1998 BUICK LESABRE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

518

Owner Complaints

20 Crashes 64 Fires

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

3

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

The 1998 BUICK LESABRE has received a total of 518 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY. 3 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (54 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe (51 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingengine (40 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE, potentially affecting up to 910,873 vehicles.

Recall 04V090000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

| 910,873 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

518 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 54 1 Crash 28 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 51 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 40 5 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 32 2 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 26 1 Crash 3 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 22 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 21 1 Crash 3 Fires 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 15 1 Crash
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 14 4 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 11
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 11
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 11
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 9
Engine
Complaints: 8
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 5 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 6 2 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 5
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 4 4 Fires
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 4
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 3
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblyrelay
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11527270 | ENGINE | | 231,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Buick LeSabre. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
#11527270 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 231,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Buick LeSabre. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
#11122378 | ENGINE | | 130,000 miles
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?
#11122378 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 130,000 miles
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?
#11042037 | ENGINE | | 90,000 miles
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.

View all Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 BUICK LESABRE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

General Motors, LLC has issued 3 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

98068 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

PRODUCT EMISSION CAMPAIGN REGARDING VEHICLES WITH AN INCORRECT VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL LABEL. *TT

1000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON HARMONIC TYPE NOISE FROM VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *YC

9810007 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON A/C CONTROL HEAD DISPLAYS IN CELSIUS. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 BUICK LESABRE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BUICK LESABRE

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Other BUICK Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report