Check a VIN

1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems

76 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 77,827. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
76
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
77,827
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Delivery
    26
  • Carburetor system
    11
  • Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    8
  • Fuel injection system
    5
  • Delivery: fuel pump
    3
  • Storage: tank assembly
    2
  • Storage: fuel gauge system
    1
  • Fuel injection system: injectors
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Buick Lesabre fuel system problems in other years

1990199520002005

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fuel leak 13Fuel smell 8Fuel gauge 6

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported February 24, 2004 · 910,873 vehicles affected
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

Related investigations

Engine compartment firesOpened October 22, 2002, closed March 9, 2004

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

What 1998 Buick Lesabre owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 231,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Jul 7, 2013 · Fuel system · 163,885 miles · FL

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.

Filed May 11, 2011 · Fuel system · 114,000 miles · MI

The fuel gauge on my 1998 buick lesabre automobile is faulty. The gauge gives inaccurate and random fuel level readings while driving.

Filed Jan 25, 2011 · Fuel system · 63,000 miles · TX · fire

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 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v090000 (fuel system, 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.

Filed Sep 14, 2010 · Body, Brakes · 119,000 miles · NY · crash

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 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.

Filed Mar 1, 2010 · Fuel system · 24,581 miles · IL

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 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.

Filed Apr 19, 2009 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · MI · fire

The fuel supply line rusted get in to the plastic fiting and gasoline was leaking at the gas tank.

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 92,000 miles · WI · fire · 1 injury

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!!!

Filed Jun 4, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 26,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact noticed oil in the antifreeze bucket in the vehicle. When the vehicle was taken to the mechanic, he was informed that the cooling coils had burst in the radiator. Currently, antifreeze has settled on the engine block. The vehicle was tested for a pressure leak and the mechanic was unable to find one. The contact was informed that the intake gasket failed. The federal safety agency campaign id number 04v090000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery) was referenced. The current mileage was 31,000 and failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 06/25/08. *lj updated 06/25/08

Filed Oct 21, 2007 · Fuel system · MA

Leaking fuel sender and corroded brake lines.

Questions about the 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system

Does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have fuel system problems?

Owners have filed 76 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 19% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 77,827 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V090000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Buick Lesabre have the most fuel system problems?

The Buick Lesabre model years with the most fuel system complaints are 1998 (76 complaints), 2000 (60 complaints) and 1997 (40 complaints).

Other 1998 Buick Lesabre problems

Engine 204Electrical 50Brakes 26Transmission 21Steering 15Suspension 15Visibility 13Airbags 11Lights 5Seat belts 5Acceleration 4Body 4Seats 4Tires 4Driver assistance 1Locks 1Wheels 1

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