1996 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Buick LeSabre has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Upper Intake Manifold Can Break During Starting (Recall 96V116). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Buick LeSabre has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Upper Intake Manifold Can Break During Starting (Recall 96V116), MALL Module Can Disable Required Chimes and Controls (Recall 95V204). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1996 Buick LeSabre has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Upper Intake Manifold Can Break During Starting (Recall 96V116). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
NHTSA Recall 96V116 covers certain 1996 Buick LeSabre vehicles equipped with the 3.8L V6. A backfire while the engine is being started can break the upper intake manifold, causing a no-start condition and possibly an engine-compartment fire. Severity: high.
NHTSA Recall 95V204 covers certain 1996 Buick LeSabre vehicles assembled with a Malfunction Alarm, Lighting and Locking module that may contain a damaged capacitor. The key-in-ignition warning chime and driver-seat-belt warning chime and lamp may not work; other reminder chimes,… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
