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1997 Buick LeSabre Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1997 Buick LeSabre has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Upper intake manifold and gasket coolant leak.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1997 Buick LeSabre.

Reported to NHTSA

Upper intake manifold and gasket coolant leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

46 NHTSA complaints · 2002-01 → 2017-07

“UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. COOLANT LEAK CAUSED MOTOR TO HYDRO-LOCK MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. BOTH UPPER & LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE REPLACED.*JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10008242
“FAILURE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD PERMITTED COOLANT TO MIX WITH ENGINE LUBRICANT AND CAUSED ENGINE TO SEIZE. ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10040078
“COOLANT LEAK AT UPPER INTAKE PLENUM ON 1997 BUICK AT 68000 MILES DEALER STATED THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT ARE NOT HELPING WITH COST OF REPAIRS.$633.64. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10058775

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor and fuel leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2003-04 → 2013-07

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. SHE SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR EMANATING FROM HER VEHICLE. THE DEALERS TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL LINES AT AN EXPENSE EXCEEDING $350.00. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10252192
“THE MECHANIC NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE FUEL TANK WHILE CHANGING THE CONSUMERS OIL. *JB THE CONSUMER NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS FOR TWO DAYS. TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN CHILD SAFETY SEATS WERE OVERWELMED BY FUMES. *TC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10097238
“I HAVE A GASOLINE LEAK AT THE JOINT WHERE THE FUEL LINE FROM THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT JOIN THE FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILTERING FRONT OF THE RIGHT SIDE REAR WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10096015

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cradle mount failure with loss of steering

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2019-10

“SEPTEMBER 15TH DRIVING MY 1997 BUICK LESABRE HEARD AND FELT A LOUD BANGING NOISE. LOST ALL STEERING. CAR TAKEN TO GARAGE WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR REAR SUBFRAME CRADLE MOUNT RETAINERS HAD FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10356250
“ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORT WASHERS RUST OUT CAUSING THE SUPPORT TO FALL DOWN WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10326525
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND FELT THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUE TO TURN IN HER HAND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254363

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission surging, harsh shifting and gear loss

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2001-07 → 2018-07

“WHEN DRIVING AT OVER 35 MPH TRANSMISSION WILL START TO JUMP OUT OF GEAR OR WILL START SURGING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8011757
“TRANSMISSION BANGS AS IT SHIFTS GEARS. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8002064
“NEVER COMPLETE FAILURE, BUT TRANSMISSIONS SURGE,D, AND MORE DANGEROUSLY, APPARENTLY SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL RANDOMLY WITH NO WARNING. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #749465

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backfire or explosion during engine start

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

23 NHTSA complaints · 2001-09 → 2010-10

“CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POP, FLAMES CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION WAS INSIDE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF THE ENGINE, THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A BACKFIRE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 17-9112-605. *SLC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #6900826
“THERE WAS AN INTAKE BACK FIRE WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY INTAKE MANIFOLD.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V116000:INTAKE BACKFIRE DURING STARTING. TURNED THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR AND HEARD A LOAD NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10115032
“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. *SCC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10022303

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment and related injuries

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2002-09 → 2015-12

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON NORMAL DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE 17 YEAR-OLD DRIVER SUFFERED FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON THE RIGHT FOREARM, AND WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10173335
“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING ON A PAVED TOWN ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG ALSO SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAGS OBSTRUCTED MY VISION BOTH IN FRONT AND ON THE SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10310074
“MY BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. WE HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM THE CURB AND WERE GOING ABOUT 20 MPH. FOR NO REASON, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. WE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING, AND NOTHING HIT US. WE PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514485

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Horn sounding without driver input

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2004-11 → 2018-08

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND. THE HORN CONTINUED TO SOUND UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE HOOD WAS LIFTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10323726
“AIRBAG PUSHING AGAINST HORN BUTTON CAUSING HORN TO SOUND AT VARIOUS TIMES. CAR PURCHASED USED FROM BUICK DEALER, THEIR AIRBAG RECALL DOES NOT GO AS FAR BACK AS 1997! *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10660809
“DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN WILL NOT STOP BLOWING, AND THE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY IS MAKING A NOISE. THE SOUND IS COMING OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN DRIVING THE HORN JUST STARTS BLOWING OUT OF NOWHERE, IT JUST STARTS BLOWING, SPECIFICALLY STATES THE CONSUMER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10137067

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

531 crashes 1990–2024

How the 531 occupant deaths break down

392

driver deaths

139

passenger deaths

531

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1996 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

26

complaints mentioning a crash

44

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1997 Buick LeSabre reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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