FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
1998 Buick Lesabre
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 400 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Buick Lesabre, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 53 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2004 | 11 | 258 |
| May 2004 | 5 | 263 |
| Jun 2004 | 8 | 271 |
| Jul 2004 | 5 | 276 |
| Aug 2004 | 13 | 289 |
| Sep 2004 | 8 | 297 |
| Oct 2004 | 8 | 305 |
| Nov 2004 | 10 | 315 |
| Dec 2004 | 5 | 320 |
| Jan 2005 | 5 | 325 |
| Feb 2005 | 3 | 328 |
| Mar 2005 | 3 | 331 |
| Apr 2005 | 4 | 335 |
| May 2005 | 3 | 338 |
| Jun 2005 | 5 | 343 |
| Jul 2005 | 2 | 345 |
| Aug 2005 | 2 | 347 |
| Sep 2005 | 2 | 349 |
| Dec 2005 | 1 | 350 |
| Jan 2006 | 1 | 351 |
| Feb 2006 | 2 | 353 |
| Mar 2006 | 1 | 354 |
| Apr 2006 | 1 | 355 |
| Jul 2006 | 1 | 356 |
| Aug 2006 | 1 | 357 |
| Sep 2006 | 1 | 358 |
| Feb 2007 | 1 | 359 |
| Mar 2007 | 1 | 360 |
| Jul 2007 | 1 | 361 |
| Oct 2007 | 1 | 362 |
| Dec 2007 | 1 | 363 |
| Jan 2008 | 2 | 365 |
| Jun 2008 | 2 | 367 |
| Sep 2008 | 1 | 368 |
| Nov 2008 | 1 | 369 |
| Dec 2008 | 1 | 370 |
| Mar 2009 | 2 | 372 |
| Apr 2009 | 2 | 374 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 375 |
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 376 |
| Jun 2010 | 1 | 377 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 378 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 379 |
| Mar 2011 | 2 | 381 |
| May 2011 | 2 | 383 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 384 |
| Oct 2011 | 1 | 385 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 386 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 387 |
| Jul 2013 | 3 | 390 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 391 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 392 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 393 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 394 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 395 |
| Aug 2016 | 1 | 396 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 397 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 398 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 399 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 400 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine20443.8%
- Fuel system7616.3%
- Electrical5110.9%
- Brakes265.6%
- Suspension153.2%
- Steering153.2%
- Transmission143.0%
- Visibility132.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11527270
- Incident
- Oct 15, 2022
- Mileage
- 231,000 mi
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?
- NHTSA ID
- 11122378
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2018
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11042037
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2017
- Mileage
- 90,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED THE ODOMETER MILEAGE OF 99,999, IT FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11012681
- Incident
- May 1, 2017
- Mileage
- 106,000 mi
THE SUB FRAME (SOMETIMES CALLED ENGINE CRADLE) BUSHINGS, RETAINERS, AND THE SUB FRAME ITSELF WHEREIN THEY MOUNT, ARE DECAYED. SOME BUSHINGS AND RETAINERS ARE COMPLETELY MISSING. HAVING INVESTIGATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REPAIR, I HAVE FOUND THAT NEARLY ALL GM CARS WITH THIS MOUNTING SYSTEM ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME MALFUNCTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE, IN THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE CAN FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. IN MY OPINION THIS IS THE RESULT OF A DESIGN OR MATERIALS FAILURE, INCORPORATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED.THE REPAIR COST OF THE PARTS, FROM GM "DEALER ONLY", IS PROHIBITIVE. IS THIS BEING CONSIDERED FOR A MANDATORY RECALL.?
- NHTSA ID
- 10894814
- Incident
- Jul 5, 2016
- Mileage
- 148,000 mi
MY CAR SEEMS TO JUST DIE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING IT THEM YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND WAIT A FEW MINS BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN AND NO BODY SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE TO YOU
- NHTSA ID
- 10825931
- Incident
- Feb 12, 2016
I WAS DRIVING INTO DRIVE WAY AND HEARD A LOUD THUD THEN NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER. I PUT THE CAR UP ON RAMPS AND ALL FOUR REAR SUB FRAME BUSHINGS WHERE MISSING. THIS COMPONENT HOLDS THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND STEERING TO THE CAR.!!!! BEING A TECHNICIAN ,I LOOKED ON LINE TO SEE IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FOUND IT IS VERY COMMON . IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL. THANKFULLY I WAS DOING 10 MPH MANY ON LINE COMPLAINTS TALK ABOUT PEOPLE LOOSING CONTROL. OR THE FRONT END DROPPING FENDERS ON TO TIRES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY. ISSUE AND I HAVE FOUND IT SPANS 1992 TO 1999. GM MODELS. THIS IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS THE IGNITION PROBLEM POSSIBLY WORSE SINCE THERE IS NO WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS. IF YOU CHECK ONLY AT WWW.CARGURUS.COM THEY HAVE A SECTION TITLED { CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE 92-99 BUICK } PLEASE LOOK AND DO SOMETHING BEFORE. SOMEONE IS HURT. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10681368
- Incident
- Feb 4, 2015
- Mileage
- 81,958 mi
I CAME HOME AFTER BIBLE STUDY ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND GOT UP THURSDAY THEN THE SECURITY LIGHT WENT BLINKING. MY HUSBAND HAD THE KEY IGNITION REPLACE THEN BROUGHT NEW KEY BUT CAR STILL WOULDN'T START SO HAD THE CAR TOWED AND REPAIRED. 10 MONTHS AND THREE WEEKS THE CAR DID THE SAME BUT I WAS DRIVING THIS TIME AND IT SHUT DOWN IN THE ROAD WITH ME AND MY CHILDREN. IT WAS FRIGHTEN BUT WE MADE IT SAFELY OUT OF THE ROAD BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPEN. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN . I AM UPSET ABOUT THE PROBLEM. A CAR HAS NO BUSINESS SHUTTING OFF IN THE ROAD WHILE A PERSON IS DRIVING IT ACCIDENT OR NO ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT IN DANGER PEOPLES LIFE. A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR MANY PEOPLE WHOM HAVE THESE CARS MADE BY GM. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10628719
- Incident
- Aug 9, 2013
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
EQUIPMENT
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 40.3 |
| 2004 | 162 | 0 | 0 | 36.7 |
| 2003 | 164 | 1 | 0 | 40.9 |
| 2002 | 309 | 2 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 2001 | 328 | 0 | 1 | 43.0 |
| 2000 | 668 | 5 | 2 | 58.9 |
| 1999 | 209 | 2 | 3 | 62.2 |
| 1998Viewing | 400 | 1 | 2 | 53.9 |
| 1997 | 394 | 2 | 2 | 59.5 |
| 1996 | 98 | 2 | 2 | 56.1 |
| 1995 | 178 | 1 | 0 | 46.7 |
| 1994 | 158 | 0 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 1993 | 194 | 1 | 2 | 53.8 |
| 1992 | 189 | 2 | 3 | 64.2 |
| 1991 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 48.9 |
| 1990 | 46 | 1 | 1 | 51.0 |
| 1989 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 54.4 |
| 1988 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 52.7 |
| 1987 | 40 | 5 | 9 | 66.8 |
| 1986 | 16 | 3 | 11 | 58.2 |
| 1985 | 5 | 1 | 4 | — |
| 1984 | 5 | 2 | 4 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.