1996 Buick Lesabre Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 18%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Buick Lesabre, 18% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 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.
“- the contact has a 1996 Buick Lesabre which has a hole in the upper intake manifold. The general motors dealer stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. He then called the Buick dealer who concerured. The contact found recall 96v116000 on the NHTSA website.”
NHTSA complaint #10177695, filed 2007-01, 119,000 miles“Consumer noticed anitfreeze on the driveway under their vehicle. The consumer took vehicle to the dealership to have it serviced. The dealership indicated that there was a crack in the upper manifold, which was the cause of the leak. There's a service bulletin for this part, the EGR valve was replaced because of excessive heat. The consumer requested reimbursement for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #8023792, filed 2002-12, 48,305 miles“1996 Buick Lesabre custom suddenly started smoking,overheated and shut off on interstate at 60 MPH. Owner had car towed and checked by mechanic. Cracked manifold leaking coolant was the cause, engine blown is diagnosis.”
NHTSA complaint #10252288, filed 2008-12, 227,000 miles“Engine sustained damage due to oil sludging (gelling). Oil pressure was inflated,knocking sound was noticed. Penzoil 10w30 was being used at regular intervals. Dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis----770781.”
NHTSA complaint #10006554, filed 2002-12, 88,985 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, he heard a loud clunking noise, the engine dropped, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop, where they diagnosed that the engine cradle and bushing were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10422504, filed 2011-08, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10012148Jun 1, 2004New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 5% |
| 2002 | 18 | 6% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 69 | 33% |
| 1998 | 196 | 49% |
| 1997 | 110 | 28% |
| 1996 | 18 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 36 | 23% |
| 1993 | 25 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 14% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 5 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 2 | 10% |
| 1987 | 6 | 15% |
| 1986 | 6 | 38% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Lesabre
14 complaintsBrakes
13 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 27, 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