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1998 Buick Lesabre

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Lesabre years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Buick Lesabre are substantially higher than the model-year median of 24.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

173 reports with mileage · 227 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 196 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports42 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

400 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineSuspension

THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED AND RUINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. AT LOW MILEAGE THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. *BF RECALL#04V090000 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10109328

77,827 miles · Dec 21, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

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-…

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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. THIS COULD VERY WELL HAVE HYDRO-LOCKED THE ENGINE AT FREEWAY SPEED,OR CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN SEVERE DAMAGE, INJURY, AND POSSIBLE FIRE FROM ENGINE OIL & FUEL HITTING THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10104268

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

AFTER THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL 04V090000 WAS PERFORMED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ANTIFREEZE AND OIL. THE PART #8901 7530 REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE NOISE SOUNDED AS IF THE ENGINE WAS …

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AFTER THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL 04V090000 WAS PERFORMED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ANTIFREEZE AND OIL. THE PART #8901 7530 REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE NOISE SOUNDED AS IF THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO EXPLODED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10103447

57,000 miles · Dec 9, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER RE-FUELING. THE ENGINE CRANKED BUT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IDENTIFIED THE INTAKE PLENUM ( MANIFOLD) AS THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A SMALL HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE OIL TO MIX IN WITH THE WATER/ ANTI FREEZE. THIS PART HAS BEEN UPGRADED IN THE 2002 AND LATER MODEL…

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THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER RE-FUELING. THE ENGINE CRANKED BUT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IDENTIFIED THE INTAKE PLENUM ( MANIFOLD) AS THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A SMALL HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE OIL TO MIX IN WITH THE WATER/ ANTI FREEZE. THIS PART HAS BEEN UPGRADED IN THE 2002 AND LATER MODELS. THE PLENUM PART #FH10095 MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED. *JB....*AK

NHTSA ODI #10103446

69,269 miles · Dec 3, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

REPLACED UPPER INTAKE PLENUM SEALS AND GASKETS, ENGINE OIL AND FILTER, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRE SET. INSTALLED FUEL FILTER, STARTER WOULD NOT TURN OFF (STUCK ON), REPLACED IT. *BF THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A RUPTURED INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT CAUSED WATER TO FLOOD THE ENGINE. THE CON…

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REPLACED UPPER INTAKE PLENUM SEALS AND GASKETS, ENGINE OIL AND FILTER, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRE SET. INSTALLED FUEL FILTER, STARTER WOULD NOT TURN OFF (STUCK ON), REPLACED IT. *BF THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A RUPTURED INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT CAUSED WATER TO FLOOD THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL# 04V090000. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10106645

63,122 miles · Nov 22, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE AFTER PROBLEM OCCURRED. CAR BACKFIRE, CAUSED INTAKE MANIFOLD TO CRACK CAUSING PROBLEMS. *BF RECALL NUMBER: 04V090000 *TC

NHTSA ODI #10103326

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE A LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE EXHAUST MANIFOLD SYSTEM, AND A HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK. ALSO, EX…

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WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE A LOUD POPPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE EXHAUST MANIFOLD SYSTEM, AND A HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK. ALSO, EXHAUST MANIFOLD COVER BLEW OFF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10101240

67,682 miles · Nov 15, 2004
Fuel System, Other

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. *NM CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V090000 WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMTED TO START THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND SAW SMOKE. THE ENGINE REFUSED TO START. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBUR…

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WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. *NM CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V090000 WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMTED TO START THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND SAW SMOKE. THE ENGINE REFUSED TO START. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR 1435.31 THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10101440

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2004
SeatsCrashInjury

ON THE DATE POSTED BELOW I WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP ABOUT 10 FEET BEHIND A BLAZER WHEN I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. WHEN I AWOKE I FOUND MYSELF TO BE IN THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE WITH MY HEAD IN THE REAR WINDOW. I WAS A FULLY RESTRAINED DRIVER PRIOR TO THE ACCI…

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ON THE DATE POSTED BELOW I WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP ABOUT 10 FEET BEHIND A BLAZER WHEN I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. WHEN I AWOKE I FOUND MYSELF TO BE IN THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE WITH MY HEAD IN THE REAR WINDOW. I WAS A FULLY RESTRAINED DRIVER PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND THE STRAPS OF THE BELTS WERE FOUND WRAPPED AROUND MY FEET. THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT HAD BROKEN AND THEREFORE I WAS THROWN FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10098717

76,569 miles · Nov 9, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEE…

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WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10099689

Official recalls

1

04V090000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Feb 24, 2004

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. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.

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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

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 SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline

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 SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

No summary supplied.