Five problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1998 Buick Lesabre. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The belt tensioner is made of plastic which broke disabling the car which had to be towed. Oil leak came from lower intake manifold gasket, gathered around bottom at oil pan, upper intake manifold gasket, also made of plastic leaked antifreeze into engine. Tensioner was replaced with same plastic because it has not been re-designed,same with the intake manifold gasket, therefore, it will give the same problem in the future. A lot of other people are having the same problem and gm refuses to do anything about the problem.
Vehicle fire/ vehicle destroyed. On several occasions, prior to fire, vehicle would surge then die out at both stops and when slowing down. Also engine had a whining noise. Dealer replaced generator assembly. Fuel filter also replaced. Cleaned throttle body. Brakes made squealing noise. Rear brakes cleaned and adjusted. There was a loud noise in the right rear after hot at stops. Exhaust system misaligned. The mirror compass and rear window were also inoperative. Vehicle was also involved in an accident prior to fire.
While driving would notice odor inside of vehicle. Had taken to dealer & vehicle kept overnight. Mechanic had noticed strong odor of gasoline, next day. Was informed gasoline odor could have started fire around ignition source. Also, dome light kept coming on/off by itself when vehicle was parked.
The vehicles intake manifold failed when the vehicle was started and resulted in a fire under the hood.
The consumer attempted to start car when the engine backfired, the manifold exploded and the engine caught fire.