Model year guide

1997 Buick LeSabre

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Buick LeSabre is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

1997 Buick LeSabre at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints440
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$1,163

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

1997 Buick LeSabre recalls 2

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #96V044000 · 05/03/1996

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE INCORRECT SAFETY BELT AND/OR SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ENDS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FRONT AND REAR SAFETY BELT LATCH ENDS AND SAFETY BELT BUCKLES FOR CORRECT PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT PARTS.

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.

1997 Buick LeSabre common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1997 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.

What's a 1997 Buick LeSabre worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,163
High
$2,300

From 15 comparable 1997 Buick LeSabre listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 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.

1997 Buick LeSabre trims & engines on record

Trims
Custom · Limited
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1997 Buick LeSabre vehicles on record

Other Buick LeSabre model years

1997 Buick LeSabre — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Buick LeSabre have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 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 1997 Buick LeSabre?

Based on 440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, latches/locks/linkages.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick LeSabre get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Buick LeSabre at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 1997 Buick LeSabre worth?

Comparable 1997 Buick LeSabre listings run roughly $650–$2,300, typically around $1,163 (from 15 vehicles).

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