Buick LeSabre

Is your Buick LeSabre a lemon?

The Buick LeSabre's most recent model has many added features that make it one of the most desirable SUVs currently on the market. Buyers can enjoy a 3.5L 3500 V6 engine, which has195 horsepower and 215 lb . ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The LeSabre provides a four-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission with overdrive. Moreover, it also features a four-wheel antilock braking system and four-wheel disc braking.

The LeSabre's safety system provides front, driver, and right-front passenger airbags with a Passenger Sensing System. There LeSabre features an electronic cruise control system, central door locks with rear child security, and a remote keyless entry that is programmable with an alarm, security feedback, and perimeter lighting. Safety of the car is ensured with its theft-deterrent alarm system.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Buick LeSabre owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever and Linkage: Floor Shift
• Service Brakes, Hydraulic
• Engine and Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
• Communications: Horn Assembly
• Air Bags

Reports have elaborated on numerous complaints:

"While the driver either attempted to stop at a light or stop, the brake pedal would almost touch the floor. This problem started about two weeks after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was involved in two accidents because of this problem."

"The driver was pulling into a parking space, stopped, took his foot off of the pedal and then the brake pedal suddenly swung free. The vehicle was towed to dealer, and the mechanic determined that the brake pedal became disconnected. The clip, spacer, and retainer needed to be replaced."

"I was hit head on. My vehicle a Buick LeSabre 2003 and the vehicle that hit me, a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, was totaled. The airbag on my Buick LeSabre did not deploy, thus causing me physical injuries."

In addition to consumer complaints, the Buick LeSabre has been subject to recalls:

Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during deployment. This may result in pieces of the inflator striking and injuring the vehicle's occupants, and the air bag cushion not inflating fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.

Certain passenger vehicles were built with missing or under-torqued steering gear attachment bolts. If a bolt is missing, the driver may notice uneven steering response or unusual noises during turns. If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost, which could result in a crash.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.