1996 Buick LeSabre Custom
1G4HP52KXTH421705
Vehicle history report for the 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom (VIN 1G4HP52KXTH421705). Silver, sedan/saloon, 3.8L 6-cyl. 42,091 mi reported. Registered in Fl. 2 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Buick LeSabre data →
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Buick LeSabre.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Buick LeSabre costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1G4HP52KXTH421705
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
NHTSA Campaign #95V204000 · 23/10/1995FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
NHTSA Campaign #96V116000 · 01/07/1996We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Buick LeSabre, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 111
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Buick LeSabre.
AIR BAGS
WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP ON A CITY STREET BEHIND A CITY BUS WHICH WAS LOADING PASSENGERS WITH NO COLLISION OR CONTACT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG CAUSED BURNS TO THE PASSENGER'S HAND AND BOTH KNEES. IT ALSO CAUSED DEEP CONTUSIONS ON THE LEFT KNEE, CAUSING DIFFICULTIES WITH WALKING.
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11204263ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A TUNE-UP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKETS, UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #10824228ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA ODI #10731069ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HAD TO REMOVE DOME LIGHT BULBS BEAUSE IT DOESNT TURN OFF, THE LIGHTS ON THE REAR ST TIMES AND I'V JUST BOUGHT A SECOND BATTERY 3 DAYS AGO BECAUSE THE LIGHTING PROBLEM CAUES THEM TO BURN OUT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS WILL FADE OUT. MST TIME IT DOESNT AND I CAN'T TURN THEM OFF MANUALLY EITHER. JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10644183EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COURTESY LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AT ANY TIME EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO EXHIBIT A CHIMING NOISE, CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DEN…
NHTSA ODI #10422642ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE, THE ENGINE DROPPED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE AND BUSHING WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FA…
NHTSA ODI #10422504STRUCTURE
THE SUBFRAME RUSTED AND DROPED OUT OF THE CAR, CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE STEERING AND SENDING IT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC . *TT
NHTSA ODI #10411918STRUCTURE
1. WHILE DRIVING A BUICK LESABRE ON DRY, SMOOTH, HARD-SURFACE ROAD... IN AN INSTANT... 2. ALL STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP WITH BRAKES. NO DEATH, NO INJURY, NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE 3. THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WERE FOUND BROKEN... THIS ALLOWED THE STEERING MECHANISM TO BECOME DISCONNECTED.... THE BOLTS …
NHTSA ODI #10335454+ 103 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 1G4HP52KXTH421705 valid?
1G4HP52KXTH421705 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1996 Buick LeSabre.
Does the 1996 Buick LeSabre have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 2 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1996 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1996 Buick LeSabre get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Buick LeSabre at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).
Data last checked 14 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.