NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe Problems

1998 Buick LeSabre (Page 3 of 3)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
49,254 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Buick LeSabre exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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1998 Buick LeSabre Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #11

Jul 032003

LeSabre 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,439 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The upper intake manifold gasket corroded and caused coolant to leak from the vehicle. This leakages occurred while driving or parking. The dealer was notified and informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's recall.

- Grafton, WI, USA

problem #10

Jul 282003

LeSabre 6-cyl

  • 69,017 miles
The vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall that was issued regarding the manifold, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. The consumer stated the vehicle ran for five hours, he stopped to get gas and the vehicle failed to restart.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #9

Jul 302003

(reported on)

LeSabre

  • 106,200 miles
Vehicle's "plenium" intake valve (part no. 506cgm4) cracked causing coolant to leak into engine resulting in engine failure.

- Countryside, IL, USA

problem #8

May 192003

LeSabre 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 176,887 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #7

Jun 032003

(reported on)

LeSabre

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,297 miles
Consumer having problems with the intake manifold. While driving the vehicle stalled and lost complete P[ower of the steering and brakes. Manufacture was not contacted at the time of this call.

- Sugar Hill, GA, USA

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problem #6

Apr 022003

(reported on)

LeSabre 6-cyl

  • miles
There was a loud bang, then the engine would not start. The independent shop stated that the problem was the plastic intake manifold that seeped into the engine. Mr scc

- Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #5

Aug 262002

LeSabre 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The plastic intake manifold on my 1998 Buick Lesabre went bad last fall, which cost me over $1,000 to repair. There were about 70,000 miles on the engine at that time. Subsequently, I read an article in a newspaper that said the NHTSA was investigating GM cars with the 3.8 liter engines for engine fires that resulted from these problems with the plastic intake manifold. I am wondering if a recall has been/could be issued, or if there is any way owners of cars with these engines can be reimbursed for the massive repair bills resulting from this engineering defect. Of course I am also very concerned for my safety since I have learned of the propensity for fires with these engines. Thank you.

- Nevada, IA, USA

problem #4

Dec 072002

LeSabre

  • 71,000 miles
Vehicle is leaking oil. The consumer had vehicle serviced by a dealership, who indicated that the upper intake manifold is made of plastic, and the heat of the engine causes a hole in the manifold. This results in the leak.

- Alvaton, KY, USA

problem #3

Nov 282002

LeSabre

  • miles
While driving and without warning intake manifold blewout, making it hard to start vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

problem #2

Feb 102002

LeSabre

  • miles
While stopped for gas, the vehicle smelled hot. The mechanic checked under the hood, and informed consumer that all the water and antifreeze was gone. This happened without any warning. The check engine light did not illuminate. Teh mechanic checked the pressure and filled the radiator and resevoir. An hour later the car would not start and all the water was gone. Consumer had vehicle towed and the owner of the garage showed consumer a plastic manifold on top of the engine with an emission control tube carrying exhaust back into the valve area. The tube had gotten so hot it melted a hole into the plastic allowing the radiator water to run into the valves. Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer where purchased. The service manager knew of the problem but says there is no recall for it. Consumer feels Buick should be responsible for the repairs made to the vehicle.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #1

Apr 232002

LeSabre

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle completely stalls while driving without warning. Dealer stated engine manifold that is made of plastic is cracked and sending fluid through engine, damaging parts in engine. The plastic intake was replaced and the consumer is seeking reimbursement of repair expense.

- Springfield, MO, USA

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