1998 Buick Park Avenue: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Buick Park Avenue: 2 recalls, 246 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V117000 · 2000 · 77,952 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have front seat shoulder belts that May twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.
Why it matters: When the shoulder belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the belt May be unusable.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and where necessary, install new front seat shoulder belt opening bezel kits.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V090000 · 2004 · 910,873 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 29 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (97): the most common themes are leaks (31), fire / smoke (29), stalls / loses power (15).
- Seat belts (32): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (28): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), fire / smoke (8), door / lock issues (5).
- Fuel system (27): the most common themes are leaks (6), fire / smoke (6).
The 1998 Buick Park Avenue has 246 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 16 Park Avenue model years for complaints (3.0× the average Park Avenue year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 72,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (219 complaints, 3 recalls), 1999 (140 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Buick Park Avenue.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Buick Park Avenue. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Buick Park Avenue problems?
Owners have filed 246 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (97), seat belts (32), electrical (28).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Buick Park Avenue repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.