- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.
- The risk
- The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Buick Lesabre Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 410 complaints about the 1998 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (204) and the fuel system (74). Those complaints describe 15 crashes, 43 fires and 9 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in February 2004 for the delivery. For comparison, the 1997 has 402 and the 1999 has 215.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Lesabre year, for its age
#17 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 410
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 15
- Fires
- 43
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Buick Lesabre problems
Share of all 410 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Buick Lesabre recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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410 complaints about the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 17.
The contact owns a 1998 Buick LeSabre. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V090000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and at various speeds, the engine started to misfire. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local...
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dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved code: P0300 (Multiple Random Cylinder Misfire). The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 231,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I recently purchased this vehicle used. Upon inspection, I discovered that the brake lines are severely corroded and require replacement. On further inspection, I discovered that the engine cradle, bushings, and fastening hardware are severely corroded as well. The rest of the vehicle is not corroded in any way, not even rust belt problem areas. From researching online (including other complaints on this website) both of these issues are common in late 90's gm w-body vehicles. How this has not elevated into a safety investigation by now is troubling to me. Ford was required to recall due to rusting brake lines...... Do people have to die for the nhsta to investigate?
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine cradle was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The vin was not included.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, once the vehicle reached the odometer mileage of 99,999, it failed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The sub frame (sometimes called engine cradle) bushings, retainers, and the sub frame itself wherein they mount, are decayed. Some bushings and retainers are completely missing. Having investigated the requirements for repair, I have found that nearly all gm cars with this mounting system are experiencing the same malfunction. This is definitely a safety issue, in that the engine cradle can fall from the vehicle. In my opinion this is the result of a design or materials failure, incorporated when the vehicle was manufactured.The repair cost of the parts, from gm "dealer only", is prohibitive. Is this being considered for a mandatory recall.?
My car seems to just die while you are driving it them you have to pull over and wait a few mins before it will start again and no body seems to know what the problem could be to you
I was driving into drive way and heard a loud thud then noticed my steering wheel was off center. I put the car up on ramps and all four rear sub frame bushings where missing. This component holds the engine, transmission, and steering to the car.!!!! Being a technician ,i looked on line to see if this was a common problem and found it is very common . If I had continued to drive I would have lost control. Thankfully I was doing 10 mph many on line complaints talk about people loosing control. Or the front end...
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dropping fenders on to tires. This is a major safety. Issue and I have found it spans 1992 to 1999. Gm models. This is just as dangerous as the ignition problem possibly worse since there is no warning before it happens. If you check only at www.Cargurus.Com they have a section titled { critical safety issue 92-99 buick } please look and do something before. Someone is hurt. *Tr
I came home after bible study on wednesday night and got up thursday then the security light went blinking. My husband had the key ignition replace then brought new key but car still wouldn't start so had the car towed and repaired. 10 Months and three weeks the car did the same but I was driving this time and it shut down in the road with me and my children. It was frighten but we made it safely out of the road before anything happen. I don't understand that this problem occurred again . I am upset about the...
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problem. A car has no business shutting off in the road while a person is driving it accident or no accident because it in danger peoples life. A serious problem for many people whom have these cars made by gm. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the rear brakes failed twice and the brake line was leaking. The contact replaced the brakes and noticed that the brake line was severely corroded and unprotected in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower crossarm and four cradle bolts and bushings needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.
Brakes went out, had no pedal at all. Managed to get home. Fluid full. Master cylinder ok. Brake shoes new. Brake fluid not leaking. Oil is leaking, but no brake fluid at all. Cannot find what the problem. Cannot get any pedal on the brakes. *Tr
Observed a strong gasoline odor after driving the car. The cause of the odor was a leak in the nylon fuel pressure line feeding the rear fuel rail on the engine. The leak in the line was caused by the engine shroud. The engine has a removable plastic shroud, and the edge of the shroud was rubbing on the fuel line and eventually cut through the line and created a pinhole leak. *Tr
The first incident of the vehicle cutting off was at a stop light. The vehicle just cut off. The vehicle had to be put in park and the ignition was switched off and turned back on. The vehicle turned back on. The second incident occurred while driving at "45 mph". The vehicle cut off and had no power steering. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road and then put in park. The vehicle turned back on with the ignition key. The second incident occurred while driving at "55 mph". The vehicle cut off and had no power steering. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road and then put in park. The vehicle turned back on with the ignition key.
The vehicle acted like it had a miss, the service engine light came on, flashing, then stopped flashing but remained on. I drove vehicle home, and the next morning it would not start. I had it towed to a shop and the mechanic said that it had hydro locked due to coolant dripping on the piston from a coolant leak at the intake manifold. This is not a cheap repair. *Tr
1998 Buick - lesabre ,the intake plenum had a hole in it because it got to hot,and antifreeze went into the block. Buick has had this engineering problem for a long time. No recall , it cost me $785.76 To have fixed. I want my money back. This is bs. There are 1000s of people that have this car. I have 61502 miles on this car. My mechanic said he has fixed atleast 30 over these problems with the buick-lesabre 1992 and up. Times are hard right now, I don't have his kind of money. I just don't want anyone else to...
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come across this problem, with this engineering problem. Buick needs to call a recall on this problem before someone really gets hurt. Lets help each other out ,and call every news station,paper. And get it resolved. *Tr
I have a 1998 buick lesabre. The car stopped when it was pulled into the garage and when I tried to start it again, it made a screeching sound. The car was towed to a mechanic. The mechanic advised the starter "exploded" because fluid was leaking from the pleneum into the cylinders and starter. The mechanic advised it would cost over $800.00 To repair. *Tr
My son was on his way to pick up my daughter on the 16, of september, 2011 and as he was driving the car shut off. Thankfully he was in a residential area where the speed limit was 35 but had it been elsewhere he would have been in a serious accident. The car cut off he was able to turn the car on after a few minutes and made it home after picking up his sister. Ever since then I have not been able to turn my car on. I asked the dealer and they said I should insert the key turn it on wait a minute and then turn...
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key off. Wait 10 minutes and try to start my car. I did just that and my car is not going on at all. I want to know what is it that I should do next? Very frustrated I need my car for work. *Tt
The fuel gauge on my 1998 buick lesabre automobile is faulty. The gauge gives inaccurate and random fuel level readings while driving. *Tr
1998 Buick lesabre crashed at low speed causing property damage, engine cut out while driving at low speed. Car was declared a total loss, leaving me with bills of over $10,000 for lost car, repairs, insurance. Problem had arisen on and off since acquiring car at 65,000 miles..Twice taken in to gm dealership for this problem. Could not find anything wrong. Problem would disappear for months and then reappear. Numerous mechanics checked and could not find source of problem. After car was declared a total, news...
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story ran about toyota cars stalling out due to defective engine control modules (nhtsa report #pe09054). The defective part was made by delphi..Which was owned by general motors..Makers of the buick lesabre. I contacted gm headquarters to ask if the control module in my part was made by gm/delphi. They refused to answer me, saying that as no recall had been issued and my car was gone,they could do nothing for me. Meanwhile, it turns out that gm did own delphi in 1998, did manufacture those modules, which had to have been in the buick lesabres,and were years later causing identical engine failures in toyotas. Those parts are out there today, waiting for something horrible to happen. Among the 12 summaries you have on your site for electrical problems with buick lesabres, one is even worse than mine "report #9001048 "complete electrical failure on a major highway with a tragedy barely avoided, transmission failure". When I purchased the car at 65,000 miles it had a serious transmission problem as well, which was found and fixed. The electrical problem persisted until the engine cut out while driving at low speed in the middle of the afternoon, on a busy local road. When the engine failed, the brakes failed. I could not stop the car. Quick thinking put me up against a telephone pole so no lives were lost. Many of your other complaints mention complete electrical failure with this car. Investigation anyone? *Tr
I have a 1998 buick lesabre and the car has defective subframe bushings which can cause injury or death. *Tr
I had to make a "panic stop" due to a car running a red light.The brake pedal went almost to the floor before I felt the brakes hold. A brake line had ruptured. Inspection revealed all the lines to and from the power brake unit[6 lines] were rusted badly and will have to be replaced. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that as he started the vehicle, there was an explosion that occurred within the engine. White smoke began to flow from under the hood. The vehicle was shut off and the contact noticed that the manifold had exploded. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 04v090000 (fuel system,...
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gasoline:delivery). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that a fuel leak was present within the engine prior to the failure. The failure and current mileage was 63,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the brakes were applied yet they did not respond. The vehicle proceeded to crash into a row of hedges. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the contact was informed that the brake line was completely rusted. The mechanic replaced the brake lines. In june 2010, the contact noticed abnormal front end noise. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the contact was informed that the stabilizer...
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bar bushings had fractured from the vehicle and the bushings under the cradle were extremely rusted. The bushings were replaced in both areas. Three months later, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the vehicle abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the contact was advised that the fuel sending unit was defective and would need replacing. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000 and the current mileage was approximately 120,000.
I was driving down the street on 6/17/10 when I heard a loud pop. I slowed down to see what happen. I seen nothing but some bolts in the street. I pick them up and got back in the car. There was no way to steer the car just had gas no steering. I looked up under the car and it looked like the engine was falling out of the car. I lifted up the hood and it was along with the steering column. I was two min. Away from getting on the expressway. God was with me if that would have happened on the expressway I might not...
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have been able to write this letter tonight. Rusted bolts with no warning falling off a car a little over ten years old. If they cant get some way to warn people that their bolts could fall off and their steering go out drifting from lane to lane with no control of the automobile, than don't make them. That was my mothers car if I wouldn't have driven it she would have been riding in that car with six children today. She is from atlanta we are in pittsburgh, pa the only roads she takes are the main ones and expressways. I couldn't believe it. We took the car to the shop ill write back when the mechanic tells me what went wrong. *Tr
I am currently the owner of a 1998 buick lesabre with approximately 24,600 miles. I recently had to have the fuel pressure regulator replaced on the vehicle after the car backfired and the service engine light appeared on the vehicle. The engine was chugging and the exhaust smelled like gasoline and burning plastic. At the service shop where I had my car repaired, the mechanic informed me that it was good I brought the car in so soon because this sort of problem if not fixed could have resulted in a possible...
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fire. I contacted buick customer service in regards to the problem and was informed that my specific vehicle was not involved in any recalls and that the fuel regulator in my vehicle was not a part of any buick recalls. When asked if I could receive some documentation that my specific vehicle was not a part of any recalls, I was told that they could not provide me with that paperwork and that anyone else could talk to with buick would tell me the same thing in regards to my vehicle. *Tr
Buick Lesabre: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 322 | 2 | F |
| 2001 | 335 | 0 | F |
| 2000 | 680 | 5 | F |
| 1999 | 215 | 2 | F |
| 1998 | 410 | 1 | F |
| 1997 | 402 | 2 | F |
| 1996 | 101 | 2 | F |
| 1995 | 181 | 1 | F |
| 1994 | 171 | 0 | F |
1998 Buick Lesabre vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Buick Lesabre | 410 | 1 | F | |
| 1998 Buick Regal | 312 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Buick Park Avenue | 246 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Buick Century | 228 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Buick Skylark | 34 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 29 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1998 Buick Lesabre: delivery (February 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (204), fuel system (74), electrical system (49).
How many complaints has the 1998 Buick Lesabre had?
410 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 21, 1998 and the latest on June 15, 2023. Of these, 15 describe a crash and 43 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Buick Lesabre a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 2 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Buick Lesabre year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Lesabre years have the most complaints?
2000 (680), 1998 (410), 1997 (402). See every Buick Lesabre year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Buick Lesabre has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data