1999 Buick Lesabre
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH FIRE INJURY15% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
RE: ACCIDENT MAY, 27, 2014, NCIC 9245, OFFICER ID 17604 THE ABOVE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BUICK LE SABRE, 1999, LICENSE # [XXX]. NOT DRIVER ERROR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140613
Also filed under AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB *TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030212
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing delivery and fuel injection system.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH9% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and shock absorber.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT DUE TO FAULTY REAR SPRINGS, WHICH RESULTED IN ONE FATALITY AND ONE INJURY. *AK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030401
AS I WAS DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION I TOOK A LEFT AND AS I ACCELERATED, THE ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE. I I HAD NEVER NOTICED THIS BEFORE THAT DAY. SO PROCEED TO TAKE MY TIME CAREFULLY BACK TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190416
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 RETA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE/LINK ASSEMBLY WITH A REPLACEMENT MANUAL VALVE/LINK KIT, FEATURING A SPRING-TYPE FASTENER.
Campaign 99V089000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 T
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.
Campaign 04V090000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (71 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V089000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V090000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Buick Lesabre is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Buick Lesabre have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.