1998 Buick Lesabre Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 400 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,457miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Buick Lesabre, 3% of the 400 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,457 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was pulling into my garage last night when the rear window on my vehicle shattered into a million pieces. There are no visible holes or dents in the window where something might have hit it. The rear window defroster was operating normally and it was a cold evening. I took pictures with my digital camera and the window is being replaced today.”
NHTSA complaint #10150016, filed 2006-02, 45,000 miles“Vehicle fire/ vehicle destroyed. On several occasions, prior to fire, vehicle would surge then die out at both stops and when slowing down. Also engine had a whining noise. Dealer replaced generator assembly. Fuel filter also replaced. Cleaned throttle body. Brakes made squealing noise. Rear brakes cleaned and adjusted. There was a loud noise in the right rear after hot at stops. Exhaust system misaligned. The mirror compass and rear window were also inoperative. Vehicle was also involved in an accident prior to fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10019740, filed 2003-05, 33,914 miles“On september 21, 2000 I had my Buick Lesabre to the dealer because the rear window defroster did not work. They replaced the module. The defroster than worked. On december 8, 2000, I was on my way home from work. I had my rear window defroster on, but it had shut off. I noticed an awful smell. As I was stopped at a stop light, I looked around for the source of the smell. As I glanced over my shoulder, flames were beginning to come through the panel between the rear window and the side window. …”
NHTSA complaint #739612, filed 2001-01“While driving,in inclement weather windshield wipers come on and off intermittently. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed replacement. This vehicle was not on a recall and the warranty expired. The plastic intake manifold leaked water without unknowingly and would blow out and ingest all of the water from the radiator and also the overflow into the motor.”
NHTSA complaint #10095463, filed 2004-11“Instrument panel glass is concave instead of concurve. Hard to read instruments. Have a blind spot on driver's side window. Cannot see other vehicles when looking outside mirror. Emergency button is not visible to naked eye. Located under steering column out of sight.”
NHTSA complaint #847068, filed 1999-09Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 9% |
| 2002 | 118 | 38% |
| 2001 | 101 | 31% |
| 2000 | 249 | 37% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 3% |
| 1997 | 29 | 7% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 7% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Lesabre
196 complaintsFuel system
76 complaintsElectrical system
50 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
15 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