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 1999 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There were no events leading to the failure. The failure was sudden in nature. The failure was the brakes on my car which resulted in a minor (no damage) accident due to lack of stopping power. The brake lines rusted through (pictures available, the lines May still be available) causing nearly complete loss of stopping power. I was able to pull over but did run into shrubbery resulting in minor scratches to the exterior. I had the car brought home and replaced the rusted brakes lines myself with new teflon coated lines to ensure failure would not occur again.
Dt: consumer owns a 1999 Buick Lesabre and while driving the brake lines suddenly cracked. The brake warning light came on afterwards. When trying to apply brake pressure the brake pedal went to the floor, and the brakes were barely responding just enough to slow down. The consumer had to use the emergency brake and low gear to stop. Consumer would try to pump brakes and they would continue to go to the floor. Consumer stopped, inspected underneath the hood, and discovered the brake fluid was very low. There were no obvious leaks from underneath the vehicle at this time. The leak from the brake lines was later discovered at home upon further inspection. Consumer inspected the brake lines and noted there was rust at the area of the ABS unit and along the middle of the car as well. The consumer has not taken vehicle to a dealer or made any repairs at this time.
While performing routine maintenance with my son he noticed all the front brake lines were severely rusted and close to failure. This vehicle previously encountered a burst rear brake line on 5-19-09, mileage at that time was 143,304. See NHTSA odi #: 10269462. All metal brake lines from the master cylinder and to/from the ABS unit and front wheels were replaced to avoid imminent brake failure. Silently rusting brake lines are a potential for sudden and unexpected brake loss, only giving the driver seconds to react.
The brake lines in my 1999 Buick Lesabre have completely rusted through. I was driving home, under normal weather and road conditions, when my brake system light went on. Upon pulling over, I saw a large leak in the brake lines. I managed to get home and upon further inspection, saw all lines were extremely rusted. I will be replacing all brake lines in the car with new ones myself, as it is too costly to do at a shop. The car has 143304 miles and is not old.
Recall concerning defect in fuel pressure regulator diaphragm leak. Recall# 04V090000. There was a thump when the vehicle was in motion which had come from the rear when the brakes were applied. This had turned into a severe jolt. Both wheel cylinders were defective and were contaminated and need to be replaced. The defective wheel cylinder leaked fluid into the rear brake assembly. The consumer requested reimbursement.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that the brake lines were rusted and leaking. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the brakes failed. The contact replaced one brake line. The other three were rusted and seeping through. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000. . ..updated 01-10-14 updated 01/1
The brake line erupted while driving 65 MPH. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer by using the vehicle emergency parking brake. Dealer informed consumer that the brake line erupted due to rust/corrosion. All the brake lines were replaced from pmv to the wheels.
Intermittently when the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle down engine stalled. The dealership performed a diagnostic test, but no failure code was found. The consumer had the vehicle checked by two different dealers who both showed no failure code.
When driving suspension is rough. When appling pressure vehicle shakes. Dealership is aware of problem. Dealer refuses to replace the shocks. Air conditioner leak, dealer replaced compressor shaft seal. Pressure ocntrol solenoid replaced, consumer stated when shifting into reverse or drive, there is a shudder felt at times, dealer replaced the turbine shaft seal because it was worn and again the vehicle jumps when putting into gear as if gear is not engaging, dealer can not remedy this problem. Engine light has illuminated. Front rotors warped causing vibration. Turn signals inoperable, dealer found wire out of terminal.
Dt: the contact stated that when pressing on the gas pedal it hesitated. Also, rear side window will not go up or down. The window on the passenger's side will not go all the way up and it will not seal. Also ,the headlights came on and stayed on. The dealership reprogrammed the light and it came back on. The manifold intake blew out, costing the contact $150 to replace the intake gaskets. The brakes were noisy all the time. When making a left turn the flap will rub the tire, and it caused the tire to blow out .
Brake complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Buick Lesabre, 10% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Buick Lesabre brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 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 1999 Buick Lesabre brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 122,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.