My 1998 buick lesabre backfired, then started on fire, after the top of the motor{intake and fuel injectors etc.} were blown off during the explosion. The whole top of the motor was destroyed. Notified gm, and they said they would not help because of a statute of limitations. They know there is a problem!!!
1998 Buick Lesabre: fire, smoke or burning smell
30 of the 399 complaints about the 1998 Buick Lesabre describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 30
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 78,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
The engine light came on. The car was not running hot nor did any other light come on. The engine was running as smooth as it always has. I pulled into a parking lot and let the engine cool. I saw the water was low so I went inside and got water to put in it. I tried to start the car and the engine would not start. White smoke came from the exhaust. I had the car towed to a dealer. They knew what was wrong before they checked the car because they had had other customers with the same problem. After replacing the manifold, gaskets, spark plugs, dexcool, pipe asm, seals, thermostat, starter, oil filter, oil, the car ran again. Of course, I was out $1049.27. That was 12 days ago. Tonight the car began clattering and tomorrow the car will go back to the dealer for more repair. It sounds like the lifters need to be replaced. I believe this should have been recalled and repaired before all the trouble began. I want my money back.
1998 buick lesabre became inoperative and smoke came out of the tailpipe.*mr a small fire emitted form the rear of the truck. The consumer smelled gas for months prior to the incident. The consumer had the fuel pump and filter replaced thinking it would remedy the problem. Recall 04v090000 was issued for this vehicle.
July 11, 2002: we had to have 5 injectors replaced by jordan oldsmobile-buick, hot springs, arkansas. Cost: $709.42. Mileage was 82,260. October 31, 2002: we had to take our car to orr pontiac, cadillac, toyota, hot springs, arkansas, because the car misfired (or backfired) on us. The work order states: customer states that oil light and temp light came on; car was low on coolant and had to add water, said a lot of white smoke came out of tail pipes and had very bad sulfur smell. Intake leaking, flooding cyl with coolant. replaced : two manifolds, coolant, oil, etc. Cost: $1398.66. Mileage: 88,103. November 15, 2002: oil gauge goes to red and engine has knock. Diagnosis was internal engine damageI was told that parts of the engine had been made of plastic and this plastic had melted. Complete new engine. Cost: $4174.94. Mileage: 88,821.
While attempting to start the vehicle the consumer heard a load pop then smoke began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. Shortly after the vehicle caught on fire. *nm the consumer requested reimbursement. The problem was due to a leaking manifold.
The engine back fired and black smoke came out the tail pipe. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, who indicated that the upper and lower manifold broke. As a result, the tail pipe/ tension o-ring/thermostat, and gasket needed to be replaced due to water contamination. The engine had a mixture of water and oil in it. Fuel regulator, coil, and speedometer wires also needed replacement. *ak the spark plugs were contaminated with antifreeze. The engine was contaminated with antifreeze and fuel. Recall#04v090000 the upper intake manifold was broken and burned through and the fuel pressure regulator leaked gas. *sc
When attempting to start the vehicle engine produced a loud bang, then caught on fire. No injuries were reported.
While driving white smoke came from the rear . Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where the mechanic determined that intake manifold leaked coolant onto the engine, and engine needed to be replaced.
Car backfired and engine caught on fire
The key was inserted into the ignition when a loud explosion occurred along with smoke pouring out of the side of the engine area. The consumer was unable to put the fire out. *mr
The consumer attempted to start car when the engine backfired, the manifold exploded and the engine caught fire. *mr *ts
Vehicle stalled / engine caught on fire. Mr. While driving, the vehicle stalled and then caught on fire. The fire department stated the fuel injectors may have been faulty.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Electrical system
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Electrical system
- Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator
- Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a...
- Subject on on-board diagnostic (OBD) system improvements
- Information on spark plug tip erosion calibration PCM reflash
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Buick Lesabre fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
30 of 399 owner complaints about the 1998 Buick Lesabre (8%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
There are 0 recalls and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Buick Lesabre
Stalling 61Check 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
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