1998 Buick Lesabre Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 400 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 5% of the 400 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Transmission slips after being engaged for 24 miles or more . This happens at start up from a standing stop(stop sign etc.) it has happen only 4 times this year. Dealer unable to say what is wrong or repair needed.has anyone got a idea what it is?”
NHTSA complaint #10071317, filed 2004-01, 98,000 miles“Vehicle was leaking antifreeze. Intake manifold was replaced to stop the leak as well as the transmission was replaced. Dealer, on a previous occasions, repaired a hole in the radiator.”
NHTSA complaint #10053540, filed 2004-01, 58,000 miles“When turning the steering wheel the wheel appears to click or knock. This begam shortly after I had the vehicle in to have the transmission repaired as it was shuddering after stopping and starting. I contacted the service people at the boise larry miller Buick place, where I had transmission fixed. I was told it was not serious and they would check it when I brought it in for service. But it concerns me, and I need to know if it is serious.”
NHTSA complaint #717021, filed 2000-01“After owning the car for approximately 3 weeks I was comuting to ny from my residence in nh. The cars transmission was not responding well. I arrived near finchburg massachusettes when I decided to turn back home. Power and response were very inadequate.my wife called the dealership where I dropped off the car in exeter nh (not the selling dealer..but a Buick/GM dealership that they recommended to have check it out since it was still under the manufacturer warranty. After inspection and a full diagnosis by the certified GM mechanic, he informed me that the transmission was toast . …”
NHTSA complaint #754662, filed 2001-11Related service bulletins
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 7% |
| 2003 | 18 | 11% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 9% |
| 2000 | 24 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 7% |
| 1998 | 20 | 5% |
| 1997 | 33 | 8% |
| 1996 | 6 | 6% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 33 | 17% |
| 1992 | 20 | 11% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Lesabre
196 complaintsFuel system
76 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsBrakes
26 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 30, 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