Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl 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. …
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?
Vehicle fire/ vehicle destroyed. On several occasions, prior to fire, vehicle would surge then die out at both stops and when slowing down. Also engine had a whining noise. Dealer replaced generator assembly. Fuel filter also replaced. Cleaned throttle body. Brakes made squealing noise. Rear brakes cleaned and adjusted. There was a loud noise in the right rear after hot at stops. Exhaust system misaligned. The mirror compass and rear window were also inoperative. Vehicle was also involved in an accident prior to fire.
Traffic light changed, brake was applied, went to floorboard, nothing happened. Brakes were pumped, nothing happened. Vehicle strikes another vehicle, airbag deploys, automobile continues in a ditch, pops out of the ditch, goes through an empty parking lot, pops onto another street and eventually stops after going over another curb into another parking lot about 1/2 mile from accident. Theory is that ABS malfunctioned which caused regular brakes to fail.
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.
1998 Buick Lesabre experiencing repeat problems with brake equipment. The rear brake cylinder failed and the brakes started to leak brake fluid onto the rear brakes. The dealer replaced the rear brake cylinder. Six months later the rear brake cylinder failed again, which required the rear brake cylinder to be replaced again.
While traveling between 25 and 30 MPH consumer suddenly lost control of steering and braking systems. Vehicle crashed into a tree which stopped the vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle, and repaired unknown component in vehicle which caused this to happen. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
I had to make a "panic stop" due to a car running a red light.the brake pedal went almost to the floor before I felt the brakes hold. A brake line had ruptured. Inspection revealed all the lines to and from the power brake unit[6 lines] were rusted badly and will have to be replaced.
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.
While driving about 55 MPH rear wheels on the driver's side locked up for no apparent reason. Vehicle veered off the road and back on. Everything seemed to be okay. About a half an hour later, this happened again. Vehicle was towed to a dealership. Dealer was not able to find out what caused this problem. Also, master cylinders were changed on both rear brakes on June 3, 2000. Owner not sure if this could have caused the wheel to lock up. When the vehicle jerked sliding to the left, the wheel rim of driver side became bent locking it against the wheel bracket.
Brake complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 7% of the model year's 400 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Lesabre brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Buick Lesabre, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Buick Lesabre brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.