1971 Buick Lesabre problems
The Buick LeSabre is a full-size car made by the division Buick of General Motors from 1959 until 2005. Prior to 1959, this position had been retained by the full-size Buick Special model (1936–58). The "LeSabre", which is French for "the sabre", was Buick's mid-level full-size sedan above the Special but below the Electra during the 1960s then remained in its market position when the Electra was replaced with the Park Avenue. The LeSabre was available as a 2-door convertible, sedan or hardtop, a 4-door sedan or hardtop and station wagon throughout its production.
History of model
The LeSabre nameplate made its first appearance on the 1951 Le Sabre show car, which introduced the world to aircraft-inspired design elements such as the wrap-around windshield and tail fins. In 1959 LeSabre became the new moniker for what had previously been known as the Buick Special. The Buick LeSabre was offered in a full line of body styles except between 1965 and 1969 when its station wagon variant was dropped from Buick's full-size offerings. In 1977, the LeSabre was downsized along with other GM full-size models, and was available only in pillared coupe, sedan and wagon body styles.
In addition to being Buick's entry level vehicle, the LeSabre was consistently Buick's best selling full-size car. Of the four nameplates introduced in 1959 (LeSabre, Invicta, Electra, Electra 225), the LeSabre nameplate lasted the longest.
From 1959 to 1961, the LeSabre was powered by a 364 cubic-inch V8, which was smaller than the 401 cubic-inch V8 used in the more expensive Invicta and Electra models. The 364, which was previously used in all Buicks in 1957 and 1958, was rated at 250 horsepower (190 kW) in standard form with an "economy" 235 horsepower (175 kW) version offered as a "no cost" option in 1960-61 and an optional power-pack version with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts that was rated at 300 horsepower (220 kW). For 1962–63, the LeSabre came standard with a two-barrel carbureted version of the 401 V8 rated at 280 horsepower (210 kW), or a no-cost "economy" low-compression version rated at 260 horsepower (190 kW). Starting in 1964, all LeSabre models except the Estate Wagon shared their drivetrains with the midsize Buick models by switching to those models' smaller-displacement V8s at least as standard equipment for the next few years with cubic-inch displacements of 300 (1964–65), 340 (1966–67) and 350 (1968–76). A large-displacement would not reappear in a LeSabre until 1970 when a 455 cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option and was offered through 1976. Beginning with the downsized 1977 models and continuing through three subsequent generations of front-drive LeSabres introduced in 1986, 1992 and 2000, Buick's 3.8-liter (231 cubic-inch) V6 would become the standard engine for most LeSabre models and V8 engines were dropped (except in station wagons) after the last of the rear-drive LeSabre sedans and coupes came off the line in 1985.
For most years from 1959 to 1971, a three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment on all LeSabres but rarely ordered. Far more popular was the Turbine Drive automatic transmission (previously known as Dynaflow) along with power steering and power brakes. For 1961 and 1962, the automatic transmission was standard on the LeSabre and all other full-sized Buicks but in 1963 was moved back to the option list on LeSabres. For 1964, the Dynaflow-based Turbine Drive was replaced by two new automatic transmissions, the two-speed Super Turbine 300 and the three-speed Super Turbine 400. A four-speed manual transmission was offered as a LeSabre option from 1963 to 1965 but only a small number of cars were so equipped. Automatic transmissions would once again reappear as standard equipment on LeSabres in mid-1971 and continue in such form until the model line's demise after 2005.
LeSabres were rear-drive six-passenger vehicles from 1959 to 1985 (station wagons through 1990) featuring separate body-on-frame construction along with a longitudinally mounted front engine. The first downsized generation of LeSabres introduced in 1977 retained the rear-drive and body-on-frame construction, while the later-generation models introduced in 1986 switched to front-wheel-drive, unit-body construction and transversely mounted engine. Convertibles were offered each year through 1975 while two- and four-door hardtops were dropped after 1976 and only pillared body styles were offered from 1977 to 2005. Station wagons were offered through 1964 and then dropped for several years until being reintroduced in 1970 and continued until 1990 after which year they were moved to the revived Roadmaster series. LeSabres come in two versions: Custom and Limited.
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Common 1971 Buick Lesabre problems
The 1971 Buick LeSabre is known for several common problems, primarily related to its fuel system, brakes, equipment, wheels, lighting, transmission, steering, frame, seats, electrical components, airbags, engine, visibility, and suspension.
- Fuel System: The fuel system is one of the most problematic areas in the 1971 Buick LeSabre. There are 14 recalls related to the fuel system, indicating the severity and frequency of these issues. Common problems include fuel leaks, faulty fuel pumps, and issues with the fuel injection system.
- Brakes: The brakes are another area of concern for the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 11 recalls related to brake problems. Issues include faulty brake lines, malfunctioning brake calipers, and problems with the brake master cylinder. These issues can lead to reduced braking performance and, in some cases, complete brake failure.
- Equipment: Equipment-related issues are also common in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 8 recalls related to equipment problems. These issues include faulty windshield wipers, malfunctioning power window assemblies, and problems with the seat belts and airbags.
- Wheels: Wheel-related issues are less common but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 5 recalls related to wheel problems. These issues include faulty wheel bearings, problems with the wheel lug nuts, and issues with the wheel alignment.
- Lighting: Lighting issues are relatively common in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 5 recalls related to lighting problems. These issues include faulty headlights, malfunctioning tail lights, and problems with the turn signals and brake lights.
- Transmission: Transmission problems are less common but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 4 recalls related to transmission issues. These issues include problems with the automatic transmission, issues with the transmission fluid, and problems with the torque converter.
- Steering: Steering issues are relatively common in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 4 recalls related to steering problems. These issues include problems with the power steering system, issues with the steering column, and problems with the steering gearbox.
- Frame: Frame issues are less common but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 3 recalls related to frame problems. These issues include problems with the frame welds, issues with the frame rails, and problems with the frame mounts.
- Seats: Seat-related issues are relatively common in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 3 recalls related to seat problems. These issues include problems with the seat belts, problems with the seat adjustment mechanism, and problems with the seat upholstery.
- Electrical: Electrical issues are less common but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 2 recalls related to electrical problems. These issues include problems with the battery, problems with the alternator, and problems with the wiring harness.
- Airbags: Airbag-related issues are relatively uncommon but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 2 recalls related to airbag problems. These issues include problems with the airbag deployment mechanism and problems with the airbag sensors.
- Engine: Engine-related issues are relatively uncommon but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 1 recall related to engine problems. This issue includes problems with the engine mounts, which can lead to engine vibration and noise.
- Visibility: Visibility-related issues are relatively uncommon but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 1 recall related to visibility problems. This issue includes problems with the windshield wiper system, which can lead to reduced visibility in adverse weather conditions.
- Suspension: Suspension-related issues are relatively uncommon but still present in the 1971 Buick LeSabre, with 1 recall related to suspension problems. This issue includes problems with the suspension bushings, which can lead to reduced handling performance and increased noise and vibration.
What engine is in a 1971 Buick LeSabre?
Fourth generation (1971–1976)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 124 in (3,149.6 mm) |
How long do Buick LeSabre engines last?
Many LeSabre owners report reaching well over 200,000 miles with proper care, attesting to the durability of its powertrain.
Why did Buick stop making the LeSabre?
When was the Buick LeSabre discontinued? The G-Platform was going to be revamped for model year 2006 and Buick wanted to use the same 115.6 inch wheelbase as the DTS, which necessitated eliminating either the slow selling Park Avenue or the LeSabre.
What is the oldest Buick LeSabre?
The first generation of Buick LeSabre was introduced for the 1959 model year. The LeSabre was a series of mid range cars available in a range of full size body styles.
What is the most common problem with Buick LeSabre?
Some frequently reported Buick LeSabre problems include defective power window assemblies, cracked intake manifold gaskets, and failing mode door actuators.
What engine is in a 1971 Buick LeSabre?
Fourth generation (1971–1976)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 350 cu in (5.7 L) Buick V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) Buick V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 124 in (3,149.6 mm) |
How long do Buick LeSabre engines last?
Many LeSabre owners report reaching well over 200,000 miles with proper care, attesting to the durability of its powertrain.
Why did Buick stop making the LeSabre?
When was the Buick LeSabre discontinued? The G-Platform was going to be revamped for model year 2006 and Buick wanted to use the same 115.6 inch wheelbase as the DTS, which necessitated eliminating either the slow selling Park Avenue or the LeSabre.
1971 Buick Lesabre car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Lesabre problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1971 Buick Lesabre vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1971 Buick Lesabre complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1971 Buick Lesabre.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE FIRST TIRE FAILED AT ABOUT 70 MPH. THE ENTIRE RUBBER TREAD PEALED AWAY FROM THE TIRE CASING. ALTHOUGH THE CAR SWERVED BADLY I MANAGED TO STOP WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. THE PEELING RUBBER CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE DEALER (STRAUS DISCOUNT AUTO) REFUSED TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND SAID "IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT". ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE FAILED AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED, (AGAIN CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215 75R15 )
1971 Buick Lesabre recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1971 Buick Lesabre.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
- Summary: THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT DRIVING ON UNPAVED ROAD SURFACES, PARTICULARLY ROADS WHICH ARE HEAVILY GRAVELED AND WHICH ARE EXTREMELY WAVY OR FILLED WITH CHUCKHOLES, AT SPEEDS WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO PITCH EXCESSIVELY, THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY SCOOP UP LOOSE STONES OR GRAVEL AND COULD BE THROWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ONE OF THESE STONES TO LODGE BETWEEN THE STEERING COUPLING AND THE FRAME AND CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERING CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT.
- Consequence: INCREASED STEERING EFFORT OR INTERFERENCE WITH STEERINGCONTROL MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND INSTALL SHIELD ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: WHEELS
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1971 Buick Lesabre problems:
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