Owners have filed 38 complaints
about the 2003 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 2003 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 16
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 27
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 59
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Buick Park Avenue
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
27.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
27.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
726.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
519.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
311.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
519.2%
150,000+ miles
13.8%
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.
May 2003peak 3Dec 2024
Recalls on the 2003 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2002235533 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be forced out of the proper position. A person trapped in the trunk may not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle. Correction: Dealers are to secure the emergency trunk release cable.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesFallon, NVCrash
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10734425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesFallon, NVCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10734425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Benton, KS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11631533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesChesaning, MI
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10919094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesFresh Meadows, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10915532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,542 milesDisputanta, VA
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 TIRE ROTATION. TIRE MANUFACTURE PIRELLI, NEAR ZERO M/S P235/55ZR 17, DOT NS EK F661 5014 ESTIMATED <10,000 MILES PICTURES AVAILABLE
NHTSA complaint #10897042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesNeenah, WI
ENGINE
FRONT CENTER MOTOR MOUNT FAILED @ 66KMILES.
NHTSA complaint #10894689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,940 milesChula Vista, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).'
NHTSA complaint #10786831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,940 milesChula Vista, CA
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).'
NHTSA complaint #10786831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesFallon, NVCrash
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10734425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesFallon, NVCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10734425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,326 milesLA Palma, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10569212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,326 milesLA Palma, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10569212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10460183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,600 milesStaunton, VA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10374915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCharlotte, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10367835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, NY
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
NHTSA complaint #10348800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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
NHTSA complaint #10348800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,331 milesSouth Charleston, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10318690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,331 milesSouth Charleston, WV
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10318690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,331 milesSouth Charleston, WV
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10314329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWolcott, CT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10281282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taunton, MA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10256839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesOwosso, MI
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10220415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Sinai, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10219456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesBuffalo, NY
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10217917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesNorth Ridgevill, OH
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10201768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.