The contact owns a 1998 Buick LeSabre. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 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.
The worst 1998 Buick Lesabre problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine204
- Fuel system76
- Electrical50
- Brakes26
- Transmission21
- Steering15
- Suspension15
- Visibility13
- Airbags11
- Lights5
- Seat belts5
- Acceleration4
- Body4
- Seats4
- Tires4
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Stalling 61Fire or smoke 30Check engine light 29Overheating 24Won't start 20Engine failure 19Fuel leak 13Fuel smell 8Loss of power 7Misfire 7Fuel gauge 6Transmission failure 6Brake failure 5Seat belt 5
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V090000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
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 source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA02030
Engine compartment fires
PE02050
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Buick Lesabre 53
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
1998 Buick Lesabre fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 21 |
What 1998 Buick Lesabre owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Compare the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Other model years
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006
Questions about the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Is the 1998 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Owners have filed 399 complaints about the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 2.4 times a typical Lesabre model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
Engine and cooling, with 204 complaints, typically around 69,017 miles. Next is fuel system (76).
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Lesabre get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Buick Lesabre range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Buick Lesabre?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history