1999 Buick Lesabre Problems & Reliability

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re cruising down memory lane or just happen to be in the market for a classic ride, the 1999 Buick LeSabre might have caught your eye. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, this full-sized sedan was a staple of the late ’90s automotive scene. But like any car that’s been around the block a few times, the LeSabre has its quirks and issues. In this post, we’re diving into the common problems you might encounter with this vintage beauty and taking a closer look at its overall reliability. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about how it holds up over time, we’ve got you covered. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The 1999 Buick LeSabre, while generally praised for its comfort and durability, isn’t without its share of mechanical hiccups. From pesky electrical issues to the infamous intake manifold gasket leaks, we’ll explore the typical trouble spots that owners have reported over the years. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! We’ll also highlight the aspects that make the LeSabre a reliable choice for those who appreciate a classic, no-frills driving experience. So buckle up and join us as we navigate the ups and downs of owning a 1999 Buick LeSabre.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Fuel Level Sensor Failure

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre seems to have a recurring issue with its fuel level sensor, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem often leads to inaccurate fuel readings, making it tricky to know when to fill up. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure May Cause Erratic Shifting

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is known to have some issues with the transmission pressure control solenoid, which can lead to erratic shifting. This problem can be a bit of a headache for owners, as it affects the overall driving experience. While the LeSabre is generally a reliable car, this particular issue is something to keep an eye on if youre considering buying one or already own it.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Heating and AC Temperature and Air Delivery Mode Door Actuators May Fail

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre has some issues with the heating and AC temperature and air delivery mode door actuators, which might fail over time. This can lead to problems with controlling the cabin temperature and airflow, making it a bit of a hassle, especially during extreme weather. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car for its overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is known to have some reliability issues, particularly with engine stalling due to problems with the mass air flow or crankshaft position sensors. These sensor failures can lead to unexpected engine shutdowns, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if not addressed promptly. While the LeSabre is generally a solid vehicle, keeping an eye on these components is crucial to maintaining its overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Car Won’t Start Because of Anti-Theft System That Uses Raised-Chip Key

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre seems to have some issues with its anti-theft system, particularly with the raised-chip key, which can prevent the car from starting. This problem can be pretty frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry and your car just won’t cooperate. Overall, while the LeSabre is generally a reliable vehicle, this specific issue with the anti-theft system is something to keep an eye on.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable car, but one common issue that pops up is the check engine light coming on due to a loose or faulty gas cap. This problem is usually easy to fix by simply tightening or replacing the gas cap, so it’s not a major concern. Overall, while it’s a bit of an annoyance, it doesn’t significantly impact the car’s reliability.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Intake Manifold Gaskets Can Develop Engine Oil Leaks

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable car, but one common issue to watch out for is the intake manifold gaskets developing engine oil leaks. This problem can lead to oil seepage and potentially more serious engine issues if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your LeSabre running smoothly despite this known issue.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Control Module (ECM) can fail

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable car, but one issue to keep an eye on is the potential failure of the Engine Control Module (ECM). If the ECM fails, it can lead to various engine performance problems, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re considering this model. Regular maintenance and check-ups can help catch any ECM issues early on.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Hydro-Lock Due to Internal Coolant Leak From Intake Manifold

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre has a notable issue with hydro-lock caused by an internal coolant leak from the intake manifold. This problem can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly, impacting the overall reliability of the vehicle. While the LeSabre is generally known for its comfortable ride and durability, this particular issue is a critical one to watch out for.

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Front Struts May Wear at 75,000 Miles

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable car, but one common issue to watch out for is the front struts wearing out around 75,000 miles. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering buying one or if you’re approaching that mileage. Regular maintenance can help mitigate this problem and keep your ride smooth.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Water Pump May Fail Prematurely

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre is generally a reliable vehicle, but one issue to keep an eye on is the water pump, which may fail prematurely. This problem can lead to overheating if not addressed promptly, so it’s a good idea to monitor the cooling system regularly. Overall, while the LeSabre has its quirks, staying on top of maintenance can help keep it running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • ABS light due to pressure modulator valve assembly failure

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre has a known issue with the ABS light coming on due to a failure in the pressure modulator valve assembly. This problem can affect the overall reliability of the vehicle’s braking system, potentially leading to safety concerns if not addressed. While the LeSabre is generally considered a dependable car, this specific issue is something to keep an eye on if you’re driving or considering buying one.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Rusted Brake lines

Analysis:

The 1999 Buick LeSabre has had some issues with rusted brake lines, which can be a significant safety concern. This problem might affect the overall reliability of the vehicle, especially if you’re driving in areas with harsh winters or where roads are heavily salted. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the brake lines and address any rust issues promptly to maintain safe driving conditions.

Conclusion

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