1998 Buick LeSabre review from North America
"A piece of Detroit junk!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have had several problems with this car, the most serious thing that has gone wrong with this car is the failure of the intake plenum. This plastic part was obviously defective. It developed an internal leak in a water passage near where the throttle body bolts on. The car had lass than 47000 miles on it. The leak let water into the engine. The engine never got hot, it just simply would not start because of water in the cylinders.
The water pump failed about the same time.
The problems with these plenums is well known and documented, but the local GM dealer refused to do anything about. They said it was because I got the car repaired at a non-Buick dealer.
General comments?
Whatever you do, do not buy a car with the plastic intake plenum.
Recommended reviews
  | 1998 - LeSabre Limited 3.8 6 cylinder Very good; should have been improved, not dropped. The LaCrosse is not a replacement. |
| Manufacturer should be liable for faulty parts |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 6 cylinder Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 47500 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Thunderbird |
| Date of Entry | 1st November, 2003 |