1999 Buick Lesabre Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 209 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Buick Lesabre, 7% of the 209 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my 1999 Buick Lesabre to the local Buick dealer, hancock Buick-columbia,s.c. For recall work that you listed. My car was perfect before they did the recall work and after they did the recalls my car jumped and skipped between 32 MPH and 38 MPH. They kept my car for two weeks and when I got it back on oct. 11 they made me pay $282.00 to get my car. General motors have not helped me. They did the recall work you ordered, made mistakes and charge me for the mistakes they made. I would appreciate any help you could give me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10095669, filed 2004-11, 61,000 miles“When the consumer attempted to apply the gas, the vehicle vibrated. The dealer was notified. The consumer knew of other buicks with the same problem. There was shuddering in the transaxle (transmission) and required replacing the solenoid assembly. Gm was unwilling to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10031345, filed 2003-09, 29,829 miles“Transmission does not drop into 1st gear when auto stops. When accelerating trasmission drops into 1st gear with a loud bang . Buick service manager says is pressure valve or electronics controlling pressure valve is the cause. Problem is intermittent and, because of this service dept. Has been unable to identify exact problem through computer evaluation. Service manager states repair will require removal and partial disassembly of transmission to accurately diagnose problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10086800, filed 2004-08, 49,129 miles“A fire ignited from under the hood and vehicle exploded. Vehicle was parked and turned off when the explosion occurred. The fire was caused by a ruptured intake manifold. The vehicle had not been started the two days prior to the fire. When the consumer turned the key in the ignition she heard a loud explosion which was followed by smoke a flame coming from under the hood. The vehicle transmission shifted hard and shuttered when in overdrive. The dealer replaced the converter assembly, valve body, pressure control and reprogrammed the power train controller.”
NHTSA complaint #10066972, filed 2004-05, 42,000 miles“Rental car: NHTSA recall 99v08900 and manufacturer's recall 99011. Stopped at a stop sign in a parking lot, turned the vehicle off, consumer got out, and left wife in the passenger side. Vehicle had rolled down the hill. Transmission shift lever was in the reverse position.”
NHTSA complaint #862271, filed 2000-05Related recalls
- 99V089000Apr 26, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102…Covers: Buick Lesabre 1999, Oldsmobile 88 1999, Pontiac Bonneville 1999
Related service bulletins
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 7% |
| 2003 | 18 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 9% |
| 2000 | 24 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 7% |
| 1998 | 20 | 5% |
| 1997 | 33 | 8% |
| 1996 | 6 | 6% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 33 | 17% |
| 1992 | 20 | 11% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1999 Buick Lesabre
69 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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