1999 Buick Lesabre: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Buick Lesabre: 2 recalls, 209 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V089000 · 1999 · 99,333 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.
Why it matters: If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state May differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V090000 · 2004 · 910,873 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 20 mention a fire, 19 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (69): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (23), leaks (12), fire / smoke (11).
- Electrical (28): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), fire / smoke (7), electrical failure (7).
- Fuel system (21): the most common themes are fire / smoke (6), leaks (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Suspension (19): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), steering problems (2).
The 1999 Buick Lesabre has 209 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 17 Lesabre model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 212). Complaints peaked in 2004 (34 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 73,353 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (400 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (669 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Buick Lesabre.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Buick Lesabre. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (69), electrical (28), fuel system (21).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Buick Lesabre get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Buick Lesabre repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.