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 1999 Buick Lesabre owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Lesabre. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle 5 -10 minutes later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was malfunctioning. The fuel pump was replaced. After the fuel pump replacement, a strong fuel odor was detected in the vehicle while driving or parked. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel ring was causing the fuel odor. The ring was replaced, but the issue persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who stated that the fuel tank and fuel neck were the possible cause of the continuing fuel odor, and both parts needed replacement. The contact had the fuel tank and fuel neck replaced, but the fuel odor continued. …
The car would occasionally smell like gas during acceleration. It also skipped frequently when going up hill. I was driving down the street when the car stalled. I pulled to the side of the road and the engine compartment erupted in flames. The car was a total loss. It was only after the fire that we discovered that there was a fuel system recall in sept. 2004. I bought the car from a GM dealer in oct. 2004 and never received a recall notice nor was I made aware that there was such a problem with this model.
Consumer was pulling into a parking lot when she heard a loud boom. Then flames came from beneath the vehicle, said a witness. Consumer got out and vehicle caught on fire. In June the consumer received a recall notice which explained the failure that she experienced several months earlier.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Lesabre. The contact noticed a fuel odor and observed fuel leakage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
Recall concerning defect in fuel pressure regulator diaphragm leak. Recall# 04V090000. There was a thump when the vehicle was in motion which had come from the rear when the brakes were applied. This had turned into a severe jolt. Both wheel cylinders were defective and were contaminated and need to be replaced. The defective wheel cylinder leaked fluid into the rear brake assembly. The consumer requested reimbursement.
The vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. The consuemr believes that a fuel pressure recall, which had not been initiated, was the cause of the problem. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer he was told that his vheicle was not included in the recall. Three weeks after settling matter with the insurance company and financial institution the consumer received the recall notice in the mail.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Buick Lesabre. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the fuel pump was replaced. After the repair, the failure persisted and a strong fuel odor was present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Simple facts when rear ended the seats on 1999 Buick Lesabre broke back sending in back seat,seat belt nearly killed me , and the jack placed on the right wing flew in the front seat...... Then in 2002 the car caused a major explosion nearly killing me with a flying Buick sign caught on fire the tires .....etc problem ....intake manifold the car only had little mileage and yes was well maintained
Dt: contact stated from a dead stop and turning left the vehicle did not get enough fuel to make a hard left turn. It just barely moved along, could not get it to accelerate. This happened intermittently close to a year. The dealer stated there were no recalls. The dealer told contact if it happened again to bring vehicle in ,and they might be able to duplicate the problem.
Consumer's vehicle was towed to a dealer for a new starter assembly. While the mechanic was inspecting the vehicle the intake manifold exploded. The mechanic sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital. The cause has not been determined at this time. When the new started was being tested the manifold blew up.
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 1999 Buick Lesabre?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Buick Lesabre, 13% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 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 1999 Buick Lesabre fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 2 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.