Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Buick Park Avenue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The consumer complained about the rack and pinion steering problem which was being recalled by the manufacturer. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, but because of the VIN consumer was denied any assistance. The problem was noticed after the vehicle was first purchased. There was a stiffens when turning left and sometimes when the vehicle was driven at 50 MPH or more, getting off at an off ramp, the steering would loosen then go back to normal.
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...?
Steering gear bracket broke on 1997 Buick Park Avenue. The consumer has given copies of the repair bill and the statement from enterprise for the three days it took to repair the vehicle, to the dealership for considering a reimbursement.
1-23-3 id like to report a problem with a general motors engine, more specifically the bolts they're using on the 3800 series 2 v-6 (probably a cheap priced chinese product). I asked at my Buick dealership if they send information to GM about a problem a vehicle is having if they see it as dangerous or see it more than once and the guy laughed... Ha ha real funny. Meanwhile people like me fix a problem that might be eligible for a recall, or at minimum GM could quit buying defective bolts to use on the 3800 series 2 engine before someone gets killed when suddenly they can't control a 3000 pound vehicle going down the highway. I have a 1997 Buick Park Avenue (97,000 miles). I'm driving down the road and all of the sudden my power steering pump just falls off of the car, yes it literally fell off. I sent it too my local Buick dealer for repair. …
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.
Item 1. Returning home, play developed in the steering wheel. With the car parked in driveway, during investigation , the steering wheel totally disconnected from the steering rack, so the car was no longer steerable. Dealer said the steering wheel shaft had separated from the rack input, but could not understand how this could happen. Rack assembly had been replaced 03/28/97, 2101 miles beause of oil leaks. Item 2. Taking car home from dealer after engine oil leak repair, there was much play, 1/3 turn, in steering wheel. Dealer diagnosed problem as broken mounting ear on steering rack and pinion, requiring replacement of rack assembly. Rack assemble had been replaced 03/28/97, 2101 miles due to oil leaks.
Factory replacement of defective seat belt retractor sept 1998 same as before. This dangerous problem persists; service manager told me that Buick could do nothing. Passenger can extend seat belt, but it often folds & jams, leaving 1-2 ft of loose belt which voids the safety of seat belt. Warped brake rotors were replaced. The defective power steering problem is a known defect to Buick who has last week suggested a trial of changing hoses.
At 70 MPH vehicle began to slow down a lot, then stalled. Towed to dealer, antifreeze flooded engine, causing the engine to seize. Consumer was forced off the road by an 18 wheeler because vehicle had started slowing and consumer could not get vehicle to respond. Loss of steering accompanied the sudden decelleration.
There is an electrical short in wiring of steering column which causes brakes to vibrate and make a rumbling noise. This happens when making a stop at any given speed. Dealership said there was a short in the steering column, causing this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Hard steering turning right at low speeds. Item repaired 1/14/2004 at dealer at a cost to me of $1351.18. Repair invoice states " internal failure of steering gear diagnosed and replaced steering gear." auto is 1997 Buick Park ave ultra with 32000 miles.
NHTSA investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
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…
Steering complaints in other Park Avenue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Buick Park Avenue?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Buick Park Avenue, 9% of the model year's 219 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Buick Park Avenue steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Buick Park Avenue, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Park Avenue steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.