Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have discovered a brake fluid leak from the ABS modulator assembly in my 1997 Buick Lesabre. There is a recall (#00V114000) for this very same problem in 2000 lesabres. This can cause the braking system to malfunction! The recall should be extended to cover earlier years. In the mean time I am going to purchase a new ABS modulator assembly. I fear the new valve assembly will develop the same problem.
Was driving at approximately 55-60 MPH on interstate, attempting to slow down when brake pedal became stuck, pedal did not move, causing the consumer to rearend vehicle in front. Had to downshift and use emergency brake in order to stop. 2 days prior to incident, consumer did experience brake pedal getting stuck, but only for 1 second but then release itself. Dealer cannot determine problem.
When applying brakes brake pedal pushes up against foot and car vibrates making a chattering noise which seems to be coming from the front of the car. It seems the ABS was trying to work even though the pavement is dry.
I had taken this vehicle back to the Buick dealership where I purchased it at 34K miles and told them it had a "miss" and that it "hesitated" driving down the road. They said it was a spark plug and replaced one. The last time I took it to another Buick dealer it needed 4,200.00 to make it road worthy including a new water pump, new transmission, new brakes and rotors. The service code on the car should have indicated failure of these parts when I took it to the first dealer.
1997 Buick Lesabre backfires at startup, engine light illuminates, and the vehicle stalls without warning. There was a whining noise when the vehicle was started and rear brake noise was intermittent. The consumer requested info in reference to warranties related to his make/model.
Rear brakes sound like metal rubbing against metal when coming to a complete stop. Consumer stated that while checking the ball joints again and found that two of the ball joints, one on each side, did not have any grease, which means that the ball joints were worn out.
Windshield wipers will not operate in the wash/mist/delay or low speed mode until they are switched to high speed mode.after the windshield wipers ar eplaced in the high speed mode the other modes will operate correctly. Also, intermittent howling sound when brakes are used.
While driving slow went to apply brakes and heard a groaning noise, the lining was glazed by the weeping. Took vehicle in to be serviced by mechanic. Mechanic noticed that wheel cylinders are weeping and he thinks that they are defective.
Consumer hears an unusually loud "thumping, groaning and crunching" noise when brakes are applied. Also stopping distance has seem to increase greatly when brakes are applied on lightly snow covered roads. Ph
Going 35mph & started to slow down to avoid vehicle in front which stopped suddenly. Had to hit brakes & nothing happened. Rearended vehicle in front. Took to dealer , told no problem was found.
Brake complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 9% of the model year's 394 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Lesabre brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Buick Lesabre, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Lesabre brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.