Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1979 LeSabre.
The 1979 Buick LeSabre is recorded as having only two total owner complaints, with the electrical system noted as the top complaint area and the vehicle subject to two recalls. When examining the broader LeSabre lineage from 1990 to 2006, the model’s complaint count peaked in 2000 at 698 incidents and fell to its lowest point in 2006 with just three complaints. This contrast places the 1979 example at the markedly low‑complaint end of the model’s reliability spectrum, indicating a comparatively trouble‑free presence in the lineup.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 218.1 in |
| Overall width | 77.2 in |
| Overall height | 55.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3710 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the LeSabre of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Sport Coupe 5.7L V8 | 12.20 sec | 18.40 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1979 Buick LeSabre recorded only one complaint each in the Electrical System and Latches/Locks/Linkages categories, with no reported crash or fire complaints. In the subsequent federal record from 1990 onward, complaint counts fluctuated but showed a marked increase, peaking at 698 complaints and 5 recalls in 2000 and reaching 454 complaints in 1998. The 1979 model therefore falls at the low‑end of the complaint arc, preceding the generation’s highest complaint volumes. Its limited complaint profile suggests fewer documented safety concerns relative to later years. Consequently, the 1979 year is generally a safer bet for purchase, assuming the vehicle’s condition is verified.
All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF… Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE… Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.