Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Buick Lesabre. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the rear driver side seat belt webbing tightened independently around the child's body. The occupant sustained a fractured back and torn spine. In addition, there was injury to the abdomen. The injuries required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was rear ended while stopped at a red light and then pushed into the car stopped in front of me and transported to emergency room. The safety belt on my 1997 Buick Lesabre ltd did not hold me back during the collision and I was thrown face first into my steering wheel. This resulted in a severely broken nose, severe facial contusions and bruises. I am told by Buick dealer repair personnel that a Buick Lesabre must be traveling at 25 MPH in order for seat belts to lock and hold the driver back. The seat belts on both the driver and the passenger side of my car can be pulled out and almost reach the windshield while the car is stopped and while driving it. I have also discussed the accident with several persons who have been involved in similar accidents in different make cars. They stated that their seat belts did hold them back and that they did not sustain any injuries. …
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.
Front driver's seat belt broke. It was the same defect as stated in recall 96V044000. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer. However, the VIN was not included the recall.
When riding in the vehicle and trying to get the seat belts to stay around the consumer, the front and the rear seat belt straps are too short to be pulled out and to go around the consumer.
Seat belt design problem; the buckle part of the seat belt is so short that it is extremely difficult for an adult to buckle the belt.
Rear seat belt buckles located under the passengers on outside seating, making it almost impossible to buckle by persons using them.
Passengers seat belt locks/tightens while driving, creating discomfort for passenger, is designed this way to secure child seats.
Driver's side seat belt buckle ,plastic part, fell apart when fastening together. Please describe details.
Rear seat belt design causes occupant to sit on buckle, they are too close to seat and difficult to fasten.
Related recalls
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
These vehicles were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or safety belt buckle ends. This does not conform with the requirements of FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
Seat Belt complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 6% of the model year's 394 complaints. The component named most often is front › buckle assembly (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Lesabre seat belt problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-044 (buckle assembly, Mar 5, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Lesabre seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seat belts 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.