1998 Buick Park Avenue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Park Avenue › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Buick Park Avenue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 Buick Park Avenue. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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 1-800-620-7668.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles have front seat shoulder belts that may twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the shoulder belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the belt may be unusable.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and where necessary, install new front seat shoulder belt opening bezel kits.
Owner complaints
246 complaints7 involved a crash29 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Takata recall. received post card for airbag recall. I called the 888 number & went on the internet as directed. no one can identify my vehicle. that's the problem. call doris at 1-575-208-0154 where do I go for this recall live in roswell, new mexico I'm afraid something terrible will happen.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the passenger side seat belt was twisted. As a result, the seat belt failed to retract and became jammed in the retractor. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the passenger side seat belt was twisted. As a result, the seat belt failed to retract and became jammed in the retractor. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 00v117000 (seat belts); however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 72,000. ...Updated 09/14/16 *bf consumer stated the front seat belt failure on the vehicle IS entirely consistent with the attached recall notice yet gm asserts that this recall doesn't apply to vehicles vin number. updated 5/30/18*jb
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. The contact stated that the driver and front passenger side seat belts were not properly retracting and detracting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 00v117000 (seat belts). The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Driving down the hiway, had just passed a semi; thank goodness it was after that that my driver's side tire blew making the car quite difficult to steer. took it to firestone; had to have both front tires replaced and instructed to bring it back the week after for an alignment. at that time I…
Driving down the hiway, had just passed a semi; thank goodness it was after that that my driver's side tire blew making the car quite difficult to steer. took it to firestone; had to have both front tires replaced and instructed to bring it back the week after for an alignment. at that time I discovered that both new front tires were already ruined due to the cradle/frame assembly which was rusted out. this cost me $863. yesterday - 08/12/2015 the fuel pressure regulator went out. upon my investigation I discovered this was a recall issue. I was told it had been fixed.. Altho there wasn't any concrete proof given to me that it had as the dealership I called was not the dealership that said the issue was resolved. now I have a car that IS completely inoperable just weeks after spending $863 to have one issue resolved. I find it particularly appalling that no one seems to want to help resolve any of these issues.
- Seat belts · Seat belts › Front › Webbing
I brought the recall print out from the nhtsa # 00v117000 and the dealer said gm doesn't list my vehicle, but when you run the vin my vehicle IS included in the recall. I've have experienced problems with the passenger seat belt for years and it need to be fixed. the local gm dealer in the…
I brought the recall print out from the nhtsa # 00v117000 and the dealer said gm doesn't list my vehicle, but when you run the vin my vehicle IS included in the recall. I've have experienced problems with the passenger seat belt for years and it need to be fixed. the local gm dealer in the houghton lake, michigan area IS: nester chevrolet. Nester chevrolet phone number IS: 989-422-5126. My passengers can't get the seat belt to fasten because the retractor won't extend far enough to buckle the belt. This IS a violation of the seat belt law in michigan not to wear a seat belt. I need your help! *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine light illuminated as the failure occurred. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the fuel pump was replaced however, the repair did not remedy the failure. the vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 128,000. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. The contact was driving approximately 1 mph in a parking lot when the heater and rear defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor from inside the vehicle and noticed small flames emitting from the rear driver's side window panel. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. The contact was driving approximately 1 mph in a parking lot when the heater and rear defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor from inside the vehicle and noticed small flames emitting from the rear driver's side window panel. The engine was turned off and the fire was extinguished. The fire department arrived and disconnected the defroster wires. The vehicle was driven from the scene and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Structure › Body › Door
So there has been many time were m car doors have went out and when I say out I mean to the point where I can only open from the inside now I have gone out and paid to have them fixed now I at the point where I feel something else IS up. I am down to one door and that IS a back one so you see the problem. *Tt
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel pressure IS incorrect, stalling, high and low rpms, at stop sign, including and not limited to start, driving, etc. please help!. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Loss of coolant internally to combustion/compression chambers, hydro locked engine, thick smoke from engine exhaust, coolant mixing into oil, unstable temperature requiring vehicle stoppage to avoid overheating/fire, car will not run. Intake manifold failure and head gasket damage. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Upon starting the vehicle there was a loud backfire and visible smoke came out from under the hood. Further investigation showed that the plastic intake manifold was blown apart. There was a strong odor of raw fuel. I contacted a local buick dealership and was told that there were no open campaigns…
Upon starting the vehicle there was a loud backfire and visible smoke came out from under the hood. Further investigation showed that the plastic intake manifold was blown apart. There was a strong odor of raw fuel. I contacted a local buick dealership and was told that there were no open campaigns concerning this vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to a repair facility and have been told that the repair will cost in the range of $2000 - $2500 dollars.
- Unknown or other
Purchased car 04/20/2006. in july '09 used car dealer replaced intake gasket set. (Their cost) in june '09 replaced catalytic convertor & thermostat (my expense) august '10 same mechanic replaced intake manifold gasket (my expense) odm 53405 dec '10 I discovered on internet there was a recall…
Purchased car 04/20/2006. in july '09 used car dealer replaced intake gasket set. (Their cost) in june '09 replaced catalytic convertor & thermostat (my expense) august '10 same mechanic replaced intake manifold gasket (my expense) odm 53405 dec '10 I discovered on internet there was a recall for these problems. contacted buick and julian delcour, vice president said the problems had been repaired in 2001 but unable to provide me with documentation. note: recall id#56853 dated 2/24/2004 related to fuel system. seat belt recall was in 2000. delcour declined my request for repayment of repairs made at my expense. they never responded to me in writing, only phone conversations. my answering machine recorded his last call to me regarding the non-payment or release of records. questions to you: 1-WHY couldn't he provide proof of repairs made and unable to provide this to me, I then am under the impression that they have no proof. 2-shouldn't they be held responsible and pay for my expenses? I have documented everything related to this problem and would be able to furnish you copies. Hopefully, this problem can be resolved with your assistance and I will be sent a check in the amount of $931.21 plus $100 for two towing charges from buick.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
1998 buick park avenue. Consumer requests reimbursement for repairs made to vehicle *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle began leaking oil on july 3, 2006. The dealer removed and replaced the intake gasket. on july 9, 2009 the catalytic converter and thermostat were replaced at a cost of $ 395.91. Two months later the same problem resurfaced. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving on a four lane highway, I applied the brakes and the car pulled violently to the left. being only a few blocks from my repair shop, I slowly drove there. the mechanic took the car back on the road and when braked, pulled more violently to the left. upon inspection the frame, engine…
While driving on a four lane highway, I applied the brakes and the car pulled violently to the left. being only a few blocks from my repair shop, I slowly drove there. the mechanic took the car back on the road and when braked, pulled more violently to the left. upon inspection the frame, engine cradle section, had broken. in 30 years, the mechanic had never seen this happen. the car has only 65,000 miles and even though it IS a 1998 buick park avenue it was in good shape. updated 10/05/10 *bf pictures received. Updated 10/07/10 updated 101810 *bf updated ivoq 10/21/10*jb *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Car overheated, engine began to run rough,i put it in neutral and coasted to a stop off of the roadway, engine locked up. Had it towed to buick shop, was told that coolant had gotten into the engine. Needed to replace upper and lower intake manifolds and gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs…
Car overheated, engine began to run rough,i put it in neutral and coasted to a stop off of the roadway, engine locked up. Had it towed to buick shop, was told that coolant had gotten into the engine. Needed to replace upper and lower intake manifolds and gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs and change engine oil and filter. Flush cooling system. Reset temperature gauge and test car. Cost about $1800. 81000 miles on the car. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1. engine stalled - skipped, missed. loss of antifreeze. finally completely died and had to be towed. 2. occurred twice 3. replaced intake manifold assembly twice in less than 1 year. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. whenever the contact would start the vehicle, hhe noticed that it would turn on for several seconds and then immediately shut off. when he attempted to restart the vehicle, he heard a loud pop coming from the engine. the dealer stated that the intake…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. whenever the contact would start the vehicle, hhe noticed that it would turn on for several seconds and then immediately shut off. when he attempted to restart the vehicle, he heard a loud pop coming from the engine. the dealer stated that the intake manifolds needed to be replaced. on september 22, 2008, while driving 45 mph , the vehicle would not gain speed. the contact noticed sparks coming from the rear of the vehicle and pulled to the side of the road. flames began to appear underneath the hood. the fire department was called to the scene. the current mileage was 130,000 and failure mileage was 120,000. updated 10/30/2008. *Lj
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. the passenger side seat lap belt IS locked in a position and cannot be pulled out to wrap across the passenger. nhtsa campaign ID number 00v117000 (seat belts:front:webbing) was referenced. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the failure mileage was 105,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
The plastic intake manifold gasket cracked like it does on all of the 3.8 litre engines g.m. Needs to cover this expensive repair when they have known about this for some time. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate, run hot, and make sounds as if the vehicle was gulping water. the motor locked up. when the vehicle was turned off, it would not restart. a mechanic explained that the motor locked up because…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate, run hot, and make sounds as if the vehicle was gulping water. the motor locked up. when the vehicle was turned off, it would not restart. a mechanic explained that the motor locked up because coolant was entering into the motor. the failure has occurred twice in three years. the dealer stated that nothing could be done and informed the contact that he would have to pay for the repair. he paid for the repairs on both occasions. the purchase date, powertrain, and mileages were unknown. updated 03-25-08 *bf the dealer stated performed fuel recall for this vehicle. Updated 03/25/08 *tr
- Structure
Paint peeling off the car almost every where. *tr
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Driver side mirror turns a bronze color and it IS hard to view through it. I can't find the right place to submit the vehicle make. The vehicle IS a 1998 buick park avenue. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
I was driving home from town. I moved over on the street near my home to let another car pass and I felt a large bump and the front passenger side of the car dropped down. I got out thinking I had a flat tire but that was not the case. the tire was in the wheel well at a very crooked angle and…
I was driving home from town. I moved over on the street near my home to let another car pass and I felt a large bump and the front passenger side of the car dropped down. I got out thinking I had a flat tire but that was not the case. the tire was in the wheel well at a very crooked angle and sit some what on the tires edge. I was able to straighten out the wheel and limped home. the mechanic on monday said the cradle in the front of the car rusted out and had broken. when the cradle broke so did the right axle. he has had a hard time finding a good used cradle as gm does not make new ones anymore. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
I was driving home from town. I moved over on the street near my home to let another car pass and I felt a large bump and the front passenger side of the car dropped down. I got out thinking I had a flat tire but that was not the case. the tire was in the wheel well at a very crooked angle and…
I was driving home from town. I moved over on the street near my home to let another car pass and I felt a large bump and the front passenger side of the car dropped down. I got out thinking I had a flat tire but that was not the case. the tire was in the wheel well at a very crooked angle and sit some what on the tires edge. I was able to straighten out the wheel and limped home. the mechanic on monday said the cradle in the front of the car rusted out and had broken. when the cradle broke so did the right axle. he has had a hard time finding a good used cradle as gm does not make new ones anymore. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front › Control arm
Two days before the incident I started having an alignment problem with the car. I had the car over a relatives house a half mile from my home, and decided to drive the car home and have it towed to the dealer from their. on the drive home, the right front control arm separated from the subframe…
Two days before the incident I started having an alignment problem with the car. I had the car over a relatives house a half mile from my home, and decided to drive the car home and have it towed to the dealer from their. on the drive home, the right front control arm separated from the subframe (engine frame or cradle) at the after bracket which resulted in the right half shaft failing. this happened as I was turning into my development. the subframe was seriously corroded. I had the car towed to the dealer and the subframe and half shaft replaced with new parts. I contacted buick customer service to complain about a major structural failure on the car. they declined to offer any reimbursement for the repair, due to the vehicles age (nine years) and mileage (134,500). I maintain that the failure should not have occurred, and could have resulted in a serious or fatal accident had it occurred at highway speeds. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Engine compartment fires
- Front shoulder belt malfunction
There is no summary currently available
- Front shoulder belt malfunction
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10026686GMC: harsh ride or line installation concern with delco shock kit. Concerns with connecting the lines to the shocks and the air compressor. Concern of harsh ride after installation.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012990Replacement ignition key clarification.
- 10012691New replacement key blank available.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10011691High speed shake or vibration.
- 10009096Safety recall, product field action number 03054, higher than usual rate of fuel pressure regulator diaphragm leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. Gm voicemail express.
- 10008897Multiple stabilitrak/precision control codes such as c1282, c1283, c1284, c1285, c1287, and c1288 exist on delphi bosch 5.0 or 5.3 systems.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10007859Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator.
- 10007793Hvac faceplate lens available for replacement. Service vme.
- 10006271Supplement to 03054 recall - replacement fuel pressure regulator will not. Sit bulletin 1460267.
- 10006221Ignition key replacement.
- 10004353Steering column to instrument panel fastener removal.
- 10002878Parts availability for sunroof repairs.
- 10001281Shake/vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. Update.
- 6092333Some customers may comment that the black plastic housing around the outside rear view mirror turns chalky or IS dull in color.
- 6089947A condition with the front seat back and / or seat cushion heat element IS non-functioning.
- 6088955Subject regarding low power / stumble when accelerating in turns or straight line.
Every Buick Park Avenue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.