Owners have filed 174 complaints
about the 1999 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 1999 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 74
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 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
1828.6%
Engine
1015.9%
Retractor
711.1%
12V/24V/48V Battery
711.1%
Rotor
69.5%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
57.9%
Automatic Transmission
57.9%
Delivery
57.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2432.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2229.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
56.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1013.3%
150,000+ miles
1013.3%
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.
Aug 1999peak 8Dec 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
EA07008Opened 12 Jun 2007Closed 1 May 2008ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AN...
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
Recalls on the 1999 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.
99V238000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO PEDAL ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT NUTS MAY BE LOOSE.
Risk: IF THESE NUTS ARE LOOSE, THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY BE LOW, THE ASSEMBLY MAY BE LOOSE, THE BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE, AND IF THE NUTS BACK COMPLETELY OFF, BRAKING MAY BE LOST. ALSO FUME AND WATER INTRUSION TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN OCCUR.
99V081000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET ON EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
Risk: A VEHICLE WITH THIS CONDITION CAN PULL TO ONE SIDE DURING A BRAKING MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE INCREASED.
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 1999161775 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208 - Seat Belt Installations. The air bag warning labels may be in English only, rather than in English and French as required by the standard. Correction: Dealers will install correct bilingual air bag labels in affected vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
ENGINE
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
ENGINE
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 176,000 milesDallas, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STALL WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11291838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,630 milesOlathe, KS
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT WON'T CLICK SHUT. DEALER CAN'T FIND ONE.
NHTSA complaint #11189885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,584 milesELK Grove Village, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PASSENGER CAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. LOCKING MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND DOOR REMAINS STUCK CLOSED. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PASSENGER OF THE CAR. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR MULTIPLE TIMES WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS FOR A PERMANENT FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11165401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
ENGINE
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesPalm BAY, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND FAILED TO BRAKE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND A TELEPHONE GUIDE WIRE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesOlathe, KS
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT CLICKING.
NHTSA complaint #11099287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLititz, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PERIODICALLY THE ENGINE WILL STOP. THIS WILL GENERALLY OCCUR WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THIS WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER. WHEN IT OCCURS IN TRAFFIC OR ON A CURVE THIS IS EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS. IT WILL RESTART BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNING THE IGNITION. IT WILL OCCUR ANYWHERE, WHILE TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS HAS CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10905742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,766 milesOdessa, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC MANIFOLDS AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR TWO ENGINE REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON JULY 28, 2003, THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING AND AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 13, 2014. THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH TIMES, THE MANIFOLD HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB UPDATED 09/09/15*LJ UPDATED 03/7/16.*JB UPDATED 11/01/2017
NHTSA complaint #10731086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicae, IL
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT STARTED TO MISFIRE. I PUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND GOT A FEW DIFFERENT CODES P1406 AND P0300 GOT THOSE FIXED IT WORKED FINE. A WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. IT SAT UP FOR A FEW WEEKS AND WHEN I WOULD DRIVE IT I SMELLED GAS FUMES. NOW IT WON'T TURN AND THERE'S STILL A SMELL OF FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10705194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicae, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT STARTED TO MISFIRE. I PUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND GOT A FEW DIFFERENT CODES P1406 AND P0300 GOT THOSE FIXED IT WORKED FINE. A WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. IT SAT UP FOR A FEW WEEKS AND WHEN I WOULD DRIVE IT I SMELLED GAS FUMES. NOW IT WON'T TURN AND THERE'S STILL A SMELL OF FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10705194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
ENGINE
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesPeru, KSFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WAS PARKED UNDER OUR POLE BARN IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. MY NEIGHBOR CAME OVER TO BORROW MY CAR WITH MY PERMISSION. IT WAS COLD THAT DAY. SHE TURNED THE KEY. THE CAR BACKFIRE & THE HOOD JUMPED. THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE & SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. SHE POPPED THE HOOD & GOT OUT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME SHE GOT IN FRONT OF THE CAR FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SHE CALLED THE PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME OUT & PULLED MY CAR OUT TO THE DRIVEWAY SAVING OUR HOUSE FROM BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE GOT THE CAR PUT OUT EVENTUALLY BUT IT IS DESTROYED. ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS BURNED OUT. PARTS OF THE INSIDE ARE MELTED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE CONTACTED BUICK. THEY OFFERED US $1000. FOR A CAR WE WERE OFFERED $3000.00 FOR THAT SUMMER. THEY THEN DECIDED THEY DID NOT OWE US ANYTHING AS THE CAR ITSELF WAS OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE. THEY WILL NOT ANSWER CALLS NOR WILL THEY PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. WE CANNOT AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
NHTSA complaint #10692357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLOS Alamitos, CA
POWER TRAIN
SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE. I OWN A 99 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA THAT HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES ON IT AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR IS ONLY UTILIZED ABOUT 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR SINCE WE ARE SNOW BIRDS HAVING RETURNED FROM THE EAST 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST EVENING AS I DROVE NORTH AND UP ONE OF THE LONG HILLS ON THE TOLL RD 73 IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA I EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN AND TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS ETC STAYED ON AND APPEARED NORMAL. FORTUNATELY THE TRAFFIC WAS SUCH THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STOP AND TURN ON MY HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS. I SAT FOR A MOMENT AND THEN TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CRANKING APPEARED NORMAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STARTED AND THE ENGINE PARAMETERS, TEMPERATURE, VOLTS, ETC APPEARED NORMAL. I WAS SURPRISED TO SAY LEAST BUT WE DECIDED TO START MOVING AGAIN AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE PRETTY MUCH AT NORMAL SPEEDS WITHOUT A HICCUP THE 20 MILES LEFT TO GET HOME STAYING IN THE RH LANES FOR THE MOST PART. GETTING BACK INTO THE FAST MOVING STREAM OF TRAFFIC WAS SOMEWHAT HAZARDOUS IN AND OF ITSELF. PRIOR TO THIS SUDDEN FAILURE THERE WAS NO WARNING OR CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE. THE ONLY CAVEAT TO THAT IS THAT IT SEEMS LATELY THERE HAS BEEN A MINOR BUT NOTICEABLE SAG OR HESITATION WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN DRIVE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10668517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLOS Alamitos, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE. I OWN A 99 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA THAT HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES ON IT AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR IS ONLY UTILIZED ABOUT 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR SINCE WE ARE SNOW BIRDS HAVING RETURNED FROM THE EAST 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST EVENING AS I DROVE NORTH AND UP ONE OF THE LONG HILLS ON THE TOLL RD 73 IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA I EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN AND TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS ETC STAYED ON AND APPEARED NORMAL. FORTUNATELY THE TRAFFIC WAS SUCH THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STOP AND TURN ON MY HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS. I SAT FOR A MOMENT AND THEN TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CRANKING APPEARED NORMAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STARTED AND THE ENGINE PARAMETERS, TEMPERATURE, VOLTS, ETC APPEARED NORMAL. I WAS SURPRISED TO SAY LEAST BUT WE DECIDED TO START MOVING AGAIN AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE PRETTY MUCH AT NORMAL SPEEDS WITHOUT A HICCUP THE 20 MILES LEFT TO GET HOME STAYING IN THE RH LANES FOR THE MOST PART. GETTING BACK INTO THE FAST MOVING STREAM OF TRAFFIC WAS SOMEWHAT HAZARDOUS IN AND OF ITSELF. PRIOR TO THIS SUDDEN FAILURE THERE WAS NO WARNING OR CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE. THE ONLY CAVEAT TO THAT IS THAT IT SEEMS LATELY THERE HAS BEEN A MINOR BUT NOTICEABLE SAG OR HESITATION WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN DRIVE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10668517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLOS Alamitos, CA
ENGINE
SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE. I OWN A 99 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA THAT HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES ON IT AND IS WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR IS ONLY UTILIZED ABOUT 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR SINCE WE ARE SNOW BIRDS HAVING RETURNED FROM THE EAST 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST EVENING AS I DROVE NORTH AND UP ONE OF THE LONG HILLS ON THE TOLL RD 73 IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA I EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN AND TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS ETC STAYED ON AND APPEARED NORMAL. FORTUNATELY THE TRAFFIC WAS SUCH THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STOP AND TURN ON MY HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS. I SAT FOR A MOMENT AND THEN TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CRANKING APPEARED NORMAL AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY STARTED AND THE ENGINE PARAMETERS, TEMPERATURE, VOLTS, ETC APPEARED NORMAL. I WAS SURPRISED TO SAY LEAST BUT WE DECIDED TO START MOVING AGAIN AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE PRETTY MUCH AT NORMAL SPEEDS WITHOUT A HICCUP THE 20 MILES LEFT TO GET HOME STAYING IN THE RH LANES FOR THE MOST PART. GETTING BACK INTO THE FAST MOVING STREAM OF TRAFFIC WAS SOMEWHAT HAZARDOUS IN AND OF ITSELF. PRIOR TO THIS SUDDEN FAILURE THERE WAS NO WARNING OR CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE. THE ONLY CAVEAT TO THAT IS THAT IT SEEMS LATELY THERE HAS BEEN A MINOR BUT NOTICEABLE SAG OR HESITATION WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN DRIVE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10668517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,046 milesVienna, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON US 495 IN SECOND LANE FROM RIGHT GETTING READY TO EXIT TO ROUTE 7 AND TRAVEL WEST TOWARDS LEESBURG WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I TRIED EVERYTHING TO AVOID OTHER TRAFFIC AND STOP OR SLOW DOWN THE CAR WHILE TURNING THE AUTO TO THE ADJACENT LANE. THIS INCLUDES SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND PARK, APPLYING BRAKES, APPLYING EMERGENCY BRAKES AND FINALLY SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE. THE AUTO MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WITH LITTLE CONTROL OF STEERING. I WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES AND STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR TO GET AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. AUTO STARTED UP AGAIN BUT ENGINE NO LONGER RACED. I SHIFTED INTO THIRD AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY ABOUT 6 MILES AWAY IN A NORMAL MANNER.ITS BEEN A GREAT CAR, AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #10538415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,214 milesAkron, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
CAR WENT FOR ITS OIL CHANGE AND WE WERE INFORMED TO STOP DRIVING THE CAR NOW DO NOT DRIVE IT AN INCH. THE FRONT SUB FRAME IS RUSTED AND BROKE THIS HOLDS THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10532167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,200 milesThornhill, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN I TURNED ON THE LEFT TURN, THE LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD STOPPED BLINKING AND STAYED ON, EVEN WHEN THE SWITCH WAS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. RIGHT-TURN WORKED FINE. THE NEXT DAY I COULD NOT START MY CAR, THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS LATE FOR AN IMPORTANT MEETING. LATER I FOUND OUT THAT WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR CONTINUED TO BURN, AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE BATTERY DISCHARGE. I STARTED RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE FACED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. YOU CAN CHECK GOOGLE ASKING 'SIGNAL FLASHER PROBLEM BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999' , 'LEFT TURN ALWAYS ON BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999' ETC. ACCORDING MY ESTIMATION, AT LEAST THOUSAND PEOPLE MET THIS PROBLEM THE CULPRIT IS 'TURN SIGNAL HAZARD FLASHER UNIT'. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS UNIT HAS A BUILT FACTORY DEFECTS AND IT IS DANGEROUS, THIS UNIT UNNECESSARILY MISLEADS OTHER DRIVERS, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAZARD FLASHING. I BELIEVE THAT GM SHOULD REPLACE THIS UNIT AT ALL BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997-2005. FACTORY DEFECT IS OBVIOUS AND THE BUYER DOES NOT HAVE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THE SHORTCOMINGS OF ENGINEERS. PLEASE REPLACE MY TURN SIGNAL HAZARD FLASHER UNIT FOR FREE.
NHTSA complaint #10508728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,200 milesThornhill, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I TURNED ON THE LEFT TURN, THE LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HAD STOPPED BLINKING AND STAYED ON, EVEN WHEN THE SWITCH WAS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. RIGHT-TURN WORKED FINE. THE NEXT DAY I COULD NOT START MY CAR, THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS LATE FOR AN IMPORTANT MEETING. LATER I FOUND OUT THAT WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR CONTINUED TO BURN, AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE BATTERY DISCHARGE. I STARTED RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT MANY PEOPLE FACED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. YOU CAN CHECK GOOGLE ASKING 'SIGNAL FLASHER PROBLEM BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999' , 'LEFT TURN ALWAYS ON BUICK PARK AVENUE 1999' ETC. ACCORDING MY ESTIMATION, AT LEAST THOUSAND PEOPLE MET THIS PROBLEM THE CULPRIT IS 'TURN SIGNAL HAZARD FLASHER UNIT'. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS UNIT HAS A BUILT FACTORY DEFECTS AND IT IS DANGEROUS, THIS UNIT UNNECESSARILY MISLEADS OTHER DRIVERS, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAZARD FLASHING. I BELIEVE THAT GM SHOULD REPLACE THIS UNIT AT ALL BUICK PARK AVENUE 1997-2005. FACTORY DEFECT IS OBVIOUS AND THE BUYER DOES NOT HAVE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THE SHORTCOMINGS OF ENGINEERS. PLEASE REPLACE MY TURN SIGNAL HAZARD FLASHER UNIT FOR FREE.
NHTSA complaint #10508728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJackson, MSFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ENGINE EXPLODED, CAUSING MASSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THEY USED AFTER MARKET PARTS, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGES OR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10475049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesPine City, NYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I OWN A 1999 BUICK PK AVE. ON FEB 27, 2011 I HAD TO MOVE VEHICLE TO PLOW SNOW. LOW BATTERY, ATTACH BOOSTER PACK AND TRIED TO START AGAIN. THERE WAS A LOUD BACKFIRE. APPARENTLY THE PLENUM HAD BURST KNOCKING OFF FUEL LINE AND I FOUND MY VEHICLE TO BE ON FIRE. AFTER PUTTING OUT FIRE I CONTACTED MY INS CO, WHO ADVISED ME THAT THIS DAMAGE WAS AN EXACT DESCRIPTION OF A GM RECALL-TSB#03054B- AND I SHOULD CONTACT THEM. GM ADVISED ME THAT THE RECALL WAS DONE PREVIOUSLY. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF THE SUPPOSED REPAIR WAS ACTUALLY DONE AND THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT ALSO FAULTY. I FEEL GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. I HAVE SAVED ALL PARTS AND AM REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER. ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY SAME AREA ALSO HAS THE SAME CONDITION AND FIRE - HIS CAR WAS BURNT UP. SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG AND I AM HOPING THERE WILL BE ANOTHER INVESTIGATION. EITHER IN THE REPAIR PARTS IF USED OR THE DEALERSHIPS REPAIR HABITS CONFIRMING THAT NO FRAUD WAS COMMITTED BY SAID DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10393740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRevere, MAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT BACKFIRED AND A FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THROWING SNOW ON THE MOTOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WA FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE DELPHI PRESSURE REGULATOR HAD LEAKED GAS ONTO THE MOTOR AND AS THE KEY WAS TURNED, IT STARTED A SPARK. THE VEHICLE THEN BACKFIRED CAUSING THE FIRE TO ERUPT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY) BUT COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH HIM WITHIN SEVEN TO TEN DAYS. THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY WAS HANDLING THE BODY DAMAGES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2012
NHTSA complaint #10390568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesFort Worth, TX
STEERING
STEERING CONSISTENTLY VIBRATES AT LOW SPEED AND PARKING SPEEDS CONCERN FOR LOSS OF STEERING AT HIGHER SPEEDS TSB 990232007 NHTSA 608376 REPAIRED BY TSB DIRECTION ON 11-16-2010 BECAUSE OF GREATER EXPENSE OF HOSES AND LABOR FOR REPAIR, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM.
NHTSA complaint #10365954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.