Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
40–25K
1625–50K
2550–75K
2175–100K
16100–150K
1150K+
83 reports with mileage · 163 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Seat Belts. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports29 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
246 reports
85,900 miles · Jun 7, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SHOWING THAT THE COOLANT WAS LOW. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FILLED THE RESERVOIR WITH COOLANT. BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONSUMER'S HOME COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE RESERVOIR AND THE RADIATOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE MANIFOLD, THE GA…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SHOWING THAT THE COOLANT WAS LOW. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FILLED THE RESERVOIR WITH COOLANT. BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CONSUMER'S HOME COOLANT DRAINED FROM THE RESERVOIR AND THE RADIATOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE MANIFOLD, THE GASKET, AND UPPER PLENUM ON THE ENGINE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10075756
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AT THE OWNER EXPENSE OF $ 692.00. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALL. CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHY THEY DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT. *NM *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10064899
88,947 miles · May 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
INTAKE MANIFOLD DEFECT CAUSING ENGINE DESTRUCTION AND FAILURE, RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE. 1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE 88947 MILES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10072668
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO RECEIVING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL. *PH THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE 03V-473. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. *N…
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CONSUMER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT PRIOR TO RECEIVING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR RECALL. *PH THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE 03V-473. THE RECALL WAS FOR THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10071535
74,899 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE. *PH THE RECALL WAS FOR THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR (03V-473). THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THAT THE DOCUMENTATION THAT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED DID NOT SUBSTANTIATED THE REQUEST. THE CONSUMER RESUBMITTED THE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10071453
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PART WASN'T COVERED UNDER RECALL. *PH THE FUEL PRESSURE DIAPHRAGM LEAKED WHICH OCCURRED 10 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND BROKE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT BLEW THE CAP OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE…
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THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE PART WASN'T COVERED UNDER RECALL. *PH THE FUEL PRESSURE DIAPHRAGM LEAKED WHICH OCCURRED 10 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND BROKE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT BLEW THE CAP OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE SERVICE DEALER HAD NOT REPLACED THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR, WHICH HE DID. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES WHICH HE PAID FOR AND THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL#03V473000. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10071445
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR MADE PRIOR TO LEARNING OF RECALL NOTICE. *PH THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (03V-473). THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE STATUS OF HIS REIM…
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REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR MADE PRIOR TO LEARNING OF RECALL NOTICE. *PH THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION (03V-473). THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE STATUS OF HIS REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10071463
28,000 miles · Apr 1, 2004
Exterior Lighting
REAR LIGHT HOUSING PRODUCED MOISTURE. AS A RESULT, A THICK FILM COVERED THE LENS. *AK DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE'S A 30% FAILURE RATE ON THESE COMPONENTS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10059140
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND CONSUMER NOTICED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO A HOLE INSIDE OF THE TUBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10063360
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE IT CAME FROM A DIFFERENT PLANT. *PH THE RECALL WAS ON THE VEHICLE FUEL PRESSSURE REGULATOR. *NM
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT MAY TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF UPDATED FRONT SHOULDER BELT BEZELS AND WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT OPENING BEZEL KITS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5
RQ03001 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure
Opened Jan 2, 2003 · Closed Sep 15, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
Steering:rack And Pinion
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.BASED ON ODI'S REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND COMPLAINT DATA COLLECTED DURING THE RQ, THE W-CARS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH EITHER A HIGHER STEERING COMPLAINT RATE OR A HIGHER LPB FAILURE RATE THAN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RQ AND ARE ABOVE OR NEAR THE RATES FOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THUS, ODI WILL FURTHER EXAMINE THE W-CARS (1996-1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME, 1996-1998 BUICK REGAL, CHEVROLET LUMINA, CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO, 1997-1998 BUICK CENTURY, AND 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE) UNDER A NEW INVESTIGATION, ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA)03-019.
EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
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 VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
EA00002 · Front Shoulder Belt Malfunction
Opened Jan 6, 2000 · Closed May 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE99056 · Front Shoulder Belt Malfunction
Opened Sep 2, 1999 · Closed Jan 6, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
1998 Buick Park Avenue Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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