2003 Buick Park Avenue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Park Avenue › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Buick Park Avenue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Buick Park Avenue. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the cable IS out of the proper position, it could increase the force required to activate the emergency trunk release handle and a person trapped in the trunk may not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle.
Remedy
Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. owner notification began december 19, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300.
Owner complaints
33 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
New tires installed on vehicle 12/10/24. Passenger rear tire blew out at 65mph on interstate on 12/16/24. Car was able to be controlled, some damage to vehicle. Could have resulted in severe injury and/or death.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. While driving at any speed the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed oil dripping down on the spark plugs. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold gasket was leaking. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. While driving at any speed the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed oil dripping down on the spark plugs. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold gasket was leaking. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. updated 06/02/17*lj updated 06/27/18*jb
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. While driving 25 mph, the transmission slipped and caused the vehicle to malfunction. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
- Tires
Abnormal wear pattern, low mileage, new tire < 8 months service, alignment check / good, tie rods, ball joints, shocks like new. Tire cord/ belts bare exposed on outside edge of tire 1/3 of circumference. Worn smooth, no cupping. Possible rubber compound issue. only abnormal wear found on 1/3 of…
Abnormal wear pattern, low mileage, new tire < 8 months service, alignment check / good, tie rods, ball joints, shocks like new. Tire cord/ belts bare exposed on outside edge of tire 1/3 of circumference. Worn smooth, no cupping. Possible rubber compound issue. only abnormal wear found on 1/3 of tire rotation. tire manufacture pirelli, near zero m/s p235/55zr 17, dot ns ek F661 5014 estimated <10,000 miles pictures available
- Engine
Front center motor mount failed @ 66kmiles.
- Electrical system · Engine
In san diego union paper dated 10/28/2015, there IS a recall on gm cars having the 3.8 liter engine. It involves vehicles having this engine. The problem IS intake manifold leaking oil. This was found by the smog station. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *jb
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
I was driving home from work. Suddenly lights started going off on my dashboard indicating that my ABS, traction control, and satiability control were out. Not being able to stop on the highway or contact someone to give me a lift home I proceeded to the nearest buick dealership to see what the…
I was driving home from work. Suddenly lights started going off on my dashboard indicating that my ABS, traction control, and satiability control were out. Not being able to stop on the highway or contact someone to give me a lift home I proceeded to the nearest buick dealership to see what the issue was. During the journey the lights turned off, but thinking it was an electrical problem I still headed towards the dealership. The car was looked at by a service tech. I was told my brake module computor was out and I needed a replacement. The cost was roughly $1200, knowing I couldn't afford it, I asked if their was a safely recall. Their was not. I asked if the vehicle was safe to drive home, the man said he didn't see why not. Thinking this meant my brakes were fine and noting that the lights were now off, I left and drove for about an hour or less towards home, I was roughly 9 miles away from my home when I realized I was veering into the other lane into another car on my right. I applied the brakes and attempted to steer my car out of the way, but both of our mirrors hit, my car then proceeded to spin out on control counterclockwise. fortunately no one was hurt and no reportable damage was done. But it was still very unpleasant and could've been a lot worse. I knew I couldn't drive it back 65 miles to the dealership so I had it serviced at a local mechanic shop in my home town. I asked him why I spun out when doing the emergency maneuver. He told me as well as the computer powering the traction control, ABS, and stability control, it was needed to operate the power disk brakes. Needless to say this could've been very much preventable if the dealership had instructed me not to drive home.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
My sister was the previous owner. the engine shuts down completely. This has occurred while at a stop light, while driving 40 mph down a city street. Fortunately, I have been able to pull over or the miraculously the vehicle re-started quickly. these symptoms are identical to the symptoms of the other gm recalled vehicles. *tr
- Tires
I have a problem with a set of uniroyal tires that I purchased 2 years ago, within 11,000 miles the first separated, at 22,763 the second tire separated, at 30,875 the third tired separated. These tires should be investigated, who knows how many more tires are defective that are being used by unknowing drivers. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue ultra. The contact stated that there was a leak from the engine intake which was repaired by the dealer. Three months later, the failure occurred again. The dealer stated that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem. The engine manufacturer had gone out of business. The failure mileage was 108,600 and the current mileage was 110,200.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
2003 park ave ultra 3.8L series II engine oil leak, smell of burnt oil concerned about engine fire. Leaks about 1 quart of oil between oil changes. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
2003 park avenue S10 appropriate handling-letter from regarding buick problems *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle needs a new muffler at a cost of $500.00. The consumer was informed the parts were not available. also, the view screen for the temperature/air direction was barely readable. *Jb updated 10/22/10*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
S10 appropriate handling re problems with 2003 buick park avenue possible safety recall issue for intake manifold and gasket. *kb the consumer stated he received a call from a gm executive assistant responding to a letter that was sent to them. She dismissed the consumers concern because he…
S10 appropriate handling re problems with 2003 buick park avenue possible safety recall issue for intake manifold and gasket. *kb the consumer stated he received a call from a gm executive assistant responding to a letter that was sent to them. She dismissed the consumers concern because he didn't take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for the repair when the parts failed a second time. However, both technicians who repaired the manifold and gasket within a two- year period told the consumer the oem replacement parts were substandard. the parts were made of plastic and had degraded.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
2003 buick park avenue. Consumer states possible safety defect with the intake manifold and gasket. *tgw the consumer received a call from a GMC executive assistant. The consumer stated his concern was dismissed because the vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer for the repair when the…
2003 buick park avenue. Consumer states possible safety defect with the intake manifold and gasket. *tgw the consumer received a call from a GMC executive assistant. The consumer stated his concern was dismissed because the vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer for the repair when the problem occurred a second time and was out of warranty. However, both technicians who repaired the manifold and gasket within a two year period stated the replacement parts were substandard due to them being made of plastic and had degraded. *jb
- Wheels
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. The chrome on the rims IS peeling off all four tires which has also caused the tires to lose air continuously. The tires and rims were replaced. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Electrical system › Horn
Horn only works intermittently. this seems to be a "hit or miss" situation. I brought it to the mechanic and it worked for him. *Tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the contact IS experiencing failure with the retractor in the front passenger seat lap belts. the seat belt must be isolated in order to be released. the retractor was replaced under warranty in august of 2006, but the failure recurred. the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the contact IS experiencing failure with the retractor in the front passenger seat lap belts. the seat belt must be isolated in order to be released. the retractor was replaced under warranty in august of 2006, but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they diagnosed the failure as mechanical. the manufacturer stated that the seat belt could be replaced; however, the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the cost for the repair would be $296. the current mileage was 84,000 and failure mileage was 52,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
2003 buick park avenue with leaking intake gasket. Consumer states that dealer told him this was a common occurrence. Consumer would like general motors to make the repairs at no cost to him. *kb
- Latches/locks/linkages
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the power lock on the driver's side door malfunctions. the lock IS mounted in the driver's door and has become loose, which causes the switch to float around in the door. he has taken the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that they could not…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the power lock on the driver's side door malfunctions. the lock IS mounted in the driver's door and has become loose, which causes the switch to float around in the door. he has taken the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that they could not replace the switch or repair it for free because there was no recall. the failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 25,864. updated 03-04-08 *bf
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the vehicle has goodyear conquest radial tubeless, size p205/75r14 tires. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began pulling to the left and the contact was unable to steer the vehicle straight. he stated that the front driver side tire had a raised rib…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 buick park avenue. the vehicle has goodyear conquest radial tubeless, size p205/75r14 tires. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began pulling to the left and the contact was unable to steer the vehicle straight. he stated that the front driver side tire had a raised rib on the outer side and separation in the interior of the tire. the current and failure mileages on the tires and vehicles were 53,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Suspension › Front › Hub
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, there was a wind-like noise coming from the front of the vehicle. as the vehicle speed increased, the noise became louder. there was also a tightness in the steering when turning to either side. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer who…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, there was a wind-like noise coming from the front of the vehicle. as the vehicle speed increased, the noise became louder. there was also a tightness in the steering when turning to either side. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer who determined that the hub assembly was out of balance. both hub assemblies were replaced which corrected the problem. the manufacturer was also notified.
- Suspension › Rear
My 2003 park avenue ultra has a vibration at 65 - 70 mph that seems to be impossible to diagnosis and fix; buick dealer can not fix. *nm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
Dt*: the contact stated the rear window defroster does not always defrost the entire window. the dealership determined the rear window and defroster unit needs to be replaced. updated 3/9/2006 - *nm
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
While driving 30 mph driver noticed that the stability system light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. This information was provided by kelly's wife alice johnson. *ak
- Unknown or other
Problems with vehicle's air conditioning system.*mr during a normal 15000 mile service a chemical was introduced in the a/c system. the owner immediately experienced allergic reactions that impaired her driving. the reaction had continued and IS an on-going danger. after further information was…
Problems with vehicle's air conditioning system.*mr during a normal 15000 mile service a chemical was introduced in the a/c system. the owner immediately experienced allergic reactions that impaired her driving. the reaction had continued and IS an on-going danger. after further information was obtain from the dealer it was determined that the a/c fogger had a slight health risk listed on the msds sheet which indicated "...harmful if swallowed. may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract......". the garage manager stated that the chemical was used to eliminate a mold and mildew problem. no odor or mildew problem had been experienced by the owner, so the consumer wants to known why the chemical was used and why wasn't the consumer informed of it's use. *nm
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
Every Buick Park Avenue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.