1996 Buick Lesabre Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Buick Lesabre, 4% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 miles.
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.
“The grommets and/or washers that hold up the engine frame cradle rusted out and allowed this part to drop through the retaining bolts, once this happened there was a total loss of steering. Had I been driving on the interstate or 60 MPH on a state highway this would have turned into a very serious accident. I was sitting at a stoplight and the moment I accelerated I heard a very loud metallic thud/sound, which I assume was the cradle dropping down. I'm amazed that this all happened with zero warning that they were any issues with the steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241173, filed 2008-09, 102,000 miles“While driving down the road steering wheel vibrated violently. Also, bolts that hold rack and pinion steering broke. Took vehicle to local mechanic told consumer it appeared vehicle was too overtorqued from the factory. Both front tires were inspected and found worn on side edges. 2 bolts that hold the rack to the frame on the left hand side, one bolt had broken off. Battery was leaking and caused corrosion in the positive battery cable connecter, dealer had to remove all cable insulation and replace positive cable bolt and battery, leak caused vehicle not to start.”
NHTSA complaint #863958, filed 2000-06Steering: 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 1996 Buick Lesabre
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSuspension
5 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 28, 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