Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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] '
I have been smelling oil burning smell when I drive my car for a while. Today I took the car to my mechanic and he told me it's "upper intake manifold/coolant leak. He found recalls on previous years. He advised me to talk to GM. GM didn't find any recall on my VIN and told me I can't be covered. However I found many complains by owners of other models and years. It is possible that 2002 models were not reported to be covered by a recall. GM connected me to a Buick dealer in my area. The person who I spoke with was very rude and uncooperative.
My car started smoking by the manifold gaskets upon me starting it..I left it parked in driveway appox 2 -3 weeks , while I drove my 2nd vehicle...this is the second time I had this problem whenever my vehicle sits 2- 4 weeks ...this do not make sense to my cus it had no problems before I parked it..its obvious I can't drive 2 vehicles at the same time however everytime it its for 2-4 weeks I shouldn't have to replace the manifold gasket either..thiis have happen to me and a few of my neighbors as well..
Our 2001 Buick has had a engine compartment fire it is the same cause as this recall- [redacted] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -close investigation subject : engine compartment fires , 1 recall(s) date investigation opened: oct 22, 2002 date investigation closed: mar 09, 2004 NHTSA action number: ea02030 component(s): fuel system, gasoline
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Buick Park Avenue. While the vehicle was idling, the contact noticed fluid leakinf on the ground. Approximately a year ago, the vehicle had an abnormal odor. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that there was an oil leak that leaked onto the manifold, which caused the abnormal odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Got my car towed to midas on 12/15 because it wouldn't start. They said I needed a tune up and a new intake. They went to test my car and the engine caught fire. I received a call on 12/17 from midas saying that my engine caught fire and the intake specifically was under GM recall as it is a GM 3800 series ii engine. I was directed by midas to file a complaint about my issue, and that this work would be covered as it is part of a GM recall. My car won't start and I need to get it towed to a local dealership for the work to be done.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Buick Park Avenue. After the vehicle was started, the manifold exploded and caused the engine to catch fire. The contact extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Engine compartment fire
By letter dated March 12, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by NHTSA recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 Buick regal gs and Pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of GM's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from August 1996…
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Park Avenue years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (98), 1997 (46), 1999 (43), 1995 (18) and 2000 (16) model years. Engine complaints make up 40% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Buick Park Avenue engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Buick Park Avenue model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Park Avenue engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (98 mentions), followed by the engine (49).
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.