Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vehicle shifts hard in gear after the initial start up. Consumer had the vehicle towed and checked at the parent company. The transmission went through several tests but the problem could not be duplicated. Since that time, the solenoid and transmission have been replaced. One week later the transmission failed and had to be completely rebuilt. Again, while driving, the vehicle made two hard jerks and would barely move. When putting vehicle in reverse it will hit hard twice and go backwards, when putting it in forward gear it will take off slowly. After traveling for a while, the check engine light illuminates and the cruise control will not work once the light has illuminated, if the vehicle is shut off for an hour or so, the problem will rectify itself until the vehicle is drivin 15-20 miles, then the same process occurs all over.
Sudden engine failure. I own a 99 Buick Park Avenue ultra that has about 65,000 miles on it and is well maintained. The car is only utilized about 6 months out of the year since we are snow birds having returned from the east 2 months ago. Last evening as I drove north and up one of the long hills on the toll rd 73 in orange county, ca I experienced the sudden and total loss of engine power while traveling between 65 and 70 MPH. All electrical systems, headlights, dash lights etc stayed on and appeared normal. Fortunately the traffic was such that I was able to pull over to the side of the road, stop and turn on my hazard warning lights. I sat for a moment and then tried to restart the engine. The cranking appeared normal and the engine immediately started and the engine parameters, temperature, volts, etc appeared normal. …
Vehicle was placed in the Park position and it jumped out of gear, accelerating at high rate of speed, and crashing into another vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.
On May 25, 2003 I started to pull out onto a street, and my 1998 Buick Park Avenue got part way out into the street and then would not move, except at a snail's pace. Finally I was able to pull on out, but not before a car was right upon me. I took it to a dealer and TSB existed on a valve in the transmission. I believe this TSB should be extended to a recall, because I almost got hit when I pulled out because the car more or less stalled while I was entering the street. If you see that you have plenty of room to pull out into traffic, one does not expect the car to suddenly creep or stall. This problem with the transmission is definitely a safety problem-I experienced it first hand.
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.
I have a 1997 Buick Park Avenue with 103,000 miles. I purchased the car new in April of 1997. After 10 months and 16,000 miles I began to have problems with the transimission shifting hard after the car got warmed up. If I would stop and turn the car off and let it sit for 15 seconds and restart it shift smooth for several stops and then start shifting hard again. I took it into a Buick garage and they kept the car for 10 days and could not find the problem. Finally they decided to replace the transmission. That solved the problem. At 90,000 miles the same problem reoccured. It didn't do it that often to begin with but now one year later it does it almost every time I drive the car after it get completely warmed up. Given it has happened twice to my car it would appear there is a defect here that Buick should be responsible for. …
The heater in the seat quit working. A new one was installed and it doesn't heat up correctly. The motor in the window failed. The rotors/brakes were warped. The stereo failed. The window will not roll up correctly despite a new one being put in. The starter is dragging. Some of this was covered under the Smart choice extended warranty. However some of the repairs are still needed and I still have time remaining on my Smart choice warrranty but they have went bankrupt and my dealer says the warranty is no longer valid and I will have to pay for any repairs done.
Vehicle strongly vibrates at speeds of 65 and more. Apparently loosened rf (passenger) door that was repaired by dealer. Vibration causes seatbelts to noticably vibrate, vibrations are sufficiently severe to travel through the seats to passengers, owner is afraid that continued vibrations will loosen body parts to result in a death causing accident. Note, mileage when purchased on 11-04-98 was about 5400, a gmac lease return to selling dealer. The vibrations occur each time vehicle exceeds 65 MPH. Service department at royal Buick indicated that this vibration problem was not uncommon to 1996 Park Avenue vehicles
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Park Avenue years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (24), 1998 (12), 1995 (9), 1999 (6) and 2001 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Buick Park Avenue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (36 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (4).
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.