1998 Buick Lesabre: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 400 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (46% of complaints); the 1996 and 1999 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 400 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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?”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2018
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2017
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.?”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2016
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower crossarm and four cradle bolts and bushings needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2014
“Brakes went out, had no pedal at all. Managed to get home. Fluid full. Master cylinder ok. Brake shoes new. Brake fluid not leaking. Oil is leaking, but no brake fluid at all. Cannot find what the problem. Cannot get any pedal on the brakes. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. The contact stated that the rear brakes failed twice and the brake line was leaking. The contact replaced the brakes and noticed that the brake line was severely corroded and unprotected in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2013
“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. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
“The first incident of the vehicle cutting off was at a stop light. The vehicle just cut off. The vehicle had to be put in park and the ignition was switched off and turned back on. The vehicle turned back on. The second incident occurred while driving at "45 mph". The vehicle cut off and had no power steering. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road and then put in park. The vehicle turned back on with the ignition key. The second incident occurred while driving at "55 mph". The vehicle cut off and had no power steering. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road and then put in park. The vehicle turned back on with the ignition key.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lesabre by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Buick Lesabre reliable?
NHTSA has 400 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Buick Lesabre. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (46% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Buick Lesabre problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 69,269 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.