1990 Buick LeSabre problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 75 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median LeSabre year — the 1990 model ranks #15 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), brakes (8), and speed control (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other LeSabre years?

LeSabre NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeSabre years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Buick LeSabre problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	13	17%	▲ up
Brakes	8	11%	▲ up
Speed Control	7	9%	— flat
Seat Belts	6	8%	▲ up
Engine	6	8%	▲ up
Fuel System	6	8%	▲ up
Seats	5	7%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	4	5%	▲ up
Steering	4	5%	▲ up
Body & Structure	3	4%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	3	4%	— flat
Transmission	2	3%	▼ down
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	2	3%	▲ up
Lighting	2	3%	▲ up
Suspension	2	3%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	1	1%	— flat
Other	1	1%	— flat

Does the 1990 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF ALL POWER. ALSO, DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP RED. PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK THE PROBLEM HAPPENED TWICE, AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“THE BRAKES ON A 1990 BUICK LESABRE FAILED IN THE DEALER LOT WHEN I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. THEY ASSURED ME THEY WOULD REPAIR THE BRAKES AND CALL ME WHEN THE CAR WAS READY FOR SALE. AFTER THE REPAIR, I PURCHASED THE CAR, BUT THE BRAKES SOON FAILED AGAIN. I THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 20, 2003

“HAD STARTED VEHICLE & SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK UP WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD. VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO HIT PART OF GARAGE & KNOCKED THE CHROME OFF VEHICLE. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 22, 1998 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF ALL POWER. ALSO, DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP RED. PROBLEM OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK THE PROBLEM HAPPENED TWICE, AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED A VEHICLE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET TRYING TO PASS THE FIRST VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS HIT HEAD-ON, CAUSING A CRASH. SHOULDER RESTRAINTS FAILED TO WORK ,LEADING TO INJURIES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 8, 1993 · crash

1990 Buick LeSabre — common questions

Is the 1990 Buick LeSabre reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 75 complaints put the 1990 model at #15 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 LeSabre problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), speed control (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Buick LeSabre under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 1990 compare to other LeSabre years?

What are the most common 1990 Buick LeSabre problems?

Does the 1990 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1990 Buick LeSabre — common questions

Is the 1990 Buick LeSabre reliable?

What are the most common 1990 LeSabre problems?

Does the 1990 Buick LeSabre have recalls?

Is the 1990 Buick LeSabre under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?

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