1987 Buick Lesabre Problems
- Complaints
- 40filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Buick Lesabre (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Lesabre. The part named most often is steering, with 15 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system (7) and engine cooling (6). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuses and circuit breakers filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering15 38%
- Electrical system7 18%
- Engine cooling6 15%
- Seat belts4 10%
- Brakes3 7.5%
- Fuel system3 7.5%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.5%
- Seats2 5.0%
- Body and structure1 2.5%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Wheel column loose -- excessive play and steering wheel movement made steering difficult as wheel moved up and down and rocked at an angle to the left. Dealer contacted and GM contacted--neither considered this a safety concern. When I hit my brakes my body would move forward toward the windshield because the steering column was not secure. I was forced to cover 100% cost of the repair. The dealer had to drop the engine and put a new bolt at the bottom of the steering colum in the engine area. I was told it would never happen again. This was repaired in approximately 1996. …”
NHTSA complaint #717671, filed 2000-01Engine cooling: “The vehicle stalled many times while the consumer was traveling and the dealer fixed the problem. However, the service engine soon came on right after each service and the vehicle would stall.”
NHTSA complaint #565551, filed 2002-05Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Buick Lesabre version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeSabre FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
| LeSabre/Electra Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V102000Jun 16, 1989Vehicle speed controlCovers: Buick Lesabre 1984–1988, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1984–1988, Custom Cruiser 1984–1988 +15 more
A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
- 88V067000Apr 19, 1988Service brakes, air › AntilockCovers: Buick Lesabre 1987–1988
Low torque of the brake hydraulic unit mounting bolts could cause increased brake pedal travel and/or poor pedal feel if attachment loosens.
- 87V135000Sep 1, 1987Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakersCovers: Buick Lesabre 1987, Oldsmobile 88 1987, Pontiac Bonneville 1987 +2 more
An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.
- 87V093000Jun 23, 1987Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Buick Lesabre 1987, Cadillac Deville 1986–1987, Pontiac 6000 1986–1987 +2 more
The anti lock brake system (abs) pressure/warning switch may exhibit brake fluid seepage which eventually can lead to loss of the brake system hydraulic pump motor. Additionally, the hydraulic pump motor and abs electrical relays may have been exposed to…
Recall details for the 1987 Buick Lesabre → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA90017BRAKE FAILUREClosed · Mar 26, 1990
- PE89101REAR BRAKE PINClosed · Mar 15, 1989
- C89001Throttle non-returnClosed · Mar 6, 1989
- PE88021Instrmnt light on windshldClosed · Feb 1, 1988
- PE87041Throttle system failureClosed · Aug 4, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Buick Lesabre.
Other model years of the Buick Lesabre
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 77 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 162 | 63,450 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 164 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 310 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 328 | 61,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 669 | 59,515 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 209 | 73,353 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 400 | 69,100 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 394 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 98 | 92,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 178 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 158 | 101,261 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 194 | 109,714 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 30 | 93,300 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 46 | 179,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 27 | 101,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 21 | 54,122 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 40 | — | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 16 | — | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Lesabre model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Buick Lesabre have?
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Lesabre as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Buick Lesabre is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 15 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system with 7.
Has the 1987 Buick Lesabre been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Buick Lesabre (LeSabre, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.