Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 264 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.3 times the median LeSabre year — the 1993 model ranks #7 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 83 reports (31% of the total).
264
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
27
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 83 | 31% | — flat |
| Transmission | 36 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 31 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 30 | 11% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 14 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 11 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 10 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN COMING DOWN INTERSTATE 81 ,CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT (65) MPH HIT THE BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE. VEHICLE HIT A PICKUP AND BROKE THE HEADLIGHTS, WENT THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT A DITCH.*AK”
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE POSSIBLY RECALL RELATED. DEALER ADVISED THAT VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V015000. *TT CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED BY GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCT ALLEGATION DEPT. REQUESTING INFORMATION WHETHER OR NOT CONSUMER WAS GOING TO HIRE A LAWYER SO…”
“WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES SHE HAD MADE A TURN AND BACKED UP WHEN SHE SAW FLAMES, CONSUMER HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN FIRE OCCURRED. *SLC”
“WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES SHE HAD MADE A TURN AND BACKED UP WHEN SHE SAW FLAMES, CONSUMER HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN FIRE OCCURRED. *SLC”
“WHILE ACCELERATING FROM STANDSTILL, SOMETHING SIGNALED CRUISE CONTROL TO ACCELERATE, NEVER STOPPED ACCELERATING, TURNED OFF IGNITION TO STOP VEHICLE, TURNED STARTER BACK ON, ENGINE WAS RUNNING WIDE OPEN. DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM, REPLACED SERVO. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 264 complaints put the 1993 model at #7 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (83 complaints), transmission (36 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 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.