1997 Buick Park Avenue Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Buick Park Avenue, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Seat belts5418.5%
- Engine4716.1%
- Brakes3913.4%
- Electrical237.9%
- Steering206.8%
- Transmission186.2%
- Fuel system175.8%
- Visibility155.1%
- Body & structure144.8%
- Suspension113.8%
- Interior & seats82.7%
- Powertrain (other)72.4%
- Driver assistance62.1%
- Exterior lighting31.0%
- Heating & air conditioning31.0%
- Other / unspecified31.0%
- Tires & wheels20.7%
- Airbags20.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *TR
I OWN A 1997 PARK AVE ULTRA WITH SEVERAL RECALL REPAIR ISSUES THE FOLLOWING WERE ADDRESSED BY GM BUT NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED: (FAULTY) ABS SYSTEM (WITH CAMPAIGN CODE STICKER) REPLACED ABS SYSTEM CUTS OUT RANDOMLY CAUSING CHANGES IN STOPPING DISTANCE (IN SEVERE BRAKING SITUATIONS THE ABS SYSTEM HAS CUT OUT ON ME GETTING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES JUST TO COME TO A NORMAL STOP) FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT(NO CAMPAIGN STICKER) MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR WAS NEVER FIXED OR TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFIED STANDARDS WHILE IN FOR REPAIRS LET ALONE ADDRESSED AT ALL RACK AND PINION HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES SOME DUE TO AGE AND MILES BUT REGARDLESS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE AND BEARINGS ARE SHOT THE FAULTY RECALL REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE DON'T INSTILL TRUST IN GM'S ABILITY TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHY WAS THIS CAR NOT RECALLED WITH OTHER GM PRODUCTS WITH THE 3800 V6 ENGINES FOR THE OIL LEAKS? THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME 3800 V6 AS ALL OF THE RECALLED CARS!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND CAME TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 1997 PARK AVE ULTRA WITH SEVERAL RECALL REPAIR ISSUES THE FOLLOWING WERE ADDRESSED BY GM BUT NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED: (FAULTY) ABS SYSTEM (WITH CAMPAIGN CODE STICKER) REPLACED ABS SYSTEM CUTS OUT RANDOMLY CAUSING CHANGES IN STOPPING DISTANCE (IN SEVERE BRAKING SITUATIONS THE ABS SYSTEM HAS CUT OUT ON ME GETTING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES JUST TO COME TO A NORMAL STOP) FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT(NO CAMPAIGN STICKER) MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR WAS NEVER FIXED OR TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFIED STANDARDS WHILE IN FOR REPAIRS LET ALONE ADDRESSED AT ALL RACK AND PINION HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES SOME DUE TO AGE AND MILES BUT REGARDLESS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE AND BEARINGS ARE SHOT THE FAULTY RECALL REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE DON'T INSTILL TRUST IN GM'S ABILITY TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. CURRENTLY, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WILL ENGAGE DURING BRAKING. OCCASIONALLY, THEY ENGAGE BY THEMSELVES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARS A GRINDING SOUND WHEN SHE IS NOT BRAKING. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,800.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LITTLE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE REAR DEFROSTER, DISCONNECTED THE PLUG, REMOVED THE REAR PANEL, AND NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FEED AND MODULE WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAY RIDGE CHEVROLET (1575 86TH ST, BROOKLYN, NY 11228, (833) 452-1829) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PART NUMBER: 25623688 (RED RADIO ANTENNA MODULE), THE AC (DELCO PT1183), AND THE REAR WINDOW ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONNECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5585220430. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
MY PROBLEM IS, THE LEFT BLINKER OF THE FRONT, BACK AND HEADBOARD IS NOT WORKING. BUT IF I PUT ON MY FLASHERS, ALL MY LIGHTS ARE WORKING, INCLUDING THE LEFT BLINKER. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT ITS NOT THE LIGHT BULB, AND ITS NOT THE FUSES FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND THE HEADBOARD FUSES BOXES, AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY RESEARCH AND THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND ITS BEEN AN OCCURRING ISSUE FOR THE 1997-2005 BUICK PARK AVENUE. . .UPDATED 07/20/15 *BF
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE, WHEN I TURN TO THE RIGHT ONLY EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT I HEAR A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AREA. I HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS CHECKED AND REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING AND STILL HAD THE SAME NOISE. I DO NOT KNOW IF ITS PART OF THE STEERING OR MAYBE THE PILOT BEARING IF IT HAS ONE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. MAYBE THE RACK PINION SYSTEM. I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT. PLEASE HELP...? *TR
I OWN A 1997 PARK AVE ULTRA WITH SEVERAL RECALL REPAIR ISSUES THE FOLLOWING WERE ADDRESSED BY GM BUT NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED: (FAULTY) ABS SYSTEM (WITH CAMPAIGN CODE STICKER) REPLACED ABS SYSTEM CUTS OUT RANDOMLY CAUSING CHANGES IN STOPPING DISTANCE (IN SEVERE BRAKING SITUATIONS THE ABS SYSTEM HAS CUT OUT ON ME GETTING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES JUST TO COME TO A NORMAL STOP) FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT(NO CAMPAIGN STICKER) MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR WAS NEVER FIXED OR TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFIED STANDARDS WHILE IN FOR REPAIRS LET ALONE ADDRESSED AT ALL RACK AND PINION HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES SOME DUE TO AGE AND MILES BUT REGARDLESS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE AND BEARINGS ARE SHOT THE FAULTY RECALL REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE DON'T INSTILL TRUST IN GM'S ABILITY TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CALLER STATED: TRANSMISSION FAILING. LOCKED UP AND SHOOK THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THERE WAS THE SENSATION OF SOMETHING HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR FROM UNDERNEATH. HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS PUT INTO MOTION, AND INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
I HAVE A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH 103,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN APRIL OF 1997. AFTER 10 MONTHS AND 16,000 MILES I BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSIMISSION SHIFTING HARD AFTER THE CAR GOT WARMED UP. IF I WOULD STOP AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR 15 SECONDS AND RESTART IT SHIFT SMOOTH FOR SEVERAL STOPS AND THEN START SHIFTING HARD AGAIN. I TOOK IT INTO A BUICK GARAGE AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 10 DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. AT 90,000 MILES THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCURED. IT DIDN'T DO IT THAT OFTEN TO BEGIN WITH BUT NOW ONE YEAR LATER IT DOES IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AFTER IT GET COMPLETELY WARMED UP. GIVEN IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO MY CAR IT WOULD APPEAR THERE IS A DEFECT HERE THAT BUICK SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. I HAVE LOOKED OVER YOU SIGHT AND FOUND NO RECALLS FOR THE TYPE OF PROBLEM. ARE THERE ANY OUT THERE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF? WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? MEL RUTLIN
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED BEFORE ENTERING HIS VEHICLE HE NOTICED THERE WAS A PUDDLE UNDERNEATH HIS VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE SPILL HE NOTICED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000. UPDATED 03/23/12*LJ UPDATED 03/30/12
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, AND WOULD NOT GO BACK DOWN. THE FUSE WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO LOOK THE PROBLEM. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED SOMETIMES. THE DEFECT WAS THOUGHT TO BE IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD. *AK BUICK WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE FACT THAT A RECALL WAS SET FOR THE 2001 MAKE/MODEL. *SC *JB
MY NUMBER ONE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR IS THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE OIL WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE RESULT WAS THAT THE MAIN BEARINGS WERE DESTROYED AND I HAD TO BUY A NEW ENGINE. (I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD IN MY POSSESSION.) THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN NOT WITHSTAND THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE EGR VALVE AND EVENTUALLY SUFFERS FROM THERMAL FATIGUE AT THE EGR AND STRESS RELAXATION AROUND THE FLANGE OF THE MANIFOLD. I NOTIFIED GM OF THE PROBLEM IN WRITING AND THEY OFFERED ME $800 COMPENSATION FOR MY $5,000.00 PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY ENGINE WAS PROBABLY ON ITS LAST LEGS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN BABIED AND OFFERED UP RESULTS OF THE MANDATORY EMISSIONS TEST THAT THE CAR UNDERWENT NOT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO FAILURE AS PROOF THAT THE CAR WAS IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER. (IN TORONTO, ALL VEHICLE OWNERS MUST SUBMIT THEIR CARS FOR EMISSIONS TESTING EVERY 2 YEARS. THE CAR IS MEASURED FOR HYDRO CARBON OUTPUT, NOX OUTPUT, CO, AND CO2. IF THE ENGINE HAD BEEN MALFUNCTIONING, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN QUALIFIED.) THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF GM DIDN'T SWITCH FROM ALUMINUM TO PLASTIC. OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR INCLUDE A REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE, - 3'RD ALTERNATOR, 2ND BATTERY , A SECURITY SYSTEM THAT SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, WATER IN THE TRUNK (SEVERAL ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, ENDED UP DRILLING A HOLE IN THE TRUNK), FAILED AC COMPRESSOR, FAILED HEATED SEAT, SEVERAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL LIGHT BULBS HAVE BURNED OUT AND CAN NOT BE REPLACED, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT. THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS THAT WARP EVERY 35,000 KM. - FUEL GAUGE THAT DOESN'T WORK BELOW A QUARTER TANK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO GM, LET ME KNOW. REGARDS DOUG WEBB 13 BRUMELL AVENUE TORONTO, ONTARIO M6S 4G3 [email protected] 905-238-0007 EX. 2624 (DAYTIME)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE, THEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. AFTER HAVING NEW TIRES PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DROVE AWAY AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT UNEVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE WAS RUSTED OUT. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRAME AND THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY OPERATES NORMALLY. THE CONTACT READ IN CONSUMER REPORT THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE FRAME ON OTHER BUICK MODELS, BUT NOT FOR THE PARK AVENUE. HE FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,530 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,669.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
MY ISSUE IS CONSTANT VIBRATION OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE REPLACED ALL TIRES, ALL STRUTS, BALANCED NUMEROUS TIMES. BUICK PEOPLE TELL ME ITS THE TIRES. TIRE PEOPLE TELL ME ITS THE DRIVE TRAIN. MEANWHILE, NOTHING GETS DONE EXCEPT I KEEP SPENDING MONEY. I DON'T MIND A PROBLEM NOW AND THEN AS LONG AS SOMEONE RESPONDS TO IT. BUT IN THIS CASE, BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE AND READING ACCOUNTS OF OTHER OWNERS, THIS ISSUE NEVER GOES AWAY. MY GUESS IS NOW THAT I'M OUT OF WARRANTY, GM WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO STICK IT ON THE RACK AT THE GOING LABOR RATE AND MAYBE GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT. I SEE TSB 833004, WHICH I JUST DISCOVERED, WAS PUBLISHED IN 9/98, LONG BEFORE I WENT INTO SUN BUICK WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY NEVER MENTIONED OR DID ANY OF THE REMEDIATION CALLED FOR IN THAT TSB. WHAT OTHER BUTTONS ARE THERE FOR A CONSUMER TO PUSH?*AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A RECALL FOR BUCKET SEAT LATCH, AND DEALER BROKE PART OF SEAT THAT WAS ON RECALL. TOLD CONSUMER THAT THAT PARTS WERE IN, BUT IN A WHILE CONSUMER WAS WAITING AND PARTS FELL OFF. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED AN OFF TRACK FUNCTION, WITHIN MINUTES VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND CONSUMER WAS LOCKED IN FOR 15-20 MINUTES. DEALER NOTIFIED. BUT, VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. *AK
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: CONSUMER STATED: WHILE BACKING VEHICLE OUT INTO THE STREET, JUST CHANGED THE OIL A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, THE FRAME BROKE RIGHT FROM WHERE THE OIL FILTER WAS. THEN, THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE. NEIGHBOR HEARD A NOISE WHEN IT HAPPENED. *AK
THE HEATER IN THE SEAT QUIT WORKING. A NEW ONE WAS INSTALLED AND IT DOESN'T HEAT UP CORRECTLY. THE MOTOR IN THE WINDOW FAILED. THE ROTORS/BRAKES WERE WARPED. THE STEREO FAILED. THE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP CORRECTLY DESPITE A NEW ONE BEING PUT IN. THE STARTER IS DRAGGING. SOME OF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE SMART CHOICE EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER SOME OF THE REPAIRS ARE STILL NEEDED AND I STILL HAVE TIME REMAINING ON MY SMART CHOICE WARRRANTY BUT THEY HAVE WENT BANKRUPT AND MY DEALER SAYS THE WARRANTY IS NO LONGER VALID AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS DONE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECREASE IN SPEED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN UNUSUALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE INTO A GRASSY FIELD TO AVOID A CRASH; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 90 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE GAS PEDAL STUCK ON HER 1997 BUCIK, PARK AVENUE. SHE HAD TO BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AT A HIGH RPMS. I CHECKED THE THROTTLE AREA AND THE THROTTLE WHEEL THAT ROTATES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED WAS RUBBING AGAINST A LARGER CABLE THAT WAS NOT LETTING THE WHEEL RETURN WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED. I FIXED THE PROBLEM BY PULLING & STRAPPING THE CABLE AWAY FROM THE THROTTLE AREA. A LOCALE DEALERSHIP HAS WORKED ON THE ENGINE, AND I DON'T KNOWN WHETHER THE CABLE WAS INSTALLED LIKE THAT AT THE FACTORY. I COULD SEE SOME WEAR ON THE CABLE WHERE THE WHEEL HAD BEEN RUBBING ON IT FOR A WHILE. I COULD ALSO SEE A NOTCH ON THE WHEEL THAT COULD'VE CAUGHT THE CABLE AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY PROBLEM IS, THE LEFT BLINKER OF THE FRONT, BACK AND HEADBOARD IS NOT WORKING. BUT IF I PUT ON MY FLASHERS, ALL MY LIGHTS ARE WORKING, INCLUDING THE LEFT BLINKER. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT ITS NOT THE LIGHT BULB, AND ITS NOT THE FUSES FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND THE HEADBOARD FUSES BOXES, AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY RESEARCH AND THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND ITS BEEN AN OCCURRING ISSUE FOR THE 1997-2005 BUICK PARK AVENUE. . .UPDATED 07/20/15 *BF
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT UNDER ANY ROAD CONDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE DUE TO THE LENSES TURNING A MILKY WHITE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN A TIRE BLEWOUT, VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURIES TO FIVE PEOPLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/60R15, CLAIM 32-V322-572. *SLC
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR MISADJUSTED. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE, WHEN I TURN TO THE RIGHT ONLY EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT I HEAR A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AREA. I HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS CHECKED AND REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING AND STILL HAD THE SAME NOISE. I DO NOT KNOW IF ITS PART OF THE STEERING OR MAYBE THE PILOT BEARING IF IT HAS ONE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. MAYBE THE RACK PINION SYSTEM. I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT. PLEASE HELP...? *TR
THE A/C WILL TURN ON AGAIN AFTER I TURN IT OFF. THE RADIO WILL SHIFT TO CASSETTE AND BACK WHILE DISPLAYING E33. DRIVERS WINDOW WILL COME DOWN UNEVENLY AND GET WEDGED. THE ALTERNATER WENT OUT AND THE BOTTOM BOLT STRIPPED DURING REMOVAL. THERE IS A LURCH SOMETIMES DURING SHIFTING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN A TIRE BLEWOUT, VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURIES TO FIVE PEOPLE, FIRESTONE AFFINITY, P215/60R15, CLAIM 32-V322-572. *SLC
VIBRATIOIN IN VEHICLE AT 60-75 MPH - TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED TWICE IN FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP - TIRE RUNOUT/OUT-OF-ROUND IS GOOD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER. THE DUAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT, HOWEVER THE DRIVER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB FIRE SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN THE FIRE TRUCK DID ARRIVE FLAMES HAD BURNT THE LEATHER SEAT, MELTED THE STEERING COLUMN AND BURNT THE WINDSHIELD VISOR. *BF *NM
UNSPECIFIED: ROAD DEBRIS HITS AIRBAG SENSOR, CAUSING FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS, RESULTING IN LEG INJURIES/HEARING LOSS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .