Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Intake manifold failed water leaked internally into combustion chamber causing hydrolocking of engine. Upon researching causative actions I find that general motors is aware of this defect and has redesigned the faulty parts but disavow any culpability even though a conscientious owner who properly maintains the vehicle cannot know what is transpiring inside a composite materials intake manifold,many have been known to burst into a fire and destroy the vehicles. One would tend to believe this to be a significant safety threat that should be addressed in a recall to replace this recognized failure of significant numbers,I that would warrant manufacturers replacement to provide safe transportation. By the grace of god I noted the vehicle acting up and returned home just as the engine quit and now is hydrolocking due to coolant filling combustion cylinders.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle back fired causing an explosion when an attempt was made to turn vehicle on. The vehicle was rendered un-drivable and was towed to dealers for service. The dealers determined that a leaky fuel regulator caused the back fire that destroyed upper intake of manifold, which could also lead to fires. The dealers replaced the fuel regulator and upper intake manifold. The manufacturer was also contacted to see if vehicle was part of a recall. The manufacturers determined the vehicle was not a part of the recall.
When consumer starting the vehicle there was a huge explosion, then fire broke out under the hood. When the fire department arrived the battery was still smoking, and the engine and wires were burnt. Recall 96V116000 was issued for the fuel carburetor manifold intake. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. The contact smelled a very strong odor of gasoline. In addition, the steering wheel would shake while driving at any speed. While performing a routine inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that half of the radiator fluid was missing. He added more radiator fluid and noticed that fluid continue to disappear in the vehicle every four days. After numerous refills of radiator fluid, he took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the upper intake manifold needed to be replaced. In addition, the water pump needed to be replaced and the main gas line was leaking, which caused the strong odor. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The contact believes that the vehicle should be included in the recall. …
I have a gasoline leak at the joint where the fuel line from the fuel tank sending unit join the fuel line that connects the fuel filtering front of the right side rear wheel. After discovering the odor of gasolione coming from the rear of the car, the only action I have taken is to take my vehicle to a Buick dealer for diagnosis. Even though the fuel line shows significate corrosion, Buick has denied responsibility because of the mileage on this car. I have requested relief from Buick thru general Buick customer assistance only to be denied again,today, 10/19/2004. I have been told by Buick that I am responsible for the cost of this repair (value between $400-$750). In my opinion, fuel leaks of any nature should not present an issue to the consumer for life of automobile. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a coolant leak. An authorized dealer stated that they needed to remove the engine in order to repair the coolant leak. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred and began to stall only in the morning. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure after two attempts. The vehicle was take to a local mechanic who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact paid $850 to have the vehicle repaired and was still experiencing the failure. The contact also had the vehicle inspected by a third mechanic who also stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,844. The current mileage was 58,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. When the contact placed the key into the ignition and attempted to start the vehicle, the engine exploded with a very loud noise. He shut off the vehicle and checked the engine. When he opened the hood, he noticed that the intake manifold and the engine cover were shattered into many pieces. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that he never saw a vehicle with this type of defect. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The contact believes that the vehicle should be included in the recall since the failures are identical. The vehicle is still at the shop and has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 13,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. He also noticed a strong odor of gasoline. He inspected the vehicle and noticed a large puddle of gasoline underneath the front end of the vehicle. While attempting to start the vehicle, more gasoline leaked. He notified the dealer and they stated that although he was experiencing the same failure, his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). He would have to pay for the repairs on his vehicle. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. When the contact started the vehicle, he heard a loud noise. After examining the vehicle, he discovered that the intake manifold failed. The contact called the dealer who stated that there were no related recalls. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in recall 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) and that they would not offer any assistance with the expenses. The vehicle will be repaired when the complaint was filed. The current and failure mileages were 66,212.
I turned the ignition to start my car on 1/17/2008 at approximately 8:30a and heard a very loud pop and smoke started coming out from under the hood. I looked under the hood and found that the engine cover and intake manifold were both shattered. I researched online and found a recall pertaining to this exact issue, recall number 96V116000; additionally, I found another recall pertaining to faulty safety belts, recall number 96V044000. I am currently looking into repair costs because I was told by the Buick corporation that there is a recall but my VIN is not included for some unexplained reason.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
Fuel System complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 10% of the model year's 394 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-116 (fuel injection system, Jul 1, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 9 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.