Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Had the rear window defogger on while driving home at 45 MPH which is just a 15 minute ride and when I pulled in my driveway, smoke was filing the cabin of the car. I popped the hood and looked for damage and did not find any. Closed the hood and notice the rear (driver side) passenger seat on fire. I ran in the house and got the fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Unfortunately the insurer deemed the car a total loss due to extensive fire damage.
Driver side heated rear view mirror lost clarity and the view is minimal with no vision when it is dark. This is forth Buick Park ave to do this . 1997. 2000 2003 2004 dealer wants $545.00 for the glass alone.
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. …
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Park Avenue. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a chime twice and the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle lost acceleration and a burning odor was present. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic (richie's auto repair in chicago heights, illinois) who diagnosed that the ignition module and a coil were damaged and needed replacement. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired by christi anson Chevrolet (9700 indianapolis boulevard highland, indiana) for the same failure back on September 22, 2015 and December 15, 2012. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
While attempting to start the car after the ignition was cranked for less than one second there was an explosion from under the hood resulting in fire. The fire was put out within a minute due to access of a nearby fire extinguisher. Upon examination of the engine compartment the entire intake manifold had exploded off of the engine and there was fire damage to wiring and hoses. The car was parked outside overnight and the temperature was 5 degrees f. It is a good thing I had recently purchased this car from my aging parents.
On 4 separate occasions and while traveling at speed around 50-65 miles per hour my car would just shut off. I would loose power steering and it would be hard to operate the vehicle. The last time this happened I was on a major freeway and had to pull over as cars would just drive by at 60 miles per hour or faster. I think it is ridiculous that my car is not included in the recall. This is a major safety issue and if I or my family would have been hurt or killed I am sure GM would add more cars to the recall. Why should I have to wait for a tragic incident to happen. I took my car to a shop and they informed me that is was the ignition issue due to the pk3 security system GM has on this car.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp May not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Park Avenue years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (28), 1997 (24), 1995 (18), 1999 (16) and 2000 (12) model years. Electrical complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Park Avenue electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-204 (control module, Oct 23, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Park Avenue electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (30 mentions), followed by the horn (16).
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.