Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 245 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.6 times the median LeSabre year — the 1992 model ranks #8 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 91 reports (37% of the total).
245
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
26
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 91 | 37% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 27 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 24 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 23 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 15 | 6% | new |
| Fuel System | 12 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 9 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Consequence
VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
Defect
WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.
Consequence
DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE LEVER RELEASE AND ROADLEVEL. THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING IT TO ROLL, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.
Remedy
REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“IT HAD BEEN RAINING IN A PARKING LOT OF A DEPARTMENT STORE, VEHICLE PROCEEDED OUT OF PARKING LOT. DRIVER'S FOOT SLIPPED OFF BRAKE PEDAL, AND RAN HEAD-ON TO A LIGHT POLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. DUE TO FRONT DAMAGE VEHICLE HAS BEEN…”
“AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 1/2 MILE, AT THE SPEED OF 20 MPH, SAW STEAM COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AS DRIVER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES. WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A SHOPPING CENTER AND STOP THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND BURNED UP IN THE…”
“ENGINE FIRE: PARKED CAR IN LOT, ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF ENGINE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD/FENDER AND GRILL. JUMPED OUT OF CAR, AND WITHIN SECONDS THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN. *AK”
“THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE SEPARATED CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO SPRAY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE WHICH CAUSED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NLM”
“IT HAD BEEN RAINING IN A PARKING LOT OF A DEPARTMENT STORE, VEHICLE PROCEEDED OUT OF PARKING LOT. DRIVER'S FOOT SLIPPED OFF BRAKE PEDAL, AND RAN HEAD-ON TO A LIGHT POLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. DUE TO FRONT DAMAGE VEHICLE HAS BEEN…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 245 complaints put the 1992 model at #8 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (91 complaints), engine (27 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 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.