Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1988 Buick LeSabre, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering12
- Seat belts3
- Electrical system2
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Tires1
- Structure1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 1988 Buick LeSabre failed the safety check 0.00% of the time — 100% less often than the average 1988 passenger car (1.01%). Median odometer at inspection: 98,524 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 1988 Buick LeSabre.
| 1988056 19 Apr 1988 | Brakes THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN UNDERTORQUED. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND/OR POOR PEDAL … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
LOW TORQUE OF THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS COULD CAUSE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL AND/OR POOR PEDAL FEEL IF ATTACHMENT LOOSENS.
OWNERS MANUAL DID NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER USAGE OF REAR SEAT SAFETY BELT SYSTEMS.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
NHTSA investigations
BRAKE FAILURE
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation