Most common 2003 Buick Park Avenue problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Park Avenue complaints by model year
Best Park Avenue years: 2004, 2005, 2002. Years to avoid: 1998, 1997, 1999, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
2003 Buick Park Avenue recalls (1)
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle May be installed or forced out of the proper position.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. Owner notification began December 19, 2002.
What 2003 Buick Park Avenue owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Park Avenue. While driving at any speed the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed oil dripping down on the spark plugs. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold gasket was leaking. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 06/02/17 updated 06/27/18
In san diego union paper dated 10/28/2015, there is a recall on GM cars having the 3.8 liter engine. It involves vehicles having this engine. The problem is intake manifold leaking oil. This was found by the smog station. [redacted] '
Wheels & tires
New tires installed on vehicle 12/10/24. Passenger rear tire blew out at 65mph on interstate on 12/16/24. Car was able to be controlled, some damage to vehicle. Could have resulted in severe injury and/or death.
Abnormal wear pattern, low mileage, new tire < 8 months service, alignment check / good, tie rods, ball joints, shocks like new. Tire cord/ belts bare exposed on outside edge of tire 1/3 of circumference. Worn smooth, no cupping. Possible rubber compound issue. Only abnormal wear found on 1/3 of tire rotation. Tire manufacture pirelli, near zero m/s p235/55zr 17, dot ns ek f661 5014 estimated <10,000 miles pictures available
Electrical system
In san diego union paper dated 10/28/2015, there is a recall on GM cars having the 3.8 liter engine. It involves vehicles having this engine. The problem is intake manifold leaking oil. This was found by the smog station. [redacted] '
Since purchased the horn does not blow when you push on the designated spot on the steering wheel. You must 'search' for a spot to push that the horn will then blow. This is 'hit or miss'. It May blow and it May not. The dealer has done all that he can do to correct the problem which is to push on various locations on the steering wheel and say you should push there. The best he can do. I have lodged strenuous complaints with Buick and they assigned it "request number 1-200878647 and it has been handled generally by a mr. Sean armstrong. My last correspondence with them they said they had done all they could do, which so far has been nothing, and for me to take other steps. I assume they mean to go to court. I believe that this 'undependable' horn function could lead to an accident and possibly death to someone. …
2003 Buick Park Avenue engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Buick Park Avenue a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Park Avenue rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Park Avenue at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Park Avenue?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. Next are the wheels & tires (6) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue, the most recent from December 9, 2002 (lock). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Park Avenue?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 1997, 1999, 1995 and 2000. See the full Buick Park Avenue years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Buick Park Avenue problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.