1978 Buick LeSabre problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Buick LeSabre — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1978 compare to other LeSabre years?

LeSabre NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeSabre years to avoid →

Does the 1978 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

78V139000EngineJune 13, 1978 · 333,619 units

Defect

THE HUB PORTION OF THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS GENERATED DURING ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS. EVENTUALLY, THE BLADE COULD BREAK APART AT THE HUB AND BLADE PIECES COULD BE PROPELLED INTO THE ENGINE. IF THE HOOD IS OPEN WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE FRAGMENTS WOULD BE FREE TO FLY FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

77V200000Tires & WheelsNovember 16, 1977 · 4,504 units

Defect

THE REAR WHEEL MOUNTING BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, ARE BRITTLE AND THEREFORE MAY FRACTURE. THIS BRITTLENESS IS DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. IF THE BOLTS BREAK, THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE BOLTS ON ALL AXLES AND THE TEN REAR AXLE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLTS, FREE OF CHARGE.

1978 Buick LeSabre — common questions

Is the 1978 Buick LeSabre reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1978 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LeSabre years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 1997, 2001, 2002, 1999, 1993, 1992, 1995, 1994, 2004, 2003, 1996, 2005, 1990, 1987, 1991. The cleanest record among LeSabre years belongs to 1981.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1978 compare to other LeSabre years?

Does the 1978 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

1978 Buick LeSabre — common questions

Is the 1978 Buick LeSabre reliable?

Does the 1978 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?

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