Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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.
Fuel pressure regulator: the fuel pressure regulator went out on my 1998 Buick Park Avenue 3800 v6 and I had it replaced on 8-19-03 at a cost of $142.79. It has come to my attention that Buick has now issued a recall on the Buick Park Avenue (NHTSA campaign #03V473000) for fuel pressure regulators and Buick has informed me that my Park Avenue is not part of this recall. I believe that my car is involved with this problem since I have had the exact problem that Buick is now involved in. I believe that if my car is involved that Buick should be held responsible for my repair and the cost that I have incurred. I have documents to support the fact that the part was replaced and I paid for the repair.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Buick Park Avenue. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate, run hot, and make sounds as if the vehicle was gulping water. The motor locked up. When the vehicle was turned off, it would not restart. A mechanic explained that the motor locked up because coolant was entering into the motor. The failure has occurred twice in three years. The dealer stated that nothing could be done and informed the contact that he would have to pay for the repair. He paid for the repairs on both occasions. The purchase date, powertrain, and mileages were unknown. Updated 03-25-08 the dealer stated performed fuel recall for this vehicle. Updated 03/25/08
The plastic upper intake manifold developed an internal crack, which leaked coolant into the combustion cylinders. The 3.8l v6 engine shut down and then hydrolocked. It was repaired by a certified Buick dealer. The day the vehicle was returned, within 20 miles of driving, the rear main bearing seal failed. The dealer felt it was caused by the coolant mixing with the oil. After this repair, the engine ran approximately 2000 miles and spun a main bearing, due to the coolant/oil mixture. This has been reported to Buick. They feel it is not their problem.
Upon starting the vehicle there was a loud backfire and visible smoke came out from under the hood. Further investigation showed that the plastic intake manifold was blown apart. There was a strong odor of raw fuel. I contacted a local Buick dealership and was told that there were no open campaigns concerning this vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to a repair facility and have been told that the repair will cost in the range of $2000 - $2500 dollars.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Buick Park Avenue. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The check engine light illuminated as the failure occurred. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the fuel pump was replaced however, the repair did not remedy the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.
Consumer denied reimbursement for repairs made prior to receiving recall notice. 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.
Vehicle was sitting overnight when attempting to start it by turning key in ignition, and vehicle exploded and caught on fire in engine comparment. Vehicle was not a total loss. Fire was caused by an internal fuel leakage.
The consumer was denied reimbursement for repairs because the part wasn't covered under recall. 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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
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…
Fuel System complaints in other Park Avenue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Buick Park Avenue?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 14% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is carburetor system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Buick Park Avenue fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-090 (delivery, Feb 24, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Buick Park Avenue fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.