1996 Buick Lesabre: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Buick Lesabre: 2 recalls, 98 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #95V204000 · 1995 · 32,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance; the driver May not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V116000 · 1996 · 275,811 vehicles
What's wrong: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (18): the most common themes are leaks (6), noise or vibration (5).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (3), leaks (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (3), noise or vibration (2), leaks (2).
- Airbags (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Buick Lesabre has 98 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 17 Lesabre model years for complaints (well below the 212 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 92,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (178 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (394 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Buick Lesabre.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Buick Lesabre. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (18), electrical (14), brakes (hydraulic) (13).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Lesabre get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Buick Lesabre repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.