1996 Buick Lesabre Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 13%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,960miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Buick Lesabre, 13% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,960 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle failed to stop due to a loss of brake fluid. Inspection revealed steel brake tubes severely rusted only in the area of the leak. Leak location is directly below ABS hydraulic control unit in the left front of the engine compartment. All four output lines from the ABS system to the wheel were affected. The balance of the brake lines on this vehicle exhibit a normal level of corrosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10141990, filed 2005-11, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Lesabre. One year ago, the brakes failed to respond on the vehicle while leaving the driveway. The vehicle did not stop and struck another one of the contact's vehicles. There were no injuries. He inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake line was split in half due to corrosion. The contact removed the lines and installed new ones. Recently, the brakes failed to function again. The driver struck the curb at 10 MPH in order to stop the vehicle. It was discovered that the front brake line was severely corroded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10259696, filed 2009-02, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Lesabre. While driving down a hill at an unknown speed, the brake indicator illuminated and made a constant beeping noise. The contact parked the vehicle and had aaa tow it to the dealer. She purchased the vehicle from the dealer in september of 2008 and now she needs new brakes. Within two hours, the vehicle was repaired at the cost of $400. She was very skeptical of the repairs and took the vehicle to a private mechanic. She was informed that the brake lines were clogged. The repair would cost $500. The failure mileage was 114,000. 4/01/09 updated 04/09/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10262031, filed 2009-03, 114,000 miles“Another vehicle cut in front. Consumer applied brakes but hit other vehicle on right front. Upon impact with other vehicle, air bags deployed. Driver was jammed in seat, and unable to get out. Vehicle filled with smoke an powder substance which caused driver's eyes and throat to be irritated.”
NHTSA complaint #894949, filed 2001-08“Brake line from the ABS controller to the left front wheel was leaking because a hole that was rubbed through the line at the transmission side cover. Also ABS light kept coming on. Owner discovered the leak while vehicle was parked in driveway. Vehicle was towed to a dealership. Problem corrected at owner's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #853546, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 9 | 12% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 14 | 9% |
| 2002 | 18 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 4% |
| 2000 | 44 | 7% |
| 1999 | 20 | 10% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 36 | 9% |
| 1996 | 13 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 11% |
| 1994 | 33 | 21% |
| 1993 | 70 | 36% |
| 1992 | 72 | 38% |
| 1991 | 7 | 23% |
| 1990 | 7 | 15% |
| 1989 | 3 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 13% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Lesabre
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Buick Lesabre
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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