MYRModel Year Report

1998 Buick Lesabre

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Buick Lesabre
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
400
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1987: 44 complaints 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 191 complaints 1993: 196 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1996: 98 complaints 1997: 394 complaints 1998: 400 complaints 1998 400 1999: 209 complaints 2000: 669 complaints 2001: 328 complaints 2002: 310 complaints 2003: 164 complaints 2003 2004: 162 complaints 2005: 77 complaints 2006: 3 complaints 2006
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 44 complaints 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 30 complaints 1992: 191 complaints 1992 1993: 196 complaints 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1996: 98 complaints 1996 1997: 394 complaints 1998: 400 complaints 1998 400 1999: 209 complaints 2000: 669 complaints 2000 2001: 328 complaints 2002: 310 complaints 2002 2003: 164 complaints 2004: 162 complaints 2004 2005: 77 complaints 2006: 3 complaints 2006
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 16 complaints 1986 1987: 44 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 27 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 191 complaints 1992 1993: 196 complaints 1993 1994: 168 complaints 1994 1995: 178 complaints 1995 1996: 98 complaints 1996 1997: 394 complaints 1997 1998: 400 complaints 1998 400 1999: 209 complaints 1999 2000: 669 complaints 2000 2001: 328 complaints 2001 2002: 310 complaints 2002 2003: 164 complaints 2003 2004: 162 complaints 2004 2005: 77 complaints 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006

1998: 400 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19821
19831
19845
19855
198616
198744
198821
198927
199047
199130
1992191
1993196
1994168
1995178
199698
1997394
1998400
1999209
2000669
2001328
2002310
2003164
2004162
200577
20063

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

51% · 203 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The engine caught on fire and burned some parts while vehicle was warming up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-07

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-27

Fuel system, gasoline

18% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing delivery and carburetor system.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

We preformed a o&c on a 1998 lasabre fire, very mild engine fire which originated at the fuel rail fuel inlet port and was caused by failure of the plastic connector fuel hose connector.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-08

Electrical system

13% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and starter assembly.

CRASHFIRE

Service brakes

7% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I recently purchased this vehicle used. Upon inspection, I discovered that the brake lines are severely corroded and require replacement.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-26

Also filed under Engine

Power train

5% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 400 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
  3. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  4. R
    2004-06-30Fuel system, gasoline04V090000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Buick Lesabre — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 203 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 52 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V090000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Buick Lesabre reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Buick Lesabre is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buick Lesabre?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Lesabre have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.