1983 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 1983 Buick Lesabre problems
The 1983 Buick LeSabre is a classic American sedan known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it can have certain issues. Here are some common problems reported by owners of this car:
- Cracked Intake Manifold Gaskets: Another common problem with the Buick LeSabre is cracked intake manifold gaskets. This issue can lead to engine performance problems and may require replacement of the affected parts.
- Failing Mode Door Actuators: Failing mode door actuators are also a common problem with the Buick LeSabre. This issue can affect the car's climate control system and may require replacement of the affected parts.
- Transmission Issues: Some owners of the 1983 Buick LeSabre have reported transmission issues, including the need for rebuilding the transmission. This issue can affect the car's drivability and may require significant repairs.
- Diesel Problems: The 1983 Buick LeSabre was available with a diesel engine option, but some owners have reported problems with this engine. Diesel engines can have unique issues, such as fuel system problems and difficulty starting in cold weather.
- Build Quality Issues: Some owners of the 1983 Buick LeSabre have reported issues with build quality, including indifferent paint quality and fragile steering columns. These issues can affect the car's appearance and durability.
- Small Engine in a Large Car: Some owners have reported that the 3.8-liter engine in the 1983 Buick LeSabre is too small for the car's size and weight. This issue can affect the car's performance and fuel economy.
It is important to note that these problems are based on complaints from owners of the 1983 Buick LeSabre and may not be representative of all cars of this model. Additionally, some of these issues may be more common in certain model years or with certain engine options. If you are experiencing problems with your 1983 Buick LeSabre, it is recommended to consult with a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
What year of Buick LeSabre to avoid?
Certain Buick LeSabre models made between 1999 to 2005 are equipped with faulty power window assemblies. The window regulators installed on these models have been known to fail on occasion. This issue is most prevalent in the 2000, 2001, and 2002 LeSabre models, which have received the most complaints on CarComplaints.
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.
What is the oldest Buick LeSabre?
1959 LeSabre
First generation (1959–1960)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| 1959 LeSabre four-door hardtop | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1959–1960 |
What engine is in a 1984 Buick LeSabre?
The LeSabre offers plenty in an engine lineup that includes the standard 3.8 litre V-6, plus a 5.0 litre V-8, and a 5.7 litre diesel V-8.
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.
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.
What kind of engine is in a Buick LeSabre?
3.8-liter V-6
Proven 3.8-liter V-6. Four-speed automatic. Available Celebration Edition.
What causes a Buick LeSabre not to start?
Include the car being slow to crank the engine weak or dim headlights. Or a lit up battery warning light on your car's Dash. Next. We have alternator.
1983 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Buick Lesabre vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Buick Lesabre complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Buick Lesabre.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A DURA LAST (NA) ROTOR. THE ROTOR WAS PURCHASED AS AN AFTERMARKET PART FROM A LOCAL AUTO SUPPLIES STORE. THE ROTOR WAS INSTALLED ON A 1983 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTER BEARING OF THE ROTOR FRACTURED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE ROTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THE DESIGN CAUSED THE CASTING TO TOUCH THE SPINDLE INSTEAD OF ONLY THE ROLLER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT IF THE CASTING WAS TOUCHING THE SPINDLE, IT COULD CAUSE THE ROTORS TO FRACTURE. UPDATED 10-13-10. *LJ THE CONSUMER THE ROTOR CASINGS HAD A CENTER WEB WHICH WAS NOT MEETING OEM SPECIFICATIONS. UPDATED 10/19/10*JB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Buick Lesabre problems:
Buick LeSabre Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage ...
Feb 2, 2024 ... Is the Buick LeSabre reliable? Here's everything you need to know about its reliability and common issues.
Q&A: Buick Lesabre Custom - Common Problems, Car Cover ...
Apr 24, 2012 ... I have 98' Buick Lesabre that had a leaky intake manifold gasket. It sucked the fluid from my cooling system.
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Jun 3, 2016 ... Anyone have any wiring diagrams for the lighting on a 1983 Ramcharger? Any common problems I should be aware of? ... 2004 Buick LeSabre. Save ...
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Mar 10, 2022 ... In addition the head gasket can also go bad but would be less common than the upper Plenum.
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Aug 15, 2002 ... ... buick century. the only problem is that the ... 83) and the Olds Ciera. ... It seems to be fairly well known that GM made more than one unsuccessful ...
Other years of Buick Lesabre
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