1989 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 1989 Buick Lesabre problems
The 1989 Buick LeSabre, like any other car, can experience certain common problems that may affect its performance and reliability. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1989 Buick LeSabre, based on complaints from owners:
- Cracked Intake Manifold Gaskets: This problem is also prevalent in the 1989 Buick LeSabre, as reported by CarParts.com. The intake manifold gaskets can crack, leading to leakage of coolant and engine overheating.
- Failing Mode Door Actuators: This issue can cause problems with the heating and air conditioning system in the 1989 Buick LeSabre. The mode door actuators can fail, leading to erratic temperature control and difficulty in adjusting the temperature inside the car.
- Distributor or Coil Problems: This issue can cause the car to break down, as reported by a member of the AACA Forums. The distributor or coil can fail, leading to engine problems and difficulty in starting the car.
- Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure: This issue can cause shifting problems in the Buick LeSabre models made between 1991 to 2005, including the 1989 model. The transmission pressure control solenoid can fail, leading to hard shifting and other shifting issues.
- Engine Problems: The 1989 Buick LeSabre can experience engine problems, as reported by various owners. These problems can include the check engine light coming on, jerking when trying to accelerate, and stalling on the freeway.
It is important to note that these problems are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of all 1989 Buick LeSabre vehicles. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the car.
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 1989 Buick LeSabre?
Specifications for Buick LeSabre Custom Sedan 3.8 V6 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1989 4-speed.
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.
Where is the ECM on a 1989 Buick LeSabre?
Locate the computer control module. On these vehicles, the module is mounted inside the passenger compartment, under the dash.
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 1989 Buick LeSabre?
Specifications for Buick LeSabre Custom Sedan 3.8 V6 Hydra-Matic, 167hp, 1989 4-speed.
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.
How much is a Buick LeSabre worth?
Find a Used Buick LeSabre Near You
Prices for a used Buick LeSabre currently range from $2,000 to $15,000, with vehicle mileage ranging from 45,300 to 283,501. Find used Buick LeSabre inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
1989 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Lesabre vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Buick Lesabre
The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Buick Lesabre. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Buick Lesabre vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-30
- VIN: 1G4HP54C1KH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON I-485S APPROX 45 MILES DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THERE WAS TIRES TREAD ONLY RIPPED IN A CIRCLE AROUND WHITEWALL AREA OF A KUMHO TOURING 795 SIZE 205-75R-14 TIRE WAS SERVICED BY DEALER WHO I PURCHASED TIRES WITH A WARRANTY HAVE NOT HAD THE TIRES FOR A YEAR THEY GAVE ME FREE TIRE AND ROTATION FOR 3500 MI OR MORE AS LONG AS A HAD THE SET THEY WERE NEW WHEN I PURCHASED THEM. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-11
- VIN: 1G4HP54C5KH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE PRESSURE FEEDER AT LH SIDE RUSTED THROUGH THE PLASTIC BRACKET IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL FRAME RAIL IN AUGUST 2005. POOL OF GAS 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER UNDER THE CAR IN CLOSED GARAGE OVERNIGHT. BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH THE SAME SPOT IN JANUARY 2006. LOST BRAKES WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, ROLLED THROUGH A STOP SIGN. FUEL RETURN LINE RUSTED THROUGHOUT SAME AREA ON 4-11-07. POOL OF GAS IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. SERVICE / REPAIR DEALER, VAN ZEELAND IN APPLETON WISCONSIN REPORTED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEMS WITH BUICKS. FIXED A LOT OF THEM. SOME THING WAS WRONG WITH THIS DESIGN, LEADING TO A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. FUEL & BRAKE FAILURE AT 70,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-18
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1989 BUICK LESABRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-14
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREADS SEPARATED ON TWO FRONT TIRES AFTER ONLY 14,582 MILES. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-26
- VIN: 1G4HP14C5KH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, EVERYTHING LOCKED UP ON VEHICLE. COULD NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL NOR TURN VEHICLE OFF WITH THE KEY. DEALER CONTACTED. NLM DEALER FOUND AND REPLACED TCC SOLENOID AND ALL 3 GEAR SWITCHES IN TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE IS LEAKING FUEL DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4HP54CXKH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 55 MPH, VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, CAME DOWN INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR ONTO GUARDRAIL ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND BOUNCED OFF INTO THE MEDIUM STRIP. INSURANCE NOTIFIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATER PEDAL SLIGHTLY VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT A HIGH SPEED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, GEARSHIFT WENT INTO REVERSE AND MESSED UP THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLES STILL IDLES HIGH ON OCCASION. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-07
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT DOOR WINDOW SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4HP52KOWH
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THEY HAVE SPRAYED AND DEODORIZED 5 TI AND ODOR COMES BACK AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS,I'VE BEEN TO DR. ABOUT FOUR TIMES WITH SINUS AND EAR INFECTIONS AND HEAD STOPS UP WHEN A/C COMES ON. PARKWAY SAYS THEY CAN'T TREAT CAR ANY MORE AS WARRANTY IS OUT AFTER 1 YEAR. THE LAST TIME THEY SAID THEY OPENED DRAIN HOLES BUT STILL ODOR HAS COME BACK AND I SEE VERY LITTLE WATER DRAINAGE FROM A/C
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED,CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER REALIGNED THE STEERING SYSTEM. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- VIN: 1G4HP14CXKH
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOORS DO NOT OPEN. MANUAL LOCKS ARE UP AT THE TIME. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-21
- VIN: 1G4HR54COKH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE/JIGGLES.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: 1G4HP14C6KH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. MJS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4HP54C6KH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE REAR POWER WINDOW ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXPLODED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: DG4HP54C1KH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 30MPH, EXPERIENCED ENGINE SHUT DOWN, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-10-01
- VIN: 1G4HR54C6KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FREEZE PLUGS FAILED THREE TIMES. *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G4HR54C4KH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE, THEN FLAMES COMING FROM DASH, RESULT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-12
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE WAS STANDING STILL THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO FULL THROTTLE AND CAUSED ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4HP54CXKH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOESN'T LOCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G4HR54CTKH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER, CAUSING INJURY DURING ACCIDENT. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS OUT AT LOW SPEED, REPLACED AIR INTAKE VALVE CONTROL KIT, TO NO AVAIL, NOW DEALER SAYING THERE IS NO PROBLEM. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AND CAUSED SPILLAGE OF GASOLINE. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-19
- VIN: 1G4HR54CXKH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, APPLIED BRAKE AND CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD, RESULTING IN WAPED/BENT FRONT BRAKES. TT
1989 Buick Lesabre recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Buick Lesabre.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLES MAY HAVE DISCREPANT WELDS IN THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANEL WHICH CAN CAUSE DEFORMATION OF THE PANEL.
- Consequence: INCREASED DEFORMATION OF THE LEFT REAR ROCKER PANELCAN CAUSE THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE NOT TO ACHIEVE THE LOAD REQUIREDBY FMVSS NO. 210.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT KIT.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
- Consequence: IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH VEHICLE BECOMES INVERTEDMISSING VALVE COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT ALLOWED BY FMVSS 301WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Buick Lesabre problems:
Buick LeSabre Problems and Complaints - 33 Issues
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