Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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. …
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!
While driving 65-70 MPH on rough pavement, vehicle was skipping lanes which resulted in loss of control. Consumer stated as he was driving and went through a rough section of the road, the vehicle's rear end began going up and down forcing consumer to lightly apply the brakes, this action caused the vehicle to veer slightly from side to side, consumer relased the brake pedal and was able to bring the vehicle under control, consumer was informed that this is normal for the type of suspension the vehicle has.
While driving vehicle at night the headlights go dim for no reason. Owner has taken vehicle to dealer, and was told its the design of vehicle. Owner further notes that this problem has almost caused accidents. Ses light illuminated. When there is not even 300 pounds in vehicle and going over bumps, it bottoms out, dealer replaced rear springs and weak coil springs. Consumer had to wiggle key to get it out of the door, dealer filed key and lubricated the lock cylinder.
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.
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.
The sub frame bushing is completely rotted. Day it was sold to me passed inspection but on car fax it failed safety inspection? It cracks and creaks when turning left.
Sub frame is completely roated out on the back drive. Complete safty hazard needs recall
Consumer stated that the vehicle was dangerous to drive on the highway because the struts were very bad, consumer was finding it very difficult to keep the vehicle on the road.
Front end misalignment, causing vehicle to pull to the right and premature wear of tires. Also, battery leaked acid, and terminal was worn out to the point of being broken.
Suspension complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Buick Lesabre, 5% of the model year's 394 complaints. The component named most often is rear (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Lesabre suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 157,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.