MYRModel Year Report

1998 Buick Park Avenue

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Buick Park Avenue
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
246
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

41% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 19 complaints 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1993: 64 complaints 1993 1994: 50 complaints 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 59 complaints 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1998 246 1999: 140 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 12 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2005
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 19 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 64 complaints 1994: 50 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 59 complaints 1996 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1998 246 1999: 140 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 8 complaints
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 19 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1991 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 64 complaints 1993 1994: 50 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1995 1996: 59 complaints 1996 1997: 219 complaints 1997 1998: 246 complaints 1998 246 1999: 140 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 8 complaints 2005

1998: 246 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19842
198510
19866
198713
198819
198921
199012
199192
199277
199364
199450
1995117
199659
1997219
1998246
1999140
200081
200157
200232
200333
200412
20058

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

41% · 101 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE
Show 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, 2002-11-05

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-05-30

Seat belts

13% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing webbing and retractor.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

12% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Buick Park Avenue. The contact was driving approximately 1 MPH in a parking lot when the heater and rear defroster was engaged.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-13

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing delivery and carburetor system.

FIRE

Service brakes

7% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 246 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1999-09-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-01-06 Front shoulder belt malfunction
  3. I
    2000-01-06Engineering analysisClosed 2000-05-02 Front shoulder belt malfunction
  4. R
    2000-08-31Seat belts00V117000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
  6. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  7. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
  8. R
    2004-06-30Fuel system, gasoline04V090000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 101 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V117000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 04V090000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.