Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1982 Buick LeSabre — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES CRUISE CONTROL WILL DISENGAGE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO TAKE OFF. *AK”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1982 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.