Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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. …
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. …
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.
After starting the vehicle, a fire started in the engine compartment. The consumer managed to exit the vehicle. There was no warning light. The key was turned to start the engine when the backfire occurred. The service dealer used the old parts that were damaged to repair the vehicle. After the repair, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle needed a new engine from the fire. (the coolant had leaked into the cylinder and caused it to leak) recall#04V090000 the consumer requested reimbursement.
My 1998 Buick Lesabre backfired, then started on fire, after the top of the motor{intake and fuel injectors etc.} were blown off during the explosion. The whole top of the motor was destroyed. Notified GM, and they said they would not help because of a statute of limitations. They know there is a problem!!!
We were the second owner for this vehicle. The original owner purchased the vehicle at a different dealership. When we purchased the vehicle it had around 42,000 miles. After purchase, we experienced an extended crank before the vehicle started that worsened, so on November 25, 2003, my husband and I took the vehicle to the dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased and they did the following: they noted that the fuel pressure regulator and the upper intake manifold was leaking. They replaced the fuel pressure regulator and intake manifold. Further they flushed and filled the cooling system with new coolant, did an oil and filter change and an envirolution engine flush; removed carbon buildup desludge intake manifold; did a fuel system treatment and cleaned the throttle plate pressurized injector cleaned and applied a fuel tank additive. …
NHTSA #: 04V090000 - I own a 1998 Buick Lesabre 3.8l. On 9/27/02 I had a hard starting and stalling problem, taken for service at GM dealer and fuel regulator was replaced. In August 2004 was notified of the recall and took vehicle back to GM dealer to assure the recalled part was not in the car. The dealer told us the car does run a little rough (noted on work order) but the correct regulator was in the vehicle don't worry about it. On October 10,2004 we started having trouble starting the car. On October 11 we made an appointment to take the vehicle in for service on October 18, 2004 to an independent service shop. On Thursday October 14, 2004 and Friday October 15, 2004 the car stalled once each day when moving in traffic at a very slow speed. On Sunday October 17, 2004 while my wife was following me to drop the car off at the repair shop, the car again stalled. …
Dt: the contact took h car to dealer for a recall 04V090000 repairs almost one year ago in August, 2004. He received the recall notice in June, 2004, and the car was repaired on 9-28-04. They damaged the car on the outside and also under the hood. The rear tail light was broken and there was a scratch under the front left headlight. They put red tape over the headlight. The accelerator stuck and the car stalled. This problem immediately followed the recall repairs within one day. The dealer denied anything wrong was done. The recall was in regard to a fuel regulator. As soon as the car returned to the contact it shut off. Recently, the accelerator stuck, and the contact smelled a fuel/exhaust odor that was very strong. The check engine light stayed on n. . …
Vehicle returned for inspection with regard to 04V090 12/13/04 complaints poor performance, fuel economy, hard starting, and use of dexcool anti-freeze since recall performed. Decool anti-freeze entering the intake manifold of engine, and engine oiling system from failure or rupture of upper intake plenum near EGR passage. Anti-freeze has filled engine lifters causing noise/failure, filling combustion chamber causing hydro-locking of engine, could cause catastrophic failure of engine resulting in possible fire or accident. Dealer refused to repair under 04V090 manifold over pressure condition stated replacement of upper & lower intake, lifter, plugs, oil, anti-freeze at a cost of $1,150 on vehicle that had 77,827 when the recall was done, and now has 80,407 mi. Which is less then 3,000. …
I am currently the owner of a 1998 Buick Lesabre with approximately 24,600 miles. I recently had to have the fuel pressure regulator replaced on the vehicle after the car backfired and the service engine light appeared on the vehicle. The engine was chugging and the exhaust smelled like gasoline and burning plastic. At the service shop where I had my car repaired, the mechanic informed me that it was good I brought the car in so soon because this sort of problem if not fixed could have resulted in a possible fire. I contacted Buick customer service in regards to the problem and was informed that my specific vehicle was not involved in any recalls and that the fuel regulator in my vehicle was not a part of any Buick recalls. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Fuel System complaints in other Lesabre years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 19% of the model year's 400 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-090 (delivery, Feb 24, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 8 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.