1998 Buick Lesabre Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 13%of 400 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 13% of the 400 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a Buick Lesabre, custom, 1998, with about 110,000 miles on it. The car was running normally, with no prior problems relating to starting. I drove it out of town, about 80 miles away. It still was fine, starting up with no problem, several times after getting there. However, at a campground entrance, the car refused to start. No click, buzz, nothing. All electronic components, a.c., radio, windows, were fine. The security light flashed every time I tried to turn the key....even after waiting 3 minutes to try again. I even tried a second key, but it didn't help. …”
NHTSA complaint #10275110, filed 2009-06, 110,583 miles“1998 Buick Lesabre crashed at low speed causing property damage, engine cut out while driving at low speed. Car was declared a total loss, leaving me with bills of over $10,000 for lost car, repairs, insurance. Problem had arisen on and off since acquiring car at 65,000 miles..twice taken in to GM dealership for this problem. Could not find anything wrong. Problem would disappear for months and then reappear. Numerous mechanics checked and could not find source of problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10399078, filed 2011-05, 83,000 miles“After taking the vehicle to dealer for a recall repairs, vehicle was cutting off, and the check engine light was on. Vehicle idled roughly. Consumer told mechanic that this problem did not exist prior to bringing it in for the recall repairs, and was told that it would go away on its own. The vehicle transmission failed .”
NHTSA complaint #10081542, filed 2004-08, 102,116 miles“Reimbursement request for 1998 Buick Lesabre recall. The consumer received a recall letter for their vehicle july 2, 2004. Recall #(04v090000 ) regarding fuel pressure regulators. The consumer believed that the repairs done on the vehicle was related to the recall. The consumer reported that when the vehicle was started a grinding noise was heard. Dealer replaced starter assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10091769, filed 2004-09, 35,657 miles“Temperature light illuminated. Consumer stopped and put in coolant. Next, check engine light illuminated , and engine died. Vehicle was towed to dealer. The upper and lower manifolds needed replacement. The dealer also installed a new thermostat and gasket and replaced all six spark plugs.”
NHTSA complaint #10044571, filed 2003-11, 45,943 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10016464Jul 1, 2003Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 | 32% |
| 2004 | 66 | 41% |
| 2003 | 15 | 9% |
| 2002 | 24 | 8% |
| 2001 | 38 | 12% |
| 2000 | 87 | 13% |
| 1999 | 28 | 13% |
| 1998 | 50 | 13% |
| 1997 | 42 | 11% |
| 1996 | 14 | 14% |
| 1995 | 22 | 12% |
| 1994 | 24 | 15% |
| 1993 | 25 | 13% |
| 1992 | 21 | 11% |
| 1991 | 10 | 33% |
| 1990 | 12 | 26% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1988 | 2 | 10% |
| 1987 | 7 | 18% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Lesabre
196 complaintsFuel system
76 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Buick Lesabre
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology