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.
Buick Lesabre fuel pump problems
29 of the 3,607 owner complaints about the Buick Lesabre describe fuel pump failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 29
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $892
- typical mileage
- 65,062
By model year
- 20041
- 20031
- 20022
- 20012
- 20005
- 19994
- 19984
- 19971
- 19963
- 19953
- 19941
- 19921
- 19901
Often reported together
Stalling 9Loss of power 3Fuel smell 2Fuel leak 2Fuel gauge 2Fire or smoke 2Won't start 1Transmission failure 1
What owners say
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.
The vehicle stalls without warning. It sometimes stalls while at a stoplight or while driving down the road/highway. I have had a complete tune up along with a fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, air mass sensor and god knows what else. I have tried to find out who else has had the problem and they are many and the only common factor is that no one has found a resolution. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Replaced fuel pump and sender because of erratic levels 6 months later same problem arrose
I've owned 5 buick lesabres, and continue to run two of them (2002 lesabre with about 180,000 miles, and 2004 lesabre with over 80,000 miles VIN: [xxx] for the 2004, and [xxx] for the 2002). Both currently owned lesabres have fuel gauge problems. My 2002 showed erratic inaccurate readings, but now is flatlined at empty, even if the tank has just been filled. My 2004 is showing the opposite reaction, showing full, even after a full trip should be sending it toward an empty reading. Something similar happened on a previous lesabre I owned, and cost me a new fuel pump & gauge running nearly $500. This is obviously a common occurrence if I've had it occur on 3 of five lesabres I've owned. It's also a very common complaint on the internet. Just recently on the 2002, I ran out of gas in the middle of heavy traffic due to gas gauge inaccuracy. Fortunately it was a low speed region. However, had I run out of gas in rush hour traffic surrounded by 18 wheelers, this could have lead to traumatic injury or death. 1 failure ... I could tolerate, and was willing to pay for it without complaint ..... But 3 out of 5 lesabres !!!???? That's a design defect or manufacturing defect. I am seeking a recall on buick lesabre gas gauge units information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
When the lesabre was reliable; it was reliable. However, when issues started to occur, they were massive. At approx 90k miles the transmission went with no warming and was instantly. After that the car still had issues with the drive, transmission and gears. The fuel pump and intake manifolds have been replaced. As of 2014 I continue to have issues with this vehicle. It currently runs very hard and when idle and in traffic (very scary) will randomly cut off with zero warning or even begin to smoke. There is the correct amount of oil and antifreeze. The car will randomly smoke as well. I have been to the mechanic several times trying to figure out the main issue so that it can be repaired. This is extremely frustrating. Anyone have any solutions? I keep reading plenty of owners with the same issue(s) so I find it hard to believe that gm/buick has not done a recall on parts for the engine, transmission, etc.
When I try to start some times it wont start I have to play with the key for 10 min I don't get any power at all I can here the fuel pump turn on and nothing happens then starts I play with it starts right up then the other thing I notice is when it rains it makes an awful squealing noise.
The insulation on the wires of the fuel sending unit, inside the fuel tank, melted to expose bare wiring causing fuel pump to short out. Signs of excessive heat melting the wiring harness/connector, inside the fuel tank, also obvious. Signs of this happening include fuel gauge indicator showing past the full mark and voltage indicator being pulled down to between 7 and 9 volts.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick lesabre. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a coolant leak. An authorized dealer stated that they needed to remove the engine in order to repair the coolant leak. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred and began to stall only in the morning. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure after two attempts. The vehicle was take to a local mechanic who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact paid $850 to have the vehicle repaired and was still experiencing the failure. The contact also had the vehicle inspected by a third mechanic who also stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,844. The current mileage was 58,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 buick lesabre. The vehicle has bridgestone insignia sl, size p/205/75/r15 tires. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a strange sound coming from the vehicle and the engine began to lose power. He pulled to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to a local auto shop. A professional technician noticed that the tread from the passenger side tire had completely separated from the tire. As a result, the tread from the tire became trapped underneath the vehicle, which damaged the engine and fuel pump system. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the cost of $1,900. The contact has pictures of the failed tire. The failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 05/29/08.
Related recalls
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
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
- Risk
- This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Recall number 96V116000 · Recall details
Questions about the Buick Lesabre fuel pump
Which Buick Lesabre years have fuel pump failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (5 complaints), 1998 (4 complaints) and 1999 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix fuel pump failure on the Buick Lesabre?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $892 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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