
4 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and rear/other.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER, CAUSING INJURY DURING ACCIDENT. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960404
4 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and delivery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE, THEN FLAMES COMING FROM DASH, RESULT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960214
FUEL LINE PRESSURE FEEDER AT LH SIDE RUSTED THROUGH THE PLASTIC BRACKET IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL FRAME RAIL IN AUGUST 2005. POOL OF GAS 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER UNDER THE CAR IN CLOSED GARAGE OVERNIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070411
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 88V143000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLES MAY HAVE DISCREPANT WELDS IN THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANEL WHICH CAN CAUSE DEFORMATION OF THE PANEL.
Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT.
Campaign 89V188000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V143000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V188000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Buick Lesabre have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.