Fuel system
Free remedy
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Research · Large Cars
1996 Buick LesabreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints for the 1996 Buick Lesabre. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (19) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 1996
Owner complaints
101
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Electrical system: control module
Free remedy
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
101 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 1996 – Apr 2019
- Engine and engine cooling19
- Electrical system14
- Service brakes, hydraulic12
- Air bags8
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Structure6
- Power train6
- Suspension6
- Vehicle speed control5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
19 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE, THE ENGINE DROPPED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND BUSHING WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.”
Electrical system
14 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
12 reports3 crashes
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND MADE A CONSTANT BEEPING NOISE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD AAA TOW IT TO THE DEALER. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER IN SEPTEMBER OF 2008 AND NOW SHE NEEDS NEW BRAKES. WITHIN TWO HOURS, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $400. SHE WAS VERY SKEPTICAL OF THE REPAIRS AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CLOGGED. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/09/09.*JB”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeSabre Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Buick Lesabre as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3594
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1996 Lesabre questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Lesabre have?
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (19), electrical system (14), service brakes, hydraulic (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1996 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Buick Lesabre at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026