1989 Buick LESABRE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
101,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1989 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System:Ignition is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 19 complaints (10.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 10.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 5.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 5.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Ignition | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 1 |
Electrical System:Ignition: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 2; Tires: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
1995: 7; 1996: 4; 2000: 3; 2002: 2; 2006: 1; 2007: 1; 2008: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System:Ignition leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10187555 · 2007-04-11 (April 11, 2007)
FUEL LINE PRESSURE FEEDER AT LH SIDE RUSTED THROUGH THE PLASTIC BRACKET IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL FRAME RAIL IN AUGUST 2005. POOL OF GAS 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER UNDER THE CAR IN CLOSED GARAGE OVERNIGHT. BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH THE SAME SPOT IN JANUARY 2006. LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, ROLLED THROUGH A STOP SIGN. FUEL RETURN LINE RUSTED THROUGHOUT SAME AREA ON 4-11-07. POOL OF GAS IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. SERVICE / REPAIR DEALER, VAN ZEELAND IN APPLETON WISCONSIN REPORTED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEMS WITH BUICKS. FIXED A …
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10187555 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 966160 · 1995-05-31 (May 31, 1995)
INSTALLED REAR BRAKES. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 966160 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 8006526 · 2002-03-27 (March 27, 2002)
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, EVERYTHING LOCKED UP ON VEHICLE. COULD NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL NOR TURN VEHICLE OFF WITH THE KEY. DEALER CONTACTED. NLM DEALER FOUND AND REPLACED TCC SOLENOID AND ALL 3 GEAR SWITCHES IN TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8006526 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 975730 · 1995-11-29 (November 29, 1995)
VEHICLE STALLS OUT AT LOW SPEED, REPLACED AIR INTAKE VALVE CONTROL KIT, TO NO AVAIL, NOW DEALER SAYING THERE IS NO PROBLEM. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 975730 at NHTSA ↗