Model year guide

1996 Buick LeSabre

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Buick LeSabre is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1996 Buick LeSabre — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Buick LeSabre at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints111
Combined20 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Buick LeSabre recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module NHTSA Campaign #95V204000 · 23/10/1995

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." IN ADDITION, OTHER…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System NHTSA Campaign #96V116000 · 01/07/1996

A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Buick LeSabre common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1996 Buick LeSabre MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Buick LeSabre costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Fuel only$15,500
Per mile$0.21

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.

1996 Buick LeSabre trims & engines on record

Trims
Custom
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1996 Buick LeSabre vehicles on record

1996 Buick LeSabre 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K0TH418182 1996 Buick LeSabre 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52KXTH421705 1996 Buick LeSabre 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K5TH405752

Other Buick LeSabre model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1995 1994 1993 1992

1996 Buick LeSabre — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Buick LeSabre have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1996 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Buick LeSabre?

Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, structure, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick LeSabre get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Buick LeSabre at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.