Buick LeSabre Complaints (1998)

400 consumer complaints on file.

#11527270June 15, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11122378August 26, 2018
SERVICE BRAKES, 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?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11042037November 1, 2017
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11012681August 3, 2017
ENGINE, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10894814August 10, 2016
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.?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10825931February 13, 2016
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10681368February 4, 2015
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10628719August 27, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, 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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10615639July 23, 2014
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10587310May 8, 2014
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10532114July 27, 2013
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10523570July 7, 2013
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10522642July 1, 2013
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10479453October 9, 2012
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10467110July 23, 2012
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10430035October 13, 2011
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10425906September 18, 2011
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. *TT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10399971May 11, 2011
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. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10399078May 4, 2011
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? *TR
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10392423March 21, 2011
SUSPENSION:REAR
I HAVE A 1998 BUICK LESABRE AND THE CAR HAS DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME BUSHINGS WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Buick LeSabre