1987 Buick Lesabre Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 38%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 1987 Buick Lesabre, 38% of the 40 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2000-01“While drving at 30 MPH and without prior warning, upon trying to make a right turn the steering wheel will lock up, causing the consumer to pull the steering wheel real hard. Whenever turning to the right the problem still is there.”
NHTSA complaint #833639, filed 1999-01“When vehicle has been sitting for long periods & the temperature is cold, the steering is very stiff, requiring hands to turn the wheel. Then all of a sudden it breaks free. I've been told the steering rack needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #703329, filed 1999-02“Consumer was driving 40mph when the steering wheel locked up. When vehicle freed up consumer lost control, crossing the center line, bringing vehicle back before running into a ditch and flipping over on top.”
NHTSA complaint #827459, filed 1998-09Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 29 | 9% |
| 2000 | 47 | 7% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 15 | 4% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 10 | 6% |
| 1994 | 9 | 6% |
| 1993 | 8 | 4% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 4 | 9% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 12 | 57% |
| 1987 | 15 | 38% |
| 1986 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1987 Buick Lesabre
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Buick Lesabre
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology