Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
My 1998 Buick Lesabre had a ruptured manifold in June 2003, causing engine to cease and smoke and minor fire. The smoke made myself and my infant son very ill. This was reported to Buick but they refused to reimburse for repair since vehicle was just out of warranty. They told me that the following recall was not in effect: NHTSA recall no. 03V473/GM recall no. 03054 and that my vehicle had no recall. A few months later the engine ceased to start again and it was determined at the Buick dealership that it was a faulty fuel pressue regulator which was replaced. Buick again refused reimbursement although I brought their attention to the current recall on my vehicle. …
I had been losing coolant (2 quarts in 4~6 weeks) without seeing any spots on ground or coolant about engine / radiator. While driving, experienced relatively sudden loss of power, MIL light came on, could not drive greater than 60 MPH, very poor operation and acceleration. Dealer (superior Buick, dearborn michigan) diagnosed problem as blown headgasket. I subsequently had engine remanufactured under dealer premise of head gasket, only to find that the upper intake manifold had failed and allowed coolant to pass into intake passages (reference GM service bulletin 010601007, and ~7a). I was never informed of these bulletins by the dealership, but they are 2 years old.
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.
The battery was low, tried starting the motor a few times in the morning. After waiting all day, charged the battery back up to normal and started the car. A loud bang and flash was noted and then the engine caught fire. Put the fire out with an extinguisher. There was a back fire in the intake manifold, which is made of plastic and it exploded casusing the engine to catch fire. Visual damaged caused by the fire was to the fuel line, air line and wire harness. Vehicle is 4.5 years old and only has 23,000 miles on it.
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.
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.
While attempting to start the vehicle the consumer heard a load pop then smoke began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. Shortly after the vehicle caught on fire. The consumer requested reimbursement. The problem was due to a leaking manifold.
When the vehicle was started, there was an explosion. There was a breakage in the intake manifold and melting on the underside of the engine dumping shroud. A small fire was burned on the engine block when the shroud was removed.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Engine complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 204 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 51% of the model year's 400 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (54 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Lesabre engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 29 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.