Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||||
| 03054 | 05/17/2004 | 10007859 | Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator. *mj | 07/13/2004 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||||
| 98003 | 02/01/1998 | 600193 | Information on spark plug tip erosion calibration pcm reflash. *yc | 04/29/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 990604037 | 09/01/1999 | 608390 | Subject on on-board diagnostic (obd) system improvements. *mjs | 11/26/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||||
| 57 | 07/01/2003 | 10016464 | Wire 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. *tt | 09/13/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 83000 | ||
| 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 dissapear for months and then reappear. numerous mechanics checked and could not find source of problem. after car was declared a total, news story ran about toyota cars stalling out due to defective engine control modules (nhtsa report #pe09054). the defective part was made by delphi..which was owned by general motors..makers of the the buick lesabre. i contacted gm headquarters to ask if the control module in my part was made by gm/delphi. they refused to answer me, saying that as no recall had been issued and my car was gone,they could do nothing for me. meanwhile, it turns out that gm did own delphi in 1998, did manufacture those modules, which had to have been in the buick lesabres,and were years later causing identical engine failures in toyotas. those parts are out there today, waiting for something horrible to happen. among the 12 summaries you have on your site for electrical problems with buick lesabres, one is even worse than mine report #9001048 complete electrical failure on a major highway with a tragedy barely avoided, transmission failure. when i purchased the car at 65,000 miles it had a serious transmission problem as well, which was found and fixed. the electrical problem persisted until the engine cut out while driving at low speed in the middle of the afternoon, on a busy local road. when the engine failed, the brakes failed. i could not stop the car. quick thinking put me up against a telephone pole so no lives were lost. many of your other complaints mention complete electrical failure with this car. investigation anyone? | |||
| 06/11/2009 | 110583 | 1 | |
| 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. the tow truck driver tried, and he wiggled the key in the key cylinder and the car started. drove home, tried to start car again, and it refused to start, no matter how much wiggling we did. contacted several dealers. they all said it was probably the contact wires in the ignition cylinder that read the key's resistance and send an o.k signal to the fuel system and the starter. (the internet says they are famous for breaking/malfunctioning in gm cars) they said it would cost about $400 minimum to replace the key cylinder. also, if the security module needed replacing, it could cost about $1000.00. i had the car towed to a local mechanic. he put in a resistor between the two contact wires coming out of the key cylinder. did not need to remove the steering wheel at all. (incidentally, one dealer even insisted there was no by-pass method of fixing the problem.) all keys work now. security light acts normally, does not stay on all the time. remote fob works o.k., too. *tr | |||
| 07/16/2008 | 65000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick lesabre. when the contact inserts the key into the ignition to start the vehicle, it fails to start. the dealer replaced the starter, but the failure recurred immediately after the repair. the manufacturer stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 04v090000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 65,000. | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 85000 | 12 | 01/10/2002 |
| No injuries. engine stops or stalls at various times. nothing has been done to correct the problem. | |||
| 08/20/2004 | 92000 | 5 | 07/20/1998 |
| 1. it stalled out many time while driving. no engine check light comes on after restarting. 2. this is a dangerous situation while driving on busy big city freeway at rush hour. 3. the problem was fixed by replacing the crank position sensor | |||
| 05/07/2005 | 48111 | 3 | |
| Betwen 47,111 and 49817 miles engine has stall three times and after complete stop i re-started engine right away, there no warning lights during stall at control panel. | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 4 | ||
| Problems regarding a 1998 buick lesabre. *mr recall# 04v090000. the vehicle had been to the dealers three times. the fuel regulator was replaced. the vehicle died while the vehicle was in motion, the battery cable was loose and the pcm needed calibrating, and the starter was bad. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/16/2003 | 45943 | 1 | 08/10/1998 |
| 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. *ak the dealer also installed a new thermostat and gasket and replaced all six spark plugs. *nlm | |||
| 03/17/1999 | 2 | 09/12/1998 | |
| Vehicle is experiencing many electrical problems, including the dashboard lights were inoperative, parking lights shorted out several times, alternator failed , wiring between the door and body frame shorted, and left rear window motor shorted. spark plugs, headlamp switch, battery were replaced. *tt | |||
| 1 | |||
| The vehicle has experienced serious electrical failure while driving which could have resulted in accident. *mjs | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle experienced a complete electrical failure while driving. nlm | |||
| 12/06/1999 | 11 | 01/10/1998 | |
| A complete electrical failure on a major highway with a tragedy barely avoided, transmission failure | |||
| 11/01/1998 | |||
| Electrical system malfunctioned, causing the dome light to come on after vehicle was turned off for about 15 minutes. also, had heavy gas fumes entering vehicle caused stomach aches and headaches to the occupant. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 07/08/2004 | 102116 | 1 | 09/01/2003 |
| 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. *ak the vehicle transmission failed . *nm | |||
| 06/09/2004 | 3 | ||
| While driving vehicle stalled. driver tried to restart the vehicle and was unable to do so. vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that battery and alternator needed to be replaced and mechanic replaced them. however, the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving, consumer could smell exhaust fumes, when turning into a parking lot the smell became worse and the vehicle stalled, the consumer attempted to exit the vehicle, however could not, he had to hit the door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, the entire vehicle was engulfed in smoke, it was stated that the alternator caused the fire and it had just been put on, claim 01-6150-358. *slc | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving, consumer could smell exhaust, smell became worse and vehicle stalled, consumer attempted to get out of vehicle, he had to hit the drivers side door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, at this time the entire vehicle was engulfed with smoke, was told alternator started fire and this was just put on vehicle, claim 01-6150-358. *slc | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving, consumer could smell exhaust fumes, when turning into a parking lot the smell became worse and the vehicle stalled, the consumer attempted to exit the vehicle, however could not, he had to hit the door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, the entire vehicle was engulfed in smoke, it was stated that the alternator caused the fire and it had just been put on, claim 01-6150-358. *slc | |||
| 05/26/2000 | 1 | 03/14/1998 | |
| Consumer stated the generator assembly was replaced.*jb | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving, consumer could smell exhaust, smell became worse and vehicle stalled, consumer attempted to get out of vehicle, he had to hit the drivers side door several times with his shoulder until the door gave way, at this time the entire vehicle was engulfed with smoke, was told alternator started fire and this was just put on vehicle, claim 01-6150-358. *slc | |||
| 10/12/1998 | 1 | 01/02/1998 | |
| Regulator failed. yh | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 1 | 12/30/1997 | |
| Alternator failed. *yc | |||
| 03/17/1999 | 1 | 05/19/1998 | |
| Alternator replaced due to noise. mjs | |||
| 1 | 10/29/1997 | ||
| Repair starter terminal for neutral switch from transaxle. mjs | |||
| 03/17/1999 | 1 | 05/19/1998 | |
| Alternator replaced due to noise. mjs | |||
| 08/20/1998 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Generator failed. | |||
| 09/16/1998 | 1 | 01/02/1998 | |
| Alternator making noise. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 06/09/2004 | 3 | ||
| While driving vehicle stalled. driver tried to restart the vehicle and was unable to do so. vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that battery and alternator needed to be replaced and mechanic replaced them. however, the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 01/28/2001 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Details sent via email to webmaster. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 4 | 08/26/1999 | |
| Brake lights go out due to a short in the wiring. dealer has replaced the fuse, brake light switch and turn signal switch, but problem keeps reoccurring. *ak *ml | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 11/01/2001 | |||
| I believe i have a problem with the vats . the system has failed preventing me from starting the car. i have checked the fuses and one was blown but that goes to the electronic level control (hence a second problem) itiallally the car failed to start after jiggling the key it started. the security light remained on the whole way home. came home shut the car down and started back up again. later that evening my wife took the car to the store, where it failed to start. she called me i promptly responded with 2 of my children in tow. after checking fuses, reading the owners manual and disconnecting the battery, jiggling the key the car started...thank goodness. then we got home and it died. yesterday i checked all fuses to verify, its not that..finally determining its in the ignition system relating to the lock cylinder. i have an extended warranty and hope the dealer will fix it. today i have continued to poke around and attempted to start it..successfully after jiggling the ignition/key. do you know if this is a common problem for this vehicle? unfortunately we do not know if it will start again. this is not a pleasant situation. do you know what might cause the lock cylinder to do this? will this require new passkeys?*ak | |||
| 04/05/1998 | 2 | 01/02/1998 | |
| Engine failed due to spark plugs burning and computer malfunction. | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 2 | 03/31/1998 | |
| Ignition coil failure causing vehicle to stall and backfire. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 3 | |||
| Engine quits after starting and also when cruise control is engaged because the vehicle's computer programing failed. yh | |||
| While driving 60 mph with the cruise control engaged vehicle completely shutdown without warning, cause unknown. dealer reprogrammed the computer which did not correct the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 04/05/1998 | 2 | 01/02/1998 | |
| Engine failed due to spark plugs burning and computer malfunction. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 01/27/2004 | 79160 | 3 | |
| The ignition switch has malfunctioned. as a result the vehicle is unable to start. the cause has yet to be determined. please provide additional information. *nm | |||
| 12/07/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that it will be hard to start the vehicle and they will have to try numerous of time before the vehicle will start. dealer notified. ts | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 09/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer dissatisfied with the reimbursement of the intake manifold repair kit and nothing else. (nar) *ph the consumer was only partially reimbursed for repairs made prior to receiving the recall notification on the faulty intake manifold. the consumer also had to replace the vehicle's starter. *nm | |||
| 04/27/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving normally and making a left hand turn vehicle shut off. vehicle was taken to a repair shop in order to fix the starter.*ak | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 35657 | 1 | |
| Reimbursement request for 1998 buick lesabre recall.*mr 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. *tc | |||
| 09/29/2003 | 97925 | 1 | 12/23/2001 |
| Intake manifold melting. loss of coolant. replace plastic intake, plugs, starter, oil and filter, pcv valve, coolant. plus towing bill and shop labor. gm defect. gm knows it, gm should reimburse for repair cost. *la | |||
| 06/03/2003 | 70731 | 2 | 07/09/2002 |
| Consumer states that while driving, the vehicle would stall and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. dealer notified. *ph the vehicle started to loose speed pulled into gas station. the vehicle start again. gm was aware of the problem. the consumers friend had experienced the same problem with the replacement of the manifold gaskets. the consumer requested to be reimbursed for the manifold and the starter. *scc *nlm | |||
| 11/01/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that starter is defective. when starting vehicle it makes a popping noise then car cuts off. dealer replaced no. 3 spark plug wire. problem was resolved temporarily, but now is occurring again. ts | |||
| 11/19/2002 | 18700 | 39 | 05/25/1998 |
| The vehicle would stall without warning. dealer was aware of the problem. ts consumer also had a problem with the starter not disengaging. *jg | |||
| 07/28/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2098 | |
| Gm made their intake manifolds out of a plastic resin on the buick 3800 v6 engine. they routed the egr valve through it which causes a heat build up that wraps the intake manifold allowing coolant to go into the engine. my repair bill was $803.76 plus one starter $189.00 that broke when the engine siezed. from reading on the internet this is a common problem with the engines with the plastic manifold. the dealer that fixed my car aid yes it was a design problem and that he had another car of the same make and model as mine in the same morning as mine. same problem and that he had one the week before. in my case the engine did not lock up as i as going down the highway but this could be a dangerous problem for someone going down the highway and thier engine locks up. *ak | |||
| 01/08/2001 | 1 | 01/01/1999 | |
| Dealership advised intake manifold was cracked and starter was bad. i had just parked this vehicle two hours prior to attempting to start it again and it would not crank. i question why they are allowed to use a plastic intake manifold as this is an area that gets very hot at times. i used to be a mechanic for several years and think that buick made an error by producing engines with plastic manifolds. i have purchased new buicks on and off for the past 35 years and this is the first problem i have ever had with an engine. referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - RELAY | |||
| 1 | 08/25/1998 | ||
| Relay switch failed caused vehicle starting problems. yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - SOLENOID | |||
| 05/19/2003 | 176887 | 1 | 03/11/1998 |
| The manifold and gasket had to be replaced. i was told coolant was improperly mixing with my oil causing black smoke to be emitted from my exhaust, the car missing and eventually semi-locking. the locking cause the cone of my starter to crack in two when i attempted to re-start to the tune of a $1,500. repairfor all. dealer ackowledged they had this problem with other vehicles. the initial stater replaced was discovered defective and was again replaced on june 25, 2003. a complaint to buick customer service was fruitless and they were not sensitive at all to the problem encountered. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 05/30/2003 | |||
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning smoke was coming inside of the vehicle though the vents. please fill in additional information. dealer is aware of the problem.*ak | |||
| 04/28/2000 | |||
| Consumer was traveling about 25mph. upon approaching a red light she heard a loud bang coming from the hood area. then she noticed smoke and flame s coming from under the hood. *ak | |||