Owners have filed 327 complaints
about the 1998 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Buick Park Avenue
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
4133.9%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
2319.0%
Engine
2117.4%
Webbing
86.6%
Latch
86.6%
Retractor
75.8%
Automatic Transmission
75.8%
Hydraulic Power Assist System
65.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2018.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3229.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2523.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2523.1%
150,000+ miles
10.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1998peak 19Oct 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Buick Park Avenue
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
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 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 T...
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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 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 VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA00002Opened 6 Jan 2000Closed 2 May 2000SEAT BELTS
FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION
PE99056Opened 2 Sep 1999Closed 6 Jan 2000SEAT BELTS
FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION
Recalls on the 1998 Buick Park Avenue
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
04V090000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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.
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.
00V117000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
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: WHEN THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200328340,397 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, a combination of a low battery condition and fuel in the upper intake manifold while the ignition key is activated at engine start could cause an elevated rate of manifold over-pressurization events. The operator may experience a loud bang / intake backfire that could rupture the intake manifold, resulting in emitting dust from under the hood and a no-start condition. If this event were to occur, and if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealer will replace the fuel pressure regulator.
Recall 20001083,024 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front seat shoulder belts may twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor. When the shoulder belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the belt may be unuseable. In a vehicle crash, an unbelted occupant may receive more severe injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and where necessary, install new front seat shoulder belt opening bezel kits.
Recall 19980344,789 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. IMPROPER CALIBRATION OF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAN RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED SPARK KNOCK, SETTING AN MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP), MISFIRE, ROUGH IDLE, AUDIBLE KNOCK AND/OR POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. CORRECTION: VEHICLE PCM WILL BE REFLASHED WITH NEW CALIBRATION SOFTWEAR.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesMedina, OHFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10488706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGreensboro, NCFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10243169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesCharlotte, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
DRIVER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10059595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, VACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER STATED THAT ON 11/06/03 VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN WHICH HE SUSTAINED INJURIES. WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON CONSUMER HIT THE POST OF THE WINDSHIELD, BOUNCED BACK AND WAS THROWN FORWARD. HE HIT HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE SEAT BELT NEVER HELD HIM. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SEAT BELT BURNS ACROSS THE COLLAR BONE. ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO SHOULDER BELTS WERE REPAIRED DUE TO A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10052066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSaint Charles, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
CONSUMER REPORTED TO THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR, TOM SCHAEFER, THAT WHEN TRYING TO START VEHICLE AFTER SITTING ALL NIGHT HEARD A LOUD THUMP, AND THEN ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WENT OUT. SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MR. SCHAEFER SAID THAT THE CONSUMER USED THE WORD THUMP NOT BANG TO DESCRIBE THE INITIAL INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10048211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesHastings, NEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER HOOD. THIS OCCURRED WHEN KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION BECAUSE THE UNDER HOOD COMPONENTS WERE MELTED TOGETHER.
NHTSA complaint #10047989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 137,000 milesRoswell, NM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11039570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW Britain, CT
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10837084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLincoln, NE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10763105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,960 milesWaterloo, IA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10748582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,960 milesWaterloo, IA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10748582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,960 milesWaterloo, IA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10748582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesHoughton Lake, MI
SEAT BELTS
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!
NHTSA complaint #10610816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesHoughton Lake, MI
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #10610816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWoodbine, GA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10508673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWoodbine, GA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10508673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMedina, OHFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10488706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, WI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10462609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Bend, WI
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).
NHTSA complaint #10448378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWashington, D.c. 20016-2668, DC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10434115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWashington, D.c. 20016-2668, DC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10434115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesHouston, TX
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10401750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,161 milesTopeka, KS
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10396495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10393276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10393276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMooresville, IN
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10358038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,150 milesKennewick, WA
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 AND CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER. FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM. RESET TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND TEST CAR. COST ABOUT $1800. 81000 MILES ON THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10266437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesJasper, AL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10247538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGreensboro, NCFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10243169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesRosswell, NM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10226127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124 milesLapeer, MI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10222911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.