Fuel system
Free remedy
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Research · Large Cars
1997 Buick LesabreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 402 owner complaints for the 1997 Buick Lesabre. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (108) and electrical system (40). 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
402
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
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Free remedy
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."
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
402 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 1996 – Feb 2024
- Engine and engine cooling108
- Electrical system40
- Fuel system, gasoline37
- Power train34
- Air bags33
- Service brakes, hydraulic27
- Visibility26
- Steering24
- Seat belts20
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
108 reports19 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.”
Electrical system
40 reports3 fires
“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. PART OF THE AIR BAG CONTRACTS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS PRESSING ON PART OF THE HORN BUTTON. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT IT OFF IS TO PULL THE HORN FUSE. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IF THE HORN SOUNDS FOR TOO LONG OR AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. ALSO, THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO USE THE HORN.”
Fuel system, gasoline
37 reports9 fires
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY BACKFIRED AND WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND REFERENCED RECALL 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,874.”
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 1997 Buick Lesabre as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 3692
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.
1997 Lesabre questions
How many recalls does the 1997 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 1997 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners filed 402 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (108), electrical system (40), fuel system, gasoline (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1997 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Buick Lesabre at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026