Model year guide

1998 Buick LeSabre

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Buick LeSabre is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.

1998 Buick LeSabre — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Buick LeSabre at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints454
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$932

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Buick LeSabre recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery NHTSA Campaign #04V090000 · 24/02/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-6…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Buick LeSabre common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 454 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1998 Buick LeSabre MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Buick LeSabre worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$932
High
$1,300

From 11 comparable 1998 Buick LeSabre listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Buick LeSabre costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$400
Total$15,150
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($932) with the same model 3 model-years older ($700), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Buick LeSabre trims & engines on record

Trims
Custom · Limited
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1998 Buick LeSabre vehicles on record

1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K8WH424381 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K3WH487520 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K4WH545506 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K3WH450242 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K0WH427579 1998 Buick LeSabre Limited1G4HR52K8WH462400 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K6WH470792 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K0WH543591 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K6WH511504 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K0WH456287 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K7WH440006 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K9WH470219 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K7WH415686 1998 Buick LeSabre 1998 Buick LeSabre Limited1G4HR52K1WH543867 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K1WH465516 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom1G4HP52K1WH500829

Other Buick LeSabre model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

1998 Buick LeSabre — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Buick LeSabre have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 Buick LeSabre. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buick LeSabre?

Based on 454 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick LeSabre get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Buick LeSabre at about 21 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 1998 Buick LeSabre worth?

Comparable 1998 Buick LeSabre listings run roughly $500–$1,300, typically around $932 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.