1985 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 1985 Buick Lesabre problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Buick LeSabre:
- Fuel Level Sensor Failure: One of the top problems reported for the Buick LeSabre includes fuel level sensor failure, which can lead to inaccurate readings of the fuel level in the tank.
- Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure: Another common issue is the failure of the transmission pressure control solenoid, which can cause erratic shifting in the vehicle.
- Heating and AC Temperature Control: Complaints have been made regarding issues with the heating and AC temperature control in the Buick LeSabre, affecting the comfort and functionality of the climate control system.
- Defective Power Window Assemblies: Some owners have faced problems with defective power window assemblies in the Buick LeSabre, impacting the convenience and functionality of the windows in the vehicle.
- Cracked Intake Manifold Gaskets: Cracked intake manifold gaskets have been reported as a common problem, potentially leading to issues with the engine's performance and efficiency.
- Failing Mode Door Actuators: Owners have also experienced problems with failing mode door actuators in the Buick LeSabre, affecting the operation of the vehicle's heating and cooling system.
These issues highlight some of the common problems faced by owners of the 1985 Buick LeSabre, ranging from electrical and sensor-related issues to problems with the vehicle's engine performance and climate control system.
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.
What engine did a 1985 Buick LeSabre have?
Specifications for Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan 5.0 V8 142hp, 1985.
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 gas mileage does a 1985 Buick LeSabre get?
18 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1985 Buick LeSabre | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 18 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles |
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 did a 1985 Buick LeSabre have?
Specifications for Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan 5.0 V8 142hp, 1985.
What gas mileage does a 1985 Buick LeSabre get?
18 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1985 Buick LeSabre | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 18 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 22 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles |
How long can Buick LeSabre last?
Drivers have reported LeSabres making it into the half-million mile range, and that's definitely doable if you buy it brand new and you never miss your oil and transmission fluid changes. But if you're buying used, expect to hit 250,000 on the original transmission and engine.
1985 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Buick Lesabre vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Buick Lesabre complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Buick Lesabre.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4BR35Y5FX
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER READ 10 MILES PER HOUR OVER THE VEHICLE ACTUAL SPEED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A WARNING FROM A POLICE OFF WHO INDICATED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 10 MILES OVER THE 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT. THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO KNOW HOW TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE. *MR *CB *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- VIN: 1G4BR35Y8FX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE BECAME STUCK IN OPEN POSITION, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, CONSUMER TRIED TO PRY PEDAL UP, BUT COULD NOT. CONSUMER THEN TURNED ENGINE OFF. THIS WAS SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-08
- VIN: 1G4BP69Y5FX
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LOST TREAD ON TWO (2) FIRESTONE FR 440 TIRES. RIGHT REAR TREAD PEELED ON 7 APR 2000 AND LEFT REAR TREAD PEELED ON 08 JUL 2000. 1ST HAPPENED NEAR ATLANTA, 2ND IN NORTH FL. SPEED WAS APPROX 70 MPH BOTH TIMES. FIRESTONE PRORATED AND REPLACED BOTH. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 1G4BN69Y6FX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-18
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, JAMMED ON BRAKES; NO BRAKING EFFECT; JAMMED ON EMERGENCY BRAKES, RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. TT
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-18
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, JAMMED ON BRAKES; NO BRAKING EFFECT; JAMMED ON EMERGENCY BRAKES, RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. TT
1985 Buick Lesabre recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Buick Lesabre.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Buick Lesabre problems:
Buick LeSabre Problems and Complaints - 33 Issues
Top Buick LeSabre Problems · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure May Cause Erratic Shifting · Heating and AC Temperature and ...
What causes spongy or soft brakes in Buick LeSabre where
Apr 25, 2011 ... They have looked for fluid leaks but see none. Is it possible for the master cylinder to allow backflow of the fluid which might cause this ...
1985 Buick Lesabre Limited Questions... | V8buick.com
... Buick especially if I've got an actual Buick drivetrain available should any problems occur. BuickTex, May 7, 2013 · #2 · bammax Well-Known ...
Buick LeSabre Brake Light: Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions ...
Jul 22, 2023 ... When pressing on brakes on my 1985 Buick LeSabre the brake… · Blown fuse: One of the simplest and most common issues could be a blown fuse.
HELP 1995 Buick LeSabre stalling/dying | GM Inside News Forum
Nov 28, 2008 ... I think the crank sensor is most likely the problem, not the cam sensor. I think it's behind the timing chain. You desperately need a fail code ...
Other years of Buick Lesabre
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