10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 6
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,616 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The 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.
- Chicago, IL, USA
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.
- Austin, TX, USA
The contact owns a 1997 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that there was an explosion in the intake manifold when the vehicle was started. The intake manifold was damaged. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or a mechanic. His VIN is not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system). The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 50,075. Updated 12/12/07
- Winston Salem, NC, USA
: 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.
- League City, TX, USA
Consumer states that on July 1, 2005 vehicle would not start and he thought the battery was dead. When he tried to get a jump and start it the vehicle made a loud backfire noise. At that point, he took the vehicle to an independent repair man, and was told there was recall 96V116000. He went to the dealership and asked about the recall, dealership then checked with General Motors, and was told the recall was for Canada., and because consumer's vehicle was manufactured in the U.S. it would not included in recall. Consumer then called Buick and was told the same information.
- Jackson , MS, USA
Vehicle failed to start due to problems described in recall notice. The problem was due to a cracked intake manifold that caused engine coolant to leak into the cylinder heads. Recall# 96V116000. The consumer never received a recall letter. The consumer is requesting reimbursement.
- Angels Camp, CA, USA
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.
- Lakeland, FL, USA
Engine stalled and then started "using" antifreeze and overheated. The upper and lower intake manifolds were cracked and the local GM dealer couldn't diagnose. An independent mechanic referred to recall#97-C-02 GM (NHTSA #96V116000), and went right to the problem. GM denies a defect or prior knowledge of problems. See complaint #758801, this is addressed in the recall and personal injury warning given to GM mechanics. Public not warned or reimbursed.
- Beckley, WV, USA
Regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused explosion while consumer was starting vehicle, claim 23-1276-311.
- Mankato, MN, USA
Consumer was starting vehicle when a broken gas line caused a fire, the adjuster stated that the regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused an explosion, claim 23-1276-311. Referenced in EA02-030
- Mankato, MN, USA
Regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused explosion while consumer was starting vehicle, claim 23-1276-311.
- Mankato, MN, USA
Consumer was starting vehicle when a broken gas line caused a fire, the adjuster stated that the regulator leaked onto the manifold and caused an explosion, claim 23-1276-311.
- Mankato, MN, USA
Vehicle was difficult to start, then, after starting it would stall right away. Dealer has replaced upper and lower intake gaskets, and fuel pressure regulator.
- Hammonton, NJ, USA
- Lyme, NH, USA