1997 Buick LeSabre Limited
1G4HR52K3VH432557
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Buick LeSabre Limited (VIN 1G4HR52K3VH432557). Green, sedan/saloon, 3.8L 6-cyl. 262,796 mi reported. Registered in Nc. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report engine and engine cooling trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Listed below the typical range — worth asking why (condition, history or a quick sale).
💵 A fair offer is around $1,163 (typical range $650–$2,300). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1G4HR52K3VH432557, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Buick LeSabre data →
📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 1997 Buick LeSabre worth?
What comparable 1997 Buick LeSabre vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Buick LeSabre with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Buick LeSabre.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Buick LeSabre 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Buick LeSabre costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Buick LeSabre. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM¿S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS. THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURC…
NHTSA #EA02030 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Oct 2002 · closed Mar 2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE02050 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Jun 2002 · closed Oct 2002An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 61
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 61.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Mar 2017Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LESABRE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Buick LeSabre. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Engine
THESE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING THAT CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. ALSO, IF A PERSON WAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPEN, AND THIS BACKFIRE CONDITION OCCURRED, IT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CORRECTION: THE PCM (POWERTRA…
Transport Canada #1996099 · Jul 1996Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 209 - Seatbelt Assemblies. Vehicles may have been assembled with one or more incorrect seat belt and/or seat belt buckle ends. If an incorrect part is used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and incorrect parts replaced.
Transport Canada #1996045 · Mar 1996Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Buick LeSabre
The Buick LeSabre is a full-size car made by the division Buick of General Motors from 1959 until 2005. Prior to 1959, this position had been retained by the full-size Buick Special model (1936–58). The "LeSabre", which is French for "the sabre", was Buick's entry-level full-size car throughout all eight of its generations. The LeSabre was available as a 2-door convertible, sedan or hardtop, a 4-door sedan or hardtop and station wagon throughout its production.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
NHTSA Campaign #96V116000 · 01/07/1996SEAT 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.
NHTSA Campaign #96V044000 · 05/03/1996These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Buick LeSabre, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 26 involved a crash 🔥 44 involved a fire 🚑 26 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 440
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Buick LeSabre.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ENGINE
The contact's friend owns a 1997 Buick LeSabre The contact stated that the hood was difficult to open and close. The latch was in the correct location. The contact stated that while her roommate was driving at 45 MPH, the hood opened and detached. The driver pulled over, and a 2012 Chevrolet crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning ligh…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11574509STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT THE A-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS HANGING DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FRONT SUBF…
NHTSA ODI #11270491ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
THE HORN WILL SOUND WITHOUT PRESSING THE HORN BUTTON(S) WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR UNOCCUPIED. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND IT IS APPARENTLY AN ISSUE FOR MANY OWNERS. PART OF THE AIR BAG CONTRACTS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS PRESSING ON PART OF THE HORN BUTTON. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT IT OFF IS TO PULL THE HORN FUSE…
NHTSA ODI #11121343POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS BETWEEN 30 TO 40 MPH. ALSO AT 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE BEEN TOLD MAY NEED TRANSMISSION. CAR ONLY HAS 56,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BEEN DRAINED. DID NOT HELP. PLEASE ADVISE
NHTSA ODI #11109928LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO HOOK AND LOCK, WHICH CAUSED THE DOOR TO OPEN. THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …
NHTSA ODI #11034699ENGINE
WE WERE DRIVING AND HEARD IT MISSING AND IT STARTED OVERHEATING, SO WE PUT MORE WATER IN AND DECIDED TO COME HOME. SO WHEN WE TURNED AROUND IT DIED 2X THEN THE CYLINDERS LOCKED UP AND IT WOULDNT START. WHEN WE GOT HOME MY HUSBAND FOUND WATER IN THE INTAKE AND THE OIL. SO WE REPLACED THE INTAKE GASKET AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AND IT DID IT AGAIN, BUT THEN IT …
NHTSA ODI #11010873FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED WATER LEAKED INTERNALLY INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBER CAUSING HYDROLOCKING OF ENGINE. UPON RESEARCHING CAUSATIVE ACTIONS I FIND THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT AND HAS REDESIGNED THE FAULTY PARTS BUT DISAVOW ANY CULPABILITY EVEN THOUGH A CONSCIENTIOUS OWNER WHO PROPERLY MAINTAINS THE VEHICLE CANNOT KNOW WHAT IS TRANSPIRING INSI…
NHTSA ODI #10956086STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
SUB FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROATED OUT ON THE BACK DRIVE. COMPLETE SAFTY HAZARD NEEDS RECALL
NHTSA ODI #10928836+ 432 more complaints on record.
