MYRModel Year Report

1997 Buick Lesabre

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Buick Lesabre
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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
394
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1987: 44 complaints 1988: 21 complaints 1988 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 394 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 1986 1987: 44 complaints 1988: 21 complaints 1988 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 1997: 394 complaints 1997 394 1998: 400 complaints 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 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 394 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

1997: 394 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.

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 116 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

At start up, the vehicle engine exploded and caught on fire. *mr when the hood was opened, red flames were shooting from a hole that burned on a gray cover in the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-13

Electrical system

11% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The horn will sound without pressing the horn button(S) when the car is in motion or unoccupied. This occurs when the weather is cold. I have researched this online and it is apparently an issue for many owners.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-21

Also filed under Air bags

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing fuel injection system and carburetor system.

FIRE

Service brakes

9% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

8% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Transmission shudders between 30 to 40 MPH. Also at 50 MPH on the highway. Have been told may need transmission. Car only has 56,000 miles. Transmission fluid has been drained. Did not help. Please…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-06

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1996-03-04Seat belts96V044000 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."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1996-07-08Fuel system, gasoline96V116000 A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 394 complaints filed for this model year.
  4. I
    2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
  5. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 116 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 39 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V044000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Buick Lesabre is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Lesabre have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.