Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1985 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.
6
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
4
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 17% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 17% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Consequence
SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER READ 10 MILES PER HOUR OVER THE VEHICLE ACTUAL SPEED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A WARNING FROM A POLICE OFF WHO INDICATED THAT THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 10 MILES OVER THE 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT. THE CONSUMER ALSO WANTED TO KNOW HOW TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE. *MR *CB *NLM”
“LOST TREAD ON TWO (2) FIRESTONE FR 440 TIRES. RIGHT REAR TREAD PEELED ON 7 APR 2000 AND LEFT REAR TREAD PEELED ON 08 JUL 2000. 1ST HAPPENED NEAR ATLANTA, 2ND IN NORTH FL. SPEED WAS APPROX 70 MPH BOTH TIMES. FIRESTONE PRORATED AND REPLACED BOTH. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R )”
“THROTTLE BECAME STUCK IN OPEN POSITION, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, CONSUMER TRIED TO PRY PEDAL UP, BUT COULD NOT. CONSUMER THEN TURNED ENGINE OFF. THIS WAS SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. *AK”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — 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 1985 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.