Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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* 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.
I have a Buick Lesabre, custom, 1998, with about 110,000 miles on it. The car was running normally, with no prior problems relating to starting. I drove it out of town, about 80 miles away. It still was fine, starting up with no problem, several times after getting there. However, at a campground entrance, the car refused to start. No click, buzz, nothing. All electronic components, a.c., radio, windows, were fine. The security light flashed every time I tried to turn the key....even after waiting 3 minutes to try again. I even tried a second key, but it didn't help. The tow truck driver tried, and he wiggled the key in the key cylinder and the car started. Drove home, tried to start car again, and it refused to start, no matter how much wiggling we did. Contacted several dealers. …
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. …
The manifold and gasket had to be replaced. I was told coolant was improperly mixing with my oil causing black smoke to be emitted from my exhaust, the car missing and eventually semi-locking. The locking cause the cone of my starter to crack in two when I attempted to re-start to the tune of a $1,500. Repairfor all. Dealer ackowledged they had this problem with other vehicles. The initial stater replaced was discovered defective and was again replaced on June 25, 2003. A complaint to Buick customer service was fruitless and they were not sensitive at all to the problem encountered.
Consumer states that while driving, the vehicle would stall and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified. The vehicle started to loose speed pulled into gas station. The vehicle start again. GM was aware of the problem. The consumers friend had experienced the same problem with the replacement of the manifold gaskets. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the manifold and the starter.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Buick Lesabre. When the contact inserts the key into the ignition to start the vehicle, it fails to start. The dealer replaced the starter, but the failure recurred immediately after the repair. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V090000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.
While driving, consumer could smell exhaust fumes, when turning into a parking lot the smell became worse and the vehicle stalled, the consumer attempted to exit the vehicle, however could not, he had to hit the door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, the entire vehicle was engulfed in smoke, it was stated that the alternator caused the fire and it had just been put on, claim 01-6150-358.
Reimbursement request for 1998 Buick Lesabre recall. The consumer received a recall letter for their vehicle July 2, 2004. Recall #(04V090000 ) regarding fuel pressure regulators. The consumer believed that the repairs done on the vehicle was related to the recall. The consumer reported that when the vehicle was started a grinding noise was heard. Dealer replaced starter assembly.
While driving, consumer could smell exhaust, smell became worse and vehicle stalled, consumer attempted to get out of vehicle, he had to hit the drivers side door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, at this time the entire vehicle was engulfed with smoke, was told alternator started fire and this was just put on vehicle, claim 01-6150-358.
After taking the vehicle to dealer for a recall repairs, vehicle was cutting off, and the check engine light was on. Vehicle idled roughly. Consumer told mechanic that this problem did not exist prior to bringing it in for the recall repairs, and was told that it would go away on its own. The vehicle transmission failed .
Electrical complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 13% of the model year's 400 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Lesabre electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.