Filed Feb 24, 2004910,873 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum99V238000
Filed Aug 27, 1999988 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER TO BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY NUTS AND TIGHTEN ALL FOUR (4) NUTS TO SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc99V081000
Filed Apr 14, 199938 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CORRECT BRAKE PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT ROTORS, CALIPER ASSEMBLIES, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKETS.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 29, 2019176,000 milesTX
STALL WHILE DRIVING
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 19, 2019184,630 milesKS
PASSENGER FRONT SEATBELT WON'T CLICK SHUT. DEALER CAN'T FIND ONE.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 5, 201993,584 milesIL
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.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Nov 30, 2018152,000 milesFL
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.
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 2, 2018190,000 milesKS
PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOT CLICKING.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 201662,000 milesPA
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 1, 201531,766 milesFL
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*CN
Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2015IL
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. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Mar 5, 2015155,000 milesKS
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. *TR
Engine
Filed Dec 27, 201465,000 milesCA
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. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 2, 2013126,046 milesVA
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. *JS
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jul 27, 2013105,214 milesOH
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. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 2013101,200 milesGA
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. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Sep 11, 201285,000 milesMS
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.
Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Mar 30, 201199,000 milesNY
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. *TR
Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Mar 18, 2011100,000 milesMA
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 *LN
Steering
Filed Nov 16, 201062,000 milesTX
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. *TR
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jul 16, 2009HI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, HE SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONTO THE GROUND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,281.
Steering
Filed Jul 11, 2009134,000 milesNC
MY WIFE CAME HOME AND STATED THIS CAR WAS DRIVING WOBBLY AND MAKING A NOISE.I INSPECTED VEHICEL AND FOUND THE FOLLOWING. VEHICLE STEERING RACK SEPERATED FROM CRADLE..FIRST NOTICED LOUD NOISE WHEN STEERING ROTATED LOCK TO LOCK..VISUAL INSPECTION COULD SEE TIE ROD CONTACTING RIGHT SIDE UNIBODY RAIL...CLOSER INSPECTION FOUND CASTING OR RACK HOUSING CRACKED AND SEPERATED FROM IT'S MOUNTING POINT ON RIGHT SIDE..THIS ALLOWED STEERING RACK TO LIFT UP AND BIND AGAINST RIGHT RAIL OR VEHICLE INNER STRUCTURE...LOSS OF STEERING AND CONTROL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STEER VEHICLE.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 3, 2009164,376 milesTX
1999 BUICK PARK AVE V6=3800 3 8L SHOT FIRE APX. 6 FEET PER FIREMEN ON DUTY THAT WITNESSED THIS. THE MOTOR SHOOK. UPPER INTAKE, INTAKE SET, VALVE COVER SET, PCV, OIL PRESSURE SWITCH, BOTH CONVERTERS AND STILL NOT FIXED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 12, 2009101,500 milesNY
MY 1999 PARK AVENUE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RUN RUFF, CAUSING ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, AS WELL AS TWO IGNITION COILS. HE STATED THAT THE PLUGS HAD INDICATION OF BURNS THAT ARE ATTRIBUTED TO ANTI FREEZE COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE PLUGS. DURING THE REPAIR HE ALSO INDICATED THAT HE NOTICED ANTI FREEZE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE IN THE AREA OF THE PLENUM. THE REPAIRMAN STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 3800 MOTOR, THAT THE PLENUM LEAKS CAUSING ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS DUE TO THE ANTI FREEZE COMING IN CONTACT WITH ENGINE COMPONENTS. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE IF NOT CORRECTED BY REPLACEMENT OF THE PLENUM AND THE INTAKE GASKET. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 24, 200845,000 milesIL
PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE OCCURRED ON 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND RESULTED IN A MISFIRE CODE IN MULTIPLE CYLINDERS. SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WERE A ROUGH IDLE AT START FOR 30 SECONDS, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD COME ON, SOMETIMES STAYING ON AND SOMETIMES EXTINGUISHING AFTER 15 SECONDS. THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY DRIVEN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER INITIALLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A COMBINATION OF DIRTY FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM (CLEANED REGULARLY, BUT STILL NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AGAIN TO CONVINCE DEALER TO RULE OUT THIS PROBLEM). WHEN PROBLEM PERSISTED IN CYLINDER #6, THE PROBLEM WAS THEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR WHICH WAS REPLACED. WHEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT COOLANT HAD GOTTEN INTO CYLINDER #6 IN SMALL AMOUNTS AND CAUSE A MISFIRE. DEALER THEN DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. WEB SEARCHING REVEALS THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AS THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED FROM METAL TO PLASTIC. HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. COST TO REPAIR IS APPROXIMATELY $1,700. *TR
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jun 3, 2008NJ
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS ON FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT FUNCTION AND DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED WITH EITHER REMOTE, KEY OR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *TR
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 20, 200745,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SL, SIZE P225/60R16 TIRES. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2004. IN MAY OF 2007, THE FIRST TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT 45,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHERE THE TIRE WAS LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIRE BEGAN TO SEPARATE AT 78,000 MILES IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 AND THE THIRD TIRE SEPARATED IN THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER OF 2007 AT 87,000 MILES. THE TIRES WERE BOUGHT IN A SET OF FOUR AND SHE BELIEVES THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSED 3 OUT OF THE 4 TIRES TO SEPARATE WITHIN MONTHS OF ONE ANOTHER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST TIRE FAILURE AND PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECOND AND THIRD TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline › DeliveryFire
Filed Nov 5, 200760,000 milesPR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. IN 2004, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE RECALL REPAIRED AT 30,000 MILES. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED ALL DAY, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT A MECHANIC AT A DIFFERENT SHOP STATED THAT THE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM THE ISSUE STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 23, 200740,000 milesCT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE ANTIFREEZE. WHEN HE CHECKED THE LEVEL IN THE PROPER RECEPTACLE, IT WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE ANTIFREEZE IS STILL LEAKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 3, 2006103,134 milesVA
PLASTIC UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED FLOODING ENGINE INTERIOR WITH COOLANT. ENGINE LOCKED UP. VEHICLE OPERATOR WAS ACCELERATING FROM IDLE TO ENTER TRAFFIC WHEN ENGINE LOCK UP OCCURRED, BUT LUCKILY HAD NOT YET ENTERED TRAFFIC. MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR BUICK PARK AVENUES WITH MILEAGE ABOVE 90,000 MILES. REPAIRS EXCEEDED $1,100. *NM
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 6, 200662,150 milesFL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON DRY HIGHWAY ROADS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE SHAKING GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THERE WAS A BLISTER THE SIZE OF A MELON ON THE TREAD OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. THE CONSUMERS SECOND TIRE ALSO HAD TREAD SEPARATION. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 31, 2006OH
1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE SEVERED BRAKE LINES, LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE DUE TO A CRACKED CRADLE. *KB ***NAR*** WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. UPON INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE CRADLE HAD CRACKED. WHEN THE CRADLE CRACKED IT SEVERED THE BRAKE LINE AND BROKE THE FRONT LEFT AXLE. THE TECHNICIAN ORDER TWO CRADLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT JUNK YARDS. BOTH CRADLE HAD CRACKS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. NEW CRADLES HAD TO BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED AND THE LEFT AXLE AND BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACE. *NM
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 29, 2006ND
1999 PARK AVENUE SENSOR FOR THE REAR WINDSHIELD CAUSED MOISTURE TO FREEZE ON THE WIPERS. *TS THE DEVICE CAUSED MOISTURE ON THE WINDSHIELD TO FREEZE ONTO THE WIPERS. THE END RESULT WAS THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT CLEAN OFF THE WINDSHIELD. THE SENSOR CAUSED THE BLADES TO MOVE SO QUICKLY THAT THEY SPED UP THE FREEZING PROCESS. *NM
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Mar 26, 200690,000 milesWI
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON RF, RR, AND LR FAILED. MECHANISM INSIDE OF DOOR BROKE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. EMPHASIZE THAT ONLY THE LF DOOR COULD BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY TO USE EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES TO REACH OCCUPANTS. RF, RR, AND LR DOOR HANDLES ALL FAILED IN THE EXACT SAME MANNER (PLASTIC COMPONENT ON DOOR HANDLE CRACKED/FATIGUED). CONDITION WAS CORRECTED BY REPLACING DOOR HANDLES. NO OBVIOUS DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS WERE OBSERVED ON REPLACEMENT PARTS. FAILED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST.*JB
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Filed Jan 26, 2006IL
1999 BUICK PARK AVE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE LOWER RETRACTION SYSTEM. *TS A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER'S MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 18, 2006IL
ON 12/28/2005, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE LOWER RETRACTION SYSTEM ON OUR 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. I ASSUME THE BELT BECAME TWISTED AS IT WAS RETRACTING, BUT I AM UNSURE. THE FAILURE & POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR THIS SEAT BELT FAILURE WOULD BE THE INJURY AND/OR DEATH OF A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER SEAT. I CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALER (GIUFFRE BUICK) & THEY SAID IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE FACTORY WARRANTY SINCE IT IS OVER 3 YEARS OLD. TO VERIFY THIS STATEMENT, I CONTACTED BUICK CORPORATE DIRECTLY VIA EMAIL & THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I DID SOME FURTHER RESEARCH VIA THIS SITE & FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFO UNDER THE ODI DEFECT INVESTIGATION SEARCH: NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V117000. ALTHOUGH THE RECALL IS FOR 1997 & 1998 IT DID MENTION THE SAME TYPE OF SEAT BELT FAILURES ON 784 OUT OF 55,960 VEHICLES ON MODEL YEAR 1999 VEHICLES. I FORWARDED THE DOCUMENT TO MICHAEL REETZ, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, BUICK CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, TO WHICH HE REPLIED - QUOTE "THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE BUICK CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE US IN REGARDS TO YOUR FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE CONCERN WITH YOUR SEAT BELTS. INFORMATION ON THIRD PARTY WEBSITES IN NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE FOR YOUR SEAT BELT CONCERN." I AGREE, THERE IS NOT CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR MY 99' PARK AVENUE, BUT I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE. *NM
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Jul 25, 2005118,061 milesNC
RECALL REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND THEREFORE HE REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. RECALL # 04V090000 *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 24, 200556,400 milesTX
DT: THE 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE HAS A PLASTIC PLENUM THAT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION UNANNOUNCED, CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO ENTER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOCKING THE ENGINE UP. CONSEQUENTLY, THERE IS A TOTAL POWER FAILURE. POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES DO NOT WORK, AND THE CAR HAS NO POWER. CAN'T COAST OR ANYTHING ELSE. CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BUICK, BUT, THERE WAS NO RECALL. CONSUMER CONSIDERED THIS VEHICLE VERY UNSAFE. CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS WAS INSTANTANEOUS, AND WITH NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR TO HIS MECHANIC, AND THEY REPLACED THE PLENUM FROM GM PRODUCTS. *AK *TT *NM
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Apr 28, 2005NE
1) CUSTOMER LOST STEERING OF CAR 2) LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT BROKE FROM FRAME; MOUNT WAS NOT FULLY WELDED TO FRAME. (HAVE PHOTOS AND OLD FRAME) 3) REPLACE COMPLETE SUB FRAME
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Feb 28, 2005SD
THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. CONTACTED THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 23, 200593,000 milesGA
THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN ROUGH, OVER HEAT AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE 3.8L ENGINE HAS BLOWN A HEAD GASKET. THE DEALER MADE THE REPAIR. *JB *NM
Wheels › Hub
Filed Jan 23, 200542,000 milesFL
THE COMPLAINT WAS RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. I WENT TO GOODYEAR TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED WHEN THEY REMOVED THE WHEEL CAP, AND THE PLASTIC SNAPS THAT HOLD THE WHEEL CAPS IN PLACE FELL OFF. THE MECHANIC CALLED ME OVER AND REFUSED TO TAKE ANY MORE CAPS OFF. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I NEEDED FRONT BRAKES, AND I GAVE HIM PERMISSION TO TAKE THE SECOND CAP OFF. ONE MORE SNAP BROKE OFF. MY CAR IS A 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA OF 42,000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO I HAD TO REPLACE A CAP THAT WAS MISSING AT A COST OF $54.00. THESE CAPS ARE POORLY MADE AND CANNOT WITHSTAND THE PROCESS OF HAVING TIRES ROTATED, REPLACED OR WHATEVER CONDITION REQUIRES THAT THE TIRES BE REMOVED. REPLACING THESE CAPS HAS BECOME AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM NOT ONLY THAT, BUT DANGEROUS AS WELL. THIS IS A FAULTY PRODUCT, AND SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. I HAVE CALLED THE BUICK PEOPLE, AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THESE CAPS. ALSO, WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Dec 13, 200458,500 milesIN
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD COVER IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC, AND HAS BECOME DEFECTIVE FOR A SECOND TIME. THE ANTIFREEZE IS GOING INTO THE ENGINE.*AK..........*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Dec 6, 2004NY
FUEL REGULATOR HAD A BIG LEAK THAT ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE, REPLACED FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *BF THE PART WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON FEB 2, 2004. *JB
Structure
Filed Nov 15, 2004DC
METAL DOOR PROTUDES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH CONSUMER BELIEVE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *BF THE ASH TRAY WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED. *SC
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Nov 5, 2004GA
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR 99 BUICK CONCERNING INJECTOR REGULATOR. HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE DUE TO THE PROBLEM. *BF THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MAINFOLD LEAK CAUSED FUEL AND WATER MIXTURE, THE WATER ON THE TOP PISTONS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LOCK, THEN THE STARTER CEASED AND BURNED OUT. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 20, 200447,000 milesIA
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED COOLANT FLUID ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING . THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MANIFOLD WITH A REDESIGNED ONE.*AK *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Oct 15, 2004GA
INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILURE. *BF THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE RUPTURE IS MORE SEVERE THAN THE MANUFACTURER STATED. THE CONSUMER ALSO INDICATED TAT THE RECALL HAS A DOMINO EFFECT WHICH CAUSES THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO FAIL. *NM
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Sep 13, 2004581 milesTX
CONSUMER CONCERNED THAT AUTO SAFETY DATA WON'T BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC. *NM THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE PUBLIC HAD THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT DEFECTS REGARDING ALL VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A VEHICLE WHICH HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, SUCH AS A MOLDING REAR DOOR, A BROKEN DOOR HANDLE AND A NEW ENGINE AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS NEEDED. AFTER THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HE SOLD THE VEHICLE AND ANOTHER COUPLE ENDURED PROBLEMS SUCH AS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY DYING. THE OTHER COUPLE WAS TOLD IN JAN 2004 THE REGULATOR HAD BEEN RECALLED. *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Jul 30, 200450,000 milesWI
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IT ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE NOT STOPPING IMMEDIATELY. TNE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT FRONT BRAKE PAD SEPARATED FROM THE STEEL AND WAS JUST LYING THERE. THE BRAKE PAD STILL HAD 50% OF WEAR REMAINING. *AK *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2004MI
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed May 21, 2004133,000 milesMO
IT WOULD TAKE 7-10 SECONDS BEFORE IGNITION WOULD START. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 11, 200439,951 milesPA
TRANSMISSION FAILURE DEVELOPED ON 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE. *MR THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT HARSHLY, SHUDDER AND HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH WAS LOOSE INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL. *NM
Complaints 1-50 of 140, newest first, reproduced as filed.
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 24, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.