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1999 Buick Lesabre problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Buick Lesabre is engine and cooling, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Lesabre model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
209
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
49
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 1999 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Buick Lesabre

Stalling 30Fire or smoke 14Check engine light 9Won't start 9Overheating 8Loss of power 7Fuel smell 6Power steering loss 6Engine failure 5Sudden acceleration 5

Recalls 2

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

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 26, 1999 · 99,333 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.
Risk
If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

Recall number 99V089000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1999 Buick Lesabre

Defect 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

Engine compartment firesOpened June 13, 2002, closed October 22, 2002

PE02050

Transmission shift lever sequenceOpened May 26, 1999, closed February 8, 2002

RQ99007

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Buick Lesabre 49

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 49 bulletins for the 1999 Buick Lesabre

1999 Buick Lesabre fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylFWD172721

What 1999 Buick Lesabre owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Suspension · IN

As I was driving from the gas station I took a left and as I accelerated, the engine started to vibrate. I I had never noticed this before that day. So proceed to take my time carefully back to work. I examined the undercarriage of my 99 lesabre custom and that's where I noticed that the drivers side subframe bushings have all but fell out due to severe rust. Thankfully the passenger side is still firmly attached. Upon further research, this is a common problem with gm cars of this era and the dorman replacement parts are readily available. Had this component failed on both sides the engine and transmission would have fallen out and caused an accident or worse. I am still trying to figure out if this is a recall issue or just a bad choice of vehicle design by gm and their lack of concern for the publics well being. These subframe bushings should have been or should be a viable recall concern today. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Filed Feb 23, 2018 · Airbags · 205,000 miles · FL

I was sitting at a red light when my air bag from the steering column deployed in my face. I did not hit anything. It was on or about 1/25/18. About a week prior to this event my horn began to steadily blow inexplicably. I did not have any reason to suspect anything other than a malfunctioning horn so I disconnected the wires to the horn. When the air bag deployed about a week later I concluded the air bag was inflating inside the steering wheel applying pressure to the horn sensor. I took it to the dealer who, after weeks of investigation, concluded they could not do anything to repair it and suggested I call general motors customer assist center. After reviewing pictures, (no one actually physically looked at it) gm decided corrosion to the sensing module caused the problem. I contend they have a defective valve which overtime began leaking gas into the air bag, hence the issue with the blowing horn.

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 buick lesabre. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle 5 -10 minutes later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was malfunctioning. The fuel pump was replaced. After the fuel pump replacement, a strong fuel odor was detected in the vehicle while driving or parked. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel ring was causing the fuel odor. The ring was replaced, but the issue persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who stated that the fuel tank and fuel neck were the possible cause of the continuing fuel odor, and both parts needed replacement. The contact had the fuel tank and fuel neck replaced, but the fuel odor continued. The manufacturer and the local buick dealer were not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed May 22, 2017 · Body, Brakes · 276,262 miles · MI

Vehicle was brought in for a full fuel line replacement. Technician reported that the body and sub-frame are corroded to the extent that the vehicle should not be driven on the road.

Filed Apr 28, 2017 · Fuel system · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 buick lesabre. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. After the repair, the failure persisted and a strong fuel odor was present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 25, 2016 · Airbags · 58,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the air bag deployed independently while the vehicle was parked. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag and air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case on the contact's behalf. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. ....updated 0711/16 *bf

Filed Jul 22, 2015 · Fuel system · 169,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 buick lesabre. The contact noticed a fuel odor and observed fuel leakage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

Filed May 11, 2015 · Electrical · CA

1999 buick lesabre. Consumer writes in regards to defective ignition switch- anti theft wiring issues. *smd the consumer stated the ignition switch had to be replaced. An examination revealed that one of the anti-theft wires was broken and the second wire had the protective insulation coating cracked through to the copper wire. It appeared that rotation of the cylinder had chafed over time and compromised the integrity of both wires and the cause the security dash light to illuminate and the vehicle not to start.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Airbags · 169,000 miles · IN

Driving north on avon rd, plainfield in, both air bags deployed for no reason. It blew the drivers hands off the wheel going 45 miles per hour. Did not crash. The passenger has bruises on leg. It happened early evening, still light outside, good weather. No warning what so ever.

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Engine · 80,000 miles · WI

My car is a 1999 buick la sabre with a 3.8l engine. July/20/2012 my car had 80,000 miles on it when my engine started to miss. When I got it looked at by my friend I was told there was coolant in the cylinders. The engine had problems with the intake plenum leaking coolant, because of the egr system. He then fixed the car. On november 20, 2014 my engine had 138,000 miles when it overheated on the highway. I found no coolant in the reservoir with coolant in the oil. When my friend looked at my car he said it was the plenum again, but this time the coolant in the oil may have wiped the main bearings. The overheating may have also warped the cylinder heads. He told me at the least there was damage done to the bearings. Being upset I looked online for information to find that this problem is common with that engine. Also that gm didn't acknowledge the problem. Has gm finally admitted to faulty manufacturing? Even if my car is fixed I no longer feel safe driving it. It may leave me on the road in winter someday with my young son. Or worse, stalling on the highway with loss of power steering. Can someone please help? I am a single mother going to college and money is tight.

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Questions about the 1999 Buick Lesabre

Is the 1999 Buick Lesabre reliable?

Owners have filed 209 complaints about the 1999 Buick Lesabre, 1.3 times a typical Lesabre model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Buick Lesabre?

Engine and cooling, with 73 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is electrical (28).

How many recalls does the 1999 Buick Lesabre have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.

What year does the Buick Lesabre have bad engine?

The Buick Lesabre model years with the most engine complaints are 1998 (204 complaints), 1997 (120 complaints) and 2000 (96 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Buick Lesabre get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Buick Lesabre range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 27 highway.

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