1998 Buick Park Avenue
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 92 |
| 1992 | 77 |
| 1993 | 64 |
| 1994 | 48 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 219 |
| 1998 | 246 |
| 1999 | 140 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 57 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 28 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR 6 DAYS. WEATHER WAS SLIGHT DRIZZLE, WITH TEMPERATURE ABOUT 50 DEGREES. AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 PM ON 10/25/2002, I PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED IT. I HEARD A LOT POP FROM THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021105
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, JUST HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE. STARTED VEHICLE AND ENGINE EXPLODED, FLAMES ENGULFED VEHICLE. BUICK HAD RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM IN 96 & 97 MODELS. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 20000530
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION
FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT MAY TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF UPDATED FRONT SHOULDER BELT BEZELS AND WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT OPENING BEZEL KITS.
Campaign 00V117000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
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 T
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.
Campaign 04V090000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V117000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V090000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Buick Park Avenue is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.