Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1996 Buick LeSabre. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗GM/FUEL:CARBURETOR:SINGLE:MANIFOLD:INTAKE
- Summary
- A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (98)
98 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 18 | 18.4% |
| Electrical system | 14 | 14.3% |
| Service brakes | 13 | 13.3% |
| Air bags | 8 | 8.2% |
| Fuel system | 7 | 7.1% |
| Power train | 6 | 6.1% |
| Structure | 6 | 6.1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 6.1% |
| Suspension | 5 | 5.1% |
| Steering | 4 | 4.1% |
How 1996 compares with other LeSabre years
Best and worst LeSabre years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 189 | 2 |
| 1993 | 194 | 1 |
| 1994 | 158 | 0 |
| 1995 | 178 | 1 |
| 1996 | 98 | 2 |
| 1997 | 394 | 2 |
| 1998 | 400 | 1 |
| 1999 | 209 | 2 |
| 2000 | 669 | 5 |
| 2001 | 328 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,350
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 444 g/mi
- EPA class
- Large Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 20 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1996 LeSabre for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1996 Buick LeSabre FAQ
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick LeSabre have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 96V116000 (fuel system), 95V204000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1996 Buick LeSabre problems?
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (18), Electrical system (14), Service brakes (13) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1996 Buick LeSabre get?
EPA rates the 3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 17 city, 27 highway and 20 combined mpg.
How does the 1996 LeSabre compare with other years?
Among the 1992–2001 Buick LeSabre model years at least five years old, the 1996 drew the fewest complaints (98) and the 2000 the most (669). The 1996 drew 98. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.