Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
While accelerating up to speed from a stop, all of a sudden there was a noticeable thump, the steering was erratic, the car vibrated and shook. The power steering was inoperable. We slowly drove the car home (2 miles) and upon examination, we discovered the engine cradle frame was hanging down, only a few inches from the ground. The engine cradle mounting washers (2 on each side) had rusted thru, allowing the rear of the cradle to drop. I also noticed the right side sway bar was broken off at the mount on the lower control arm. The entire front suspension and wheel assemblies are fastened to this cradle, so that's why the steering became erratic - there was no longer any solid attachment to the car. After carefully examining the attachment points, it is obvious that this is a serious safety and structural design flaw. These cars should be recalled for the safety of the public. …
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. …
Was driving car and it started steering hard drove home approx 35 miles to find the k frame washers had rusted off and the engine was not being support. Has it fixed and same thing happened again going less than 5 MPH and steering went out and on inspection the front and lower frame mounts had fallen and car has been parked every since because I can not find parts that are reasonably priced! I was on the interstate doing 70 MPH 10 mins prior to the last incident could have been a bad result. Have read about these problems in a forum someone started on google, cant believe there was never a recall!
Tl contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. While making a right turn, the contact heard a noise and felt the steering wheel continue to turn in her hand. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they stated that the vehicle's engine cradle washers rotted; therefore, the vehicle could not be steered. The GM manufacturer was called and they stated that they would make a note and wait for others to call about the failure. The failure mileage was 139,623. Updated 04-17-09 updated 04/20/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. While traveling 15 MPH the contact noticed a loud thump noise coming from the front end, seconds later the vehicle lost all steering power. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 120000.
During normal operation of vehicle while traveling at any speed steering column assumes a different center position approximately 90% of the time, dealership examined vehicle and determined that one of the steering mounting bolts was loose, and another mounting bolt was twisted out of position, dealer replaced the bolt, and corrected the problem. Consumer stated the rack & pinion bolt was completely broken.
Attaching bolt (drivers side) holding the power steering rack and pinion to the cradle broke, allowing the rackand pinion steering to shift in the right side mouning bracket. Bolt showed no stretching or shear force causing it to fail. Bolt hardened to 10.9 (on head of bolt) bolt is unavailible until middle of May due to number changes. (tells me something is wrong somewhere ! ).
At any speed consumer would feel slackness in the steering column. Dealer said shaft was worn out. Dealer replaced bottom and top steering. Dealer claimed that eventually it would have caused consumer to lose control.
Had taken vehicle in for routine maintenance at independent mechanic. Was informed that a bolt to rack and pinion steering had broken , and bushings had worn out. Bolt nut was sitting there, looked like it was welded.
While driving vehicle the steering wheel pulls to the right and there is a lot of vibration in the steering. The vehicle was at the dealer four times but the problem still exists. The vehicle was lemon.
Steering complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 6% of the model year's 394 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Lesabre steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 143,000 miles.
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.