Owners have filed 518 complaints
about the 1998 Buick Lesabre with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Buick Lesabre. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 92
17.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
5423.6%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
5122.3%
Engine
4017.5%
Delivery
2611.4%
Cooling System
229.6%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
146.1%
Carburetor System
114.8%
Automatic Transmission
114.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
83.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3115.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6833.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5526.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3316.0%
150,000+ miles
94.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1998peak 23Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Buick Lesabre
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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 VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Recalls on the 1998 Buick Lesabre
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200328340,397 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, a combination of a low battery condition and fuel in the upper intake manifold while the ignition key is activated at engine start could cause an elevated rate of manifold over-pressurization events. The operator may experience a loud bang / intake backfire that could rupture the intake manifold, resulting in emitting dust from under the hood and a no-start condition. If this event were to occur, and if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel pressure regulator.
Recall 199912811,876 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1101 - Emission Device. Vehicles were built with incorrect emission control labels. The emission control (tune up) labels have an incorrect emission vacuum hose routing schematic. Correction: Dealers will install a new vehicle emission control label on the radiator support.
Recall 19980344,789 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. IMPROPER CALIBRATION OF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAN RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED SPARK KNOCK, SETTING AN MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP), MISFIRE, ROUGH IDLE, AUDIBLE KNOCK AND/OR POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. CORRECTION: VEHICLE PCM WILL BE REFLASHED WITH NEW CALIBRATION SOFTWEAR.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 83,000 milesLarchmont, NYCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1998 BUICK LESABRE CRASHED AT LOW SPEED CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE, ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS, LEAVING ME WITH BILLS OF OVER $10,000 FOR LOST CAR, REPAIRS, INSURANCE. PROBLEM HAD ARISEN ON AND OFF SINCE ACQUIRING CAR AT 65,000 MILES..TWICE TAKEN IN TO GM DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PROBLEM WOULD DISAPPEAR FOR MONTHS AND THEN REAPPEAR. NUMEROUS MECHANICS CHECKED AND COULD NOT FIND SOURCE OF PROBLEM. AFTER CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL, NEWS STORY RAN ABOUT TOYOTA CARS STALLING OUT DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE CONTROL MODULES (NHTSA REPORT #PE09054). THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS MADE BY DELPHI..WHICH WAS OWNED BY GENERAL MOTORS..MAKERS OF THE BUICK LESABRE. I CONTACTED GM HEADQUARTERS TO ASK IF THE CONTROL MODULE IN MY PART WAS MADE BY GM/DELPHI. THEY REFUSED TO ANSWER ME, SAYING THAT AS NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED AND MY CAR WAS GONE,THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. MEANWHILE, IT TURNS OUT THAT GM DID OWN DELPHI IN 1998, DID MANUFACTURE THOSE MODULES, WHICH HAD TO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUICK LESABRES,AND WERE YEARS LATER CAUSING IDENTICAL ENGINE FAILURES IN TOYOTAS. THOSE PARTS ARE OUT THERE TODAY, WAITING FOR SOMETHING HORRIBLE TO HAPPEN. AMONG THE 12 SUMMARIES YOU HAVE ON YOUR SITE FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH BUICK LESABRES, ONE IS EVEN WORSE THAN MINE "REPORT #9001048 "COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH A TRAGEDY BARELY AVOIDED, TRANSMISSION FAILURE". WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AT 65,000 MILES IT HAD A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AS WELL, WHICH WAS FOUND AND FIXED. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL THE ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON, ON A BUSY LOCAL ROAD. WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED, THE BRAKES FAILED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. QUICK THINKING PUT ME UP AGAINST A TELEPHONE POLE SO NO LIVES WERE LOST. MANY OF YOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS MENTION COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THIS CAR. INVESTIGATION ANYONE?
NHTSA complaint #10399078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesDallas, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE ENGINE. WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO FLOW FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MANIFOLD HAD EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A FUEL LEAK WAS PRESENT WITHIN THE ENGINE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #10378580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesSuffern, NYCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED YET THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A ROW OF HEDGES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. IN JUNE 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED ABNORMAL FRONT END NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BUSHINGS UNDER THE CRADLE WERE EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN BOTH AREAS. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesSuffern, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED YET THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A ROW OF HEDGES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. IN JUNE 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED ABNORMAL FRONT END NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BUSHINGS UNDER THE CRADLE WERE EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN BOTH AREAS. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesSuffern, NYCrash
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED YET THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A ROW OF HEDGES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. IN JUNE 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED ABNORMAL FRONT END NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BUSHINGS UNDER THE CRADLE WERE EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN BOTH AREAS. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesSuffern, NYCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED YET THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A ROW OF HEDGES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. IN JUNE 2010, THE CONTACT NOTICED ABNORMAL FRONT END NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE BUSHINGS UNDER THE CRADLE WERE EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED IN BOTH AREAS. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 231,000 milesSpringfield, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 complaint #11527270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 231,000 milesSpringfield, MO
ENGINE
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 complaint #11527270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCroswell, MI
ENGINE
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 complaint #11122378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCroswell, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11122378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesValparaiso, IN
ENGINE
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 complaint #11042037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesAntioch, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11012681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesAntioch, TN
ENGINE
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 complaint #11012681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesWinchester, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 complaint #10894814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Liberty, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #10825931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,958 milesVero Beach, FL
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10681368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallassee, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10628719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallassee, AL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10628719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallassee, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10628719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesWheeling, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJackson, MI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10587310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,414 milesIndependence, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10532114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,885 milesMelbourne, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10523570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,980 milesCharlotte, NC
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,240 milesFriendship, AR
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE ACTED LIKE IT HAD A MISS, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FLASHING, THEN STOPPED FLASHING BUT REMAINED ON. I DROVE VEHICLE HOME, AND THE NEXT MORNING IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT IT HAD HYDRO LOCKED DUE TO COOLANT DRIPPING ON THE PISTON FROM A COOLANT LEAK AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS IS NOT A CHEAP REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10479453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,502 milesClearwater, FL
ENGINE
1998 BUICK - LESABRE ,THE INTAKE PLENUM HAD A HOLE IN IT BECAUSE IT GOT TO HOT,AND ANTIFREEZE WENT INTO THE BLOCK. BUICK HAS HAD THIS ENGINEERING PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME. NO RECALL , IT COST ME $785.76 TO HAVE FIXED. I WANT MY MONEY BACK. THIS IS BS. THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS CAR. I HAVE 61502 MILES ON THIS CAR. MY MECHANIC SAID HE HAS FIXED ATLEAST 30 OVER THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE BUICK-LESABRE 1992 AND UP. TIMES ARE HARD RIGHT NOW, I DON'T HAVE HIS KIND OF MONEY. I JUST DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM, WITH THIS ENGINEERING PROBLEM. BUICK NEEDS TO CALL A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT. LETS HELP EACH OTHER OUT ,AND CALL EVERY NEWS STATION,PAPER. AND GET IT RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10467110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 1998 BUICK LESABRE. THE CAR STOPPED WHEN IT WAS PULLED INTO THE GARAGE AND WHEN I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, IT MADE A SCREECHING SOUND. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE STARTER "EXPLODED" BECAUSE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE PLENEUM INTO THE CYLINDERS AND STARTER. THE MECHANIC ADVISED IT WOULD COST OVER $800.00 TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10430035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLehigh Acres, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER ON THE 16, OF SEPTEMBER, 2011 AND AS HE WAS DRIVING THE CAR SHUT OFF. THANKFULLY HE WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 35 BUT HAD IT BEEN ELSEWHERE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CAR CUT OFF HE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR ON AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND MADE IT HOME AFTER PICKING UP HIS SISTER. EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TURN MY CAR ON. I ASKED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I SHOULD INSERT THE KEY TURN IT ON WAIT A MINUTE AND THEN TURN KEY OFF. WAIT 10 MINUTES AND TRY TO START MY CAR. I DID JUST THAT AND MY CAR IS NOT GOING ON AT ALL. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS IT THAT I SHOULD DO NEXT? VERY FRUSTRATED I NEED MY CAR FOR WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10425906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesFranklin, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 1998 BUICK LESABRE AUTOMOBILE IS FAULTY. THE GAUGE GIVES INACCURATE AND RANDOM FUEL LEVEL READINGS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10399971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesLarchmont, NYCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1998 BUICK LESABRE CRASHED AT LOW SPEED CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE, ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS, LEAVING ME WITH BILLS OF OVER $10,000 FOR LOST CAR, REPAIRS, INSURANCE. PROBLEM HAD ARISEN ON AND OFF SINCE ACQUIRING CAR AT 65,000 MILES..TWICE TAKEN IN TO GM DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM. COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. PROBLEM WOULD DISAPPEAR FOR MONTHS AND THEN REAPPEAR. NUMEROUS MECHANICS CHECKED AND COULD NOT FIND SOURCE OF PROBLEM. AFTER CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL, NEWS STORY RAN ABOUT TOYOTA CARS STALLING OUT DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE CONTROL MODULES (NHTSA REPORT #PE09054). THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS MADE BY DELPHI..WHICH WAS OWNED BY GENERAL MOTORS..MAKERS OF THE BUICK LESABRE. I CONTACTED GM HEADQUARTERS TO ASK IF THE CONTROL MODULE IN MY PART WAS MADE BY GM/DELPHI. THEY REFUSED TO ANSWER ME, SAYING THAT AS NO RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED AND MY CAR WAS GONE,THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. MEANWHILE, IT TURNS OUT THAT GM DID OWN DELPHI IN 1998, DID MANUFACTURE THOSE MODULES, WHICH HAD TO HAVE BEEN IN THE BUICK LESABRES,AND WERE YEARS LATER CAUSING IDENTICAL ENGINE FAILURES IN TOYOTAS. THOSE PARTS ARE OUT THERE TODAY, WAITING FOR SOMETHING HORRIBLE TO HAPPEN. AMONG THE 12 SUMMARIES YOU HAVE ON YOUR SITE FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH BUICK LESABRES, ONE IS EVEN WORSE THAN MINE "REPORT #9001048 "COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH A TRAGEDY BARELY AVOIDED, TRANSMISSION FAILURE". WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AT 65,000 MILES IT HAD A SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AS WELL, WHICH WAS FOUND AND FIXED. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL THE ENGINE CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON, ON A BUSY LOCAL ROAD. WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED, THE BRAKES FAILED. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. QUICK THINKING PUT ME UP AGAINST A TELEPHONE POLE SO NO LIVES WERE LOST. MANY OF YOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS MENTION COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THIS CAR. INVESTIGATION ANYONE?
NHTSA complaint #10399078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSouth Euclid, OH
SUSPENSION:REAR
I HAVE A 1998 BUICK LESABRE AND THE CAR HAS DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10392423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.