Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Buick Park Avenue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Buick Park Avenue. The contact was driving approximately 1 MPH in a parking lot when the heater and rear defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor from inside the vehicle and noticed small flames emitting from the rear driver's side window panel. The engine was turned off and the fire was extinguished. The fire department arrived and disconnected the defroster wires. The vehicle was driven from the scene and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Consumer reported to the fire investigator, tom schaefer, that when trying to start vehicle after sitting all night heard a loud thump, and then all of the lights on the dash went out. Smoke coming from under the hood. A fire started in the engine compartment. Mr. Schaefer said that the consumer used the word thump not bang to describe the initial incident.
There was an explosion under hood. This occurred when key was turned in the ignition to start the vehicle. The fire inspector was unable to locate the cause of the explosion because the under hood components were melted together.
I purchased 1998 Buick Park Avenue, from sanderson Lincoln-Mercury dealership, glendale, az 85301, on February 24, 2005. Subsequently, I experienced a mechanical break-down on April 30, 2005. Hence, I have discerned that there were two recalls issued on February 24, 2004, campaign number 04v0900000 and campaign number 00v17000 on April 18, 2000. I am writing because I have experienced both defects. The former campaign caused me to expend $900. For repairs for a cracked manifold and the latter was recently experience when the front seat passenger could not attach the safety seat belt because it had jammed. Please advise as to what my recourses should be? Power Buick, scottsdale, az, never advise me of a recall that is consistent with the auto's breakdown...but did charge me $887.44 for the repair costs.
The vehicle was started while in the garage when without warning the vehicle "exploded" underneath the hood. The dealer indicated that the intake manifold fractured and resulted in the fuel rail bending. One of the fuel line holding clips also was broke. The vehicle would crank but would not start. The battery had run dead and was charged, the fuel pressure was checked, the engine backfired and had blown the intake gasket. The intake gasket was replaced, the spark plugs were removed, the cylinders were blown out, the fuel rail was straightened, the leaking fuel pressure regulator, and fuel feed line/fuel rail to fuel filter was replaced. Buick division of GM agreed to cover 50 percent of the repair cost. Scc
Vehicle problems with start up/ vehicle fire in engine compartment. The battery had gone dead overnight. (prior to the day of the incident, the battery appeared to be charged) the engine exploded as soon as the key was turned on. There was slippage in the transmission. The intake plentium, fuel rail, the ignition wires, 2 injectors, engine cover shield, oil filler cap, map sensor, pcv cover, and the battery all were replaced.
Vehicle battery failed. Consumer was unable to exit the vehicle. Dealer was not notified at this time. The battery cable came loose while the consumer was sitting in the vehicle. As a result the consumer was unable to exit the vehicle using the power door locks. The consumer was able to exit the vehicle by unlocking the doors manually.
While the vehicle was being started the engine caught on fire. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company stated that the cause of the fire was unknown but could have been either electrical or fuel related.
The seat material is collapsing, consumer believes this problem to be a serious safety concern because the seats are connected to the seat belt, which also affect the electrical system causing the seats to move into another position, disregarding programmed settings, which causes the mirrors to change their pre-programmed position while driving, consumer feels she has been getting the run around for the past six months. Examples of electrical problems include: doors do not lock, windows get stuck. Consumer states that the seatbelt would not move from its standard position.
Vehicle's manifold is cracked. The vehicle wouldn't start and a new battery was needed. It was found that the manifold had cracked. The consumer requested reimbursement due to the fact that the warranty insurance denied coverage. The consumer received a recall letter several months after the problem occurred. The started housing was also cracked. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.
Electrical complaints in other Park Avenue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Buick Park Avenue?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 11% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Park Avenue electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 Buick Park Avenue, though it has 2 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 1998 Buick Park Avenue electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.