1998 Buick Lesabre: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Buick Lesabre: 1 recall, 400 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V090000 · 2004 · 910,873 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 43 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (196): the most common themes are leaks (55), stalls / loses power (51), fire / smoke (39).
- Fuel system (70): the most common themes are leaks (26), stalls / loses power (17), fire / smoke (11).
- Electrical (50): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), electrical failure (10), door / lock issues (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (23): the most common themes are leaks (9), noise or vibration (4).
The 1998 Buick Lesabre has 400 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 17 Lesabre model years for complaints (1.9× the average Lesabre year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (94 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 69,100 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (394 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (209 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Buick Lesabre.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 Buick Lesabre. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners have filed 400 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (196), fuel system (70), electrical (50).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Lesabre get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Buick Lesabre repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.