MotorDeets

2003 Buick Park Avenue: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Buick Park Avenue: 1 recall, 33 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
33owner complaints
1mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2003 Buick Park Avenue
Photo: Cutlass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #02V328000 · 2002 · 43,980 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle May be installed or forced out of the proper position.

Why it matters: If the cable is out of the proper position, it could increase the force required to activate the emergency trunk release handle and a person trapped in the trunk May not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle.

The fix: Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. Owner notification began December 19, 2002.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling7
Electrical5
Tires5
Engine4
Suspension2
Steering1
Body & structure1
Brakes (air)1

What owners describe

The 2003 Buick Park Avenue has 33 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 16 Park Avenue model years for complaints (well below the 81 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 52,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (32 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (12 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172721Regular
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive162519Premium

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 2003 Buick Park Avenue.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Buick Park Avenue manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Buick Park Avenue manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Buick Park Avenue manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Buick Park Avenue manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 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 2003 Buick Park Avenue problems?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (7), electrical (5), tires (5).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 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.

Other Park Avenue years

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