1997 BUICK Park Avenue Problems & Complaints

PASSENGER SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *TR

SEVERAL YEARS AGO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT CEASED WORKING ON MY 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. SINCE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, I PAID FOR A NEW SEATBELT ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION. THEN, ON AUGUST 6TH (TWO WEEKS AGO) 2007, THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT BECAME INOPERABLE(THE SEATBELT WILL NOT RETRACT), THEREFORE MAKING IT USELESS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE UNTIL I CAN GET THIS REPAIR DONE. *TR

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL 00V117000 CONCERNING THE SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER IN 2002. BUT THE DEALER ONLY CORRECTED ONE OF THE FRONT SEAT BELTS. THE DEALER FAILED TO INFORM THE CONSUMER THAT ONLY ONE OF SEAT BELTS WAS REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER 2005 BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BEGAN TO RETRACT INTERMITTENTLY AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO MAKE ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL. *JB UPDATED

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V117000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED A SHOULDER BELT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN, BUT HAD PROBLEMS RETRACTING BACK TO NORMAL POSITION. *AK

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT THE PASSENGER'S FRONT SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BELT AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE OF $545.00. *AK REFER TO RECALL#77955 *SC

AFTER 20 MILES OF SMOOTH DRIVING WITH NO INDICATION OF ANYTHING GOING WRONG AND WHILE PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT OF MY OFFICE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY SHUTOFF MY VEHICLE ANY TIME SUCH THING HAPPENS TO PREVENT ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, I PROCEEDED TO WALK INTO THE PARTS STORE NEXT TO MY OFFICE TO GET POWER STEERING FLUID DUE TO THE LOW FLUID LEVEL I HAD, HOWEVER WHEN I TRIED TO TURN OVER THE MOTOR THE MOTOR WOULD NOT TURN. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS "HYDROLOCKED" AND THAT THERE IS A COOLANT PASSAGE WHICH IS COMMONLY KNOWN TO LEAK INTO CYLINDER 6 AND LOCKING THE MOTOR REQUIRING THE INTAKE AND GASKETS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED LESS THAN 30DAYS AFTER MY VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION AT A DEALERSHIP. ALSO NOTING THAT THE DEALER WAS TOLD I WAS LOSING ABOUT A GALLON OF COOLANT WEEKLY. A COOLANT ELBOW WAS REPAIRED, THEN TWO DAYS LATER IS WHEN THE MOTOR LOCKED. *TR

1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WHICH IS ANTI FREEZE LEAKING ONTO THE OIL CHAMBER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE A FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE WATER PUMP LEAKED, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT LEAKED ONTO THE FAN BELT WHICH CAUSED IT TO BREAK. (CONSUMER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF HIS AUNT; OWNER OF THE VEHICLE) *JB

ENGINE OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT VALVE COVER OF THE 3.8L SUPERCHARGED ENGINE AND DRIPPING ON THE FRONT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *TR

I DROVE MY CAR OUT TO A RESTAURANT AND PARKED IT. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT TO GO HOME A COUPLE HOURS LATER, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I TRIED IT AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING AND THEN HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS 'LIQUID LOCKED BECAUSE ANTIFREEZE HAD LEAKED INTO A CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE PISTON TO MOVE UP. I AM LOOKING AT 2500 DOLLARS FOR REPAIRS AND A WEEK TO GET THE PARTS AND DO IT. THERE ARE TSB'S OUT ON THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND GM SHOULD SHOULDER THE COSTS FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE GASKET. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE BLAZE AND PROVIDED A FIRE REPORT. THE POLICE ARRIVED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,998 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,998.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. CURRENTLY, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WILL ENGAGE DURING BRAKING. OCCASIONALLY, THEY ENGAGE BY THEMSELVES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARS A GRINDING SOUND WHEN SHE IS NOT BRAKING. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,800.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGE WHEN THEY ARE NOT NEEDED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V064000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,004 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATE 10/01/08 *CW THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED FOR NO REASON. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. UPDATED 10/03/08.*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MECHANIC HAVE NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE LINE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45,000.

REPEATABLE, WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE, THE ABS AND TRACTION-OFF WARNING-LIGHTS SUDDENLY COME ON TOGETHER AND STAY ON INDICATING LOSS OF ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON RESETS THE FUNCTIONS, BUT THEY WILL BECOME DISABLED AGAIN SOMETIME LATER WHILE DRIVING. THIS COULD HAPPEN, POSSIBLY FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR SOMEONE, IN AN EMERGENCY JUST BEFORE ONE OF THESE FUNCTIONS IS CALLED UPON TO AVOID A SEVERE ACCIDENT. THE FAILURE OCCURS ON SMOOTH ROADS WITHOUT REGARD TO SPEED. I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED. THE CAR MAY RUN FOR 200 MILES WITHOUT A PROBLEM, AND THEN AGAIN THE PROBLEM MAY OCCUR WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED FEET FROM STARTING OUT. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED AND THE ABS BRAKES CYCLED FOR NO REASON CAUSING A GRINDING SOUND TO APPEAR FROM THE TRANSMISSION. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DETERMINING THERE WAS A DEFECT PERTAINING TO THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACT CONTROL MODULE. INFORMATION WAS ALSO FOUND ONLINE REGARDING RECALLS THAT MATCHED VEHICLE'S SYMPTOMS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE ALERTED WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VIN DID NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LITTLE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE REAR DEFROSTER, DISCONNECTED THE PLUG, REMOVED THE REAR PANEL, AND NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FEED AND MODULE WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAY RIDGE CHEVROLET (1575 86TH ST, BROOKLYN, NY 11228, (833) 452-1829) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT PART NUMBER: 25623688 (RED RADIO ANTENNA MODULE), THE AC (DELCO PT1183), AND THE REAR WINDOW ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONNECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5585220430. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

IN 10 DEGREE WEATHER IN THE MIDWEST, STARTED THE 1997 PARK AVENUE ULTRA TO WARM UP. PUT THE REAR DEFROST ON, ON MY WAY TO WORK ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER HE INITIAL START OF THE VEHICLE, I BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING RELATING TO BURNING ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THE MODULE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE "C" PILLAR NEXT TO THE REAR WINDOW APPEARED TO BE MELTING/BURNING. I REMOVED THE MODULE AND FOUND THE POWER CONNECTOR TO THE MODULE HAD COMPLETELY MELTED AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. DUE TO MY EXPERIENCE IN ELECTRONICS AND VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS I WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE MODULE AND REPLACE THE BURNED CONNECTORS WITH ANOTHER TYPE OF CONNECTOR. I WOULD RECOMMEND ANYONE THAT OWNS A GM WITH THIS MODULE, CHECK CONNECTIONS AND PUT ELECTRIC SAFE DIELECTRIC GREASE ON THE CONNECTIONS TO AVOID ARCING AND POSSIBLE FIRE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THIS RESULTED IN CONSUMER BEING TRAPPED IN THE THEIR VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE ALTERNATOR FAILING. TS

PROBLEMS WITH STARTING UP VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION. MR CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER GETTING GAS AT A FULL SERVICE GAS STATION. WHEN SHE TRIED THE IGNITION THE AIR BAG EXPLODED. SHE SUBSTAINED SWELLING TO BOTH ARMS AND HER RIGHT HAND. EVEN TODAY SHE'S TAKING PHYSICAL THERAPY AND HAS NERVE DAMAGE TO RIGHT ARM AND SHOULDER PAIN. PH 09-DEC-2002

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BELIEVE THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LOOSE WIRE ON THE STARTER, CLAIM 25-5562-917. *SLC

CALLER STATED: TRANSMISSION FAILING. LOCKED UP AND SHOOK THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THERE WAS THE SENSATION OF SOMETHING HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR FROM UNDERNEATH. HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS PUT INTO MOTION, AND INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

TRANSMISSION STARTED TO JUMP INTO OD. VIBRATION AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. REPLACED TRANNY WITH GM REBUILT.AFTER 700 MILES PROBLEM CAME BACK (VIBRATION ONLY) SAME PROBLEM BUT NOW HAS METAL TO METAL GRINDING WHEN MAKING LEFT TURN AND ACCELERATING. REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS. THEY WERE CRACKED. PRIOR TO THIS DEALER SAID IT WAS THE SOLINOID, REPALCED. THEY ONLY MADE THIS TRANNY IN 1997

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. I HAVE LOOKED OVER YOU SIGHT AND FOUND NO RECALLS FOR THE TYPE OF PROBLEM. ARE THERE ANY OUT THERE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF? WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? MEL RUTLIN

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY JUMPED INTO REVERESE RESULTING IN A COLLISION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR

TRANSMISSION WOULD CLINK BEFORE ENGAGING. TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE OVERHAULED. *AK THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN DEFECTIVE. SIMILAR FAILURES WERE FOUND ON INTERNET BY THE CONSUMER. *YH

THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM WHICH WAS BEING RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT BECAUSE OF THE VIN CONSUMER WAS DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED. THERE WAS A STIFFENS WHEN TURNING LEFT AND SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT 50 MPH OR MORE, GETTING OFF AT AN OFF RAMP, THE STEERING WOULD LOOSEN THEN GO BACK TO NORMAL. *SC

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND WITH OUT ANY WARNING STEERING WHEEL FAILED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC INDICATED THE BELT BROKE. *AK

HARD STEERING TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. ITEM REPAIRED 1/14/2004 AT DEALER AT A COST TO ME OF $1351.18. REPAIR INVOICE STATES " INTERNAL FAILURE OF STEERING GEAR DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR." AUTO IS 1997 BUICK PARK AVE ULTRA WITH 32000 MILES.*AK

STEERING GEAR BRACKET BROKE ON 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS GIVEN COPIES OF THE REPAIR BILL AND THE STATEMENT FROM ENTERPRISE FOR THE THREE DAYS IT TOOK TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR CONSIDERING A REIMBURSEMENT. *CB

1-23-3 ID LIKE TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH A GENERAL MOTORS ENGINE, MORE SPECIFICALLY THE BOLTS THEY'RE USING ON THE 3800 SERIES 2 V-6 (PROBABLY A CHEAP PRICED CHINESE PRODUCT). I ASKED AT MY BUICK DEALERSHIP IF THEY SEND INFORMATION TO GM ABOUT A PROBLEM A VEHICLE IS HAVING IF THEY SEE IT AS DANGEROUS OR SEE IT MORE THAN ONCE AND THE GUY LAUGHED... HA HA REAL FUNNY. MEANWHILE PEOPLE LIKE ME FIX A PROBLEM THAT MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A RECALL, OR AT MINIMUM GM COULD QUIT BUYING DEFECTIVE BOLTS TO USE ON THE 3800 SERIES 2 ENGINE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED WHEN SUDDENLY THEY CAN'T CONTROL A 3000 POUND VEHICLE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE (97,000 MILES). I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING PUMP JUST FALLS OFF OF THE CAR, YES IT LITERALLY FELL OFF. I SENT IT TOO MY LOCAL BUICK DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY ARE FOR SOME REASON OUT OF THE BOLT THAT HE SAID SHEARED ITSELF OFF. THE NEXT DAY I CALL THE BUICK REPAIR SHOP TO ASK ABOUT IT SINCE THEY HAVE TO WAIT ON THE PART, AND HE CALLS ME MR. GRAY. I TELL HIM MY ACTUAL NAME AND HE APOLOGIZES AND INFORMS ME THAT THERE'S ANOTHER GUY'S CAR IN THERE AT THE MOMENT WHO HAD THAT EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS CAR,... HIS POWER STEERING PUMP FELL OFF TOO. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE CAR ALL OF THE SUDDEN STEERS LIKE A TRACTOR WITH FLAT TIRES, FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME. A SMALLER MAN OR WOMAN COULD NOT LIKELY HANDLE CONTROLLING IT, AND GOD HELP THEM IF THEY'RE ON THE INTERSTATE DOING 70. AND YET THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE A WAY OR SYSTEM SET UP WITH GENERAL MOTORS TO REPORT STUFF LIKE THIS. HOW IS GM SUPPOSED TO KNOW? HOPE YOU CAN HELP SAVE PEOPLE BEFORE WE HEAR ABOUT THIS ON THE NEWS AS A TRAGEDY. THANKS... KEN MCCLELLAND

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE, THEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 129,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. AFTER HAVING NEW TIRES PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DROVE AWAY AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT UNEVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE ENGINE WAS RUSTED OUT. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRAME AND THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY OPERATES NORMALLY. THE CONTACT READ IN CONSUMER REPORT THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE FRAME ON OTHER BUICK MODELS, BUT NOT FOR THE PARK AVENUE. HE FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,530 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,669.

1. !997 BUICK PK. AVE. FRAME RUST OUT WITH FAILURE OF RIGHT FRONT STEERING. LIFE THREATENING DEFECT IN ENGINE CRADLE. 2. ALL 4 ALERO COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED PUNCTURING L FRONT TIRE RISKING LIFE.3. FLOODED PASS. SIDE DUE TO DEFECTIVE FIREWALL BAFFLE ON INTRIGUE.4. INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET DEFECTIVE 2 3.8 L. ENGINES REPAIRED PK. AVE. AND INTRIGUE. ALL DEFECTIVE PARTS - NO ADMISSION OR OFFER OF ASSISTANCE THRU GM COMPLAINT MECHANISM EVEN WITH BBB HELP. ALL KNOWN DEFECTS REPORTED ON LINE BY OTHERS. FRAME RUST OUT PUT UNUSUAL BUT CLEARLY DEFECTIVE RISKING MY LIFE - GM REFUSED TO VIEW PARTS. PUBLIC SAFETY AT RISK . PROFITS OVER SAFETY. NUMEROUS OTHER SMALL DEFECTS INSIDE AND OUT PK. AVE. FULLY DOCUMENTED. *JB

THE "CRADLE" OF THE FRAME OF OUR 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE FAILED BY RUSTING THROUGH. I'VE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND IT HAS BEEN WALLOWING ALL OVER THE ROAD, HOPPING SIDEWAYS WHEN I HIT BUMPS, PULLING TO THE LEFT WHEN I BRAKED AND ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES STARTED SQUEALING WHEN I WENT AROUND A CORNER. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CONVINCE MY HUSBAND THAT SOMETHING WAS AMISS WITH IT AND PERHAPS IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. HE FINALLY DROVE IT YESTERDAY, REALIZED THERE WAS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG, AND DISCOVERED THE PART OF THE FRAME WHERE THE ENGINE RESTS, AND WHERE THE WHEELS ARE ATTACHED, WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AT A SPOT WELD NEAR WHERE THE TIE ROD IS BOLTED ON. IT'S ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT IT DIDN'T COMPLETELY FAIL AND RESULT IN A INJURIOUS ACCIDENT, OR PERHAPS EVEN DEATH. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I PLAY BACK IN MY HEAD, DRIVING ON I-696 IN THE RAIN, IN DETROIT, AT NIGHT, WITH MY FRIENDS COMING HOME FROM A NIGHT AT THE FOX THEATRE, OR WHEN MY SONS AND I WENT OUT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. WOULD I BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR IF THE FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF AT 70 MPH? MY BROTHER WORKS FOR JEFFERY BUICK-NISSAN IN ROSEVILLE, MI. I TALKED TO HIM ABOUT IT THIS MORNING. HE SAYS THE FRAME SHOULD NOT HAVE RUSTED THROUGH IN A NINE YEAR OLD CAR. IN FACT, HE SAID THERE WAS ANOTHER 1997 BPA IN HIS SHOP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER HEARING ABOUT A CAR FRAME RUSTING THROUGH, EVER. IN ANY CAR. IT STANDS TO REASON THAT IF THERE ARE TWO 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AT THE SAME TIME, THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE. I REALIZE THE CAR IS NINE YEARS OLD, BUT SURELY, SOMETHING AS FUNDAMENTAL AS A CAR FRAME CAN BE EXPECTED TO LAST LONGER THAN NINE YEARS. I BELIEVE IT WAS A MANUFACTURING FLAW AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPAIR IT. SINCE THIS JUST HAPPENED YESTERDAY, I'VE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR IT YET. MY BROTHER WILL LOOK AT IT FIRST AND DIRECT ME. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. I'M STRANDED. *JB

FRONT SUB FRAME OF 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE ROTTED AND COLLAPSED. FORTUNATELY IT HAPPENED WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. AXEL ASSEMBLY PULLED OUT OF SOCKET. PICTURES WERE TAKEN AT THE SEEN AND PICTURES AND VIDEO AT THE DEALER NEXT DAY. REAR SUB FRAME APPEARS TO BE FINE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MAIN FRAME OF A $40,000 PLUS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT FAIL IN LESS THAN 10 YEARS? 100,000 MILES. PICTURES SHOW MUCH DETAIL OF ROT. GM 'S BEST OFFER WAS TO REPLACE SUBFRAME PART ONLY. NO LABOR OR OTHER DAMAGE TO BE PAID FOR. PHOTOS AVAILABLE. PLEASE HELP. *NM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED BEFORE ENTERING HIS VEHICLE HE NOTICED THERE WAS A PUDDLE UNDERNEATH HIS VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE SPILL HE NOTICED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000. UPDATED 03/23/12*LJ UPDATED 03/30/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE STRONG ODOR CAUSED HER TO BE HOSPITALIZED FOR RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FUEL RAIL WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY WAS 119,000.

STARTED TO HAVE STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE OF CAR WHEN ENGINE WAS RUNNING. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS GASOLINE LEAKING FROM MOTOR WHEN I HAD THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WITHOUT ANY LUCK. HAD TO KEEP WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN BECAUSE ODOR WAS SO STRONG FROM THE GASOLINE FUMES. THIS ALL HAPPENED ONE WEEK BEFORE I WAS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR RESPIRATORY ISSUES. ON JUNE 4TH WAS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS FOR THREE DAYS IN THE TELEMETRY UNIT FOR RESPIRATORY DISTRESS. ON JUNE 10, 2011, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED A PIN HOLE LEAK IN THE PLASTIC FUEL RAIL ON THIS CAR. MY MECHANIC SAID THIS IS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RAIL AND GM MADE THIS OUT OF PLASTIC THAT FAILED. HE SAID THE CAR IS CAN NOT BE DRIVEN THAT WAY IT IS AND THAT THE PART NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS NOT AVAILABLE PER THE GM DEALERS. HE ALSO TOLD ME THIS PART MAY BE UNDER A RECALL NOTICE AND THAT I SHOULD CHECK IT OUT. HE SAID IT WAS A WONDER THE CAR HAD NOT CAUGHT ON FIRE SINCE THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN GASOLINE FROM THE LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL. I CONTACTED A BUICK DEALERSHIP CALLED GRAND AUTO, INC. IN THORNTON, CO AND TALKED WITH THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I TALKED WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER NAMED BRIAN VAUGHN AND HE AND THE PARTS DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART AND THEY REFUSED TO EVEN LISTEN TO ME CONCERNING THE ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME PART THAT I HAVE. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER RECALLS ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR BUT GM NEVER NOTIFIED THE OWNERS ABOUT THE RECALLS UNTIL THEY HAD CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS AGAINST THEM. I NOW RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS ISSUES BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART.

LEAKING GAS TANK THAT WAS MADE OF PLASTIC THAT WAS MADE FOR THIS SPECIFIC 1997 BUICK PARK AVE. ONLY... *TR

DT: THE CONTACT S SMELLED GAS AND IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. A FEW DAYS LATER SHE NOTICED A WET SPOT ON THE GROUND. SHE HAD A HARD TIME STARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT IT DID START. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BIGGER SPOT ON THE GROUND. SHE THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ,AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THEY SUGGESTED TOWING THE VEHICLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND ALL OF THE FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THIS WAS COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE NORTHEAST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED; THE FUEL LINES ARE BEING REPLACED.*AK

DT: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, AND WOULD NOT GO BACK DOWN. THE FUSE WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO LOOK THE PROBLEM. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED SOMETIMES. THE DEFECT WAS THOUGHT TO BE IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD. *AK BUICK WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE FACT THAT A RECALL WAS SET FOR THE 2001 MAKE/MODEL. *SC *JB

WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED DRIVER VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED. *AK

DEFROSTER VENTS FOR WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOWS FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY, THIS CAUSES DRIVER TO HAVE POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING.*AK DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, CONSUMER STATES ON ONE OCCASION THE HEAT CONTROL FAILED COMPLETELY, AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING THE HEAT WORKED. *SLC

ELECTRICAL CONTROL BOX IN FRONT PASSENGER DOOR SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FAILURE IN POWER WINDOWS/LOCKS/MIRRORS. A PRIVATE MECHANIC REPAIRED THIS DEFECT. *AK POWER DOOR LOCK CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE FRONT DOOR, EXPRESS MODULE, AND PIG TAIL WERE REPLACED. *YH

DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH CLUSTER FAILED. YH

1997 PARK AVENUE HAS DIFFICULTIES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLEW UP AT 89,000 MILES BECAUSE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED ENGINE COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED IT TO SEIZE. *TS IN SEVEN YEARS THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY FIVE TIMES. ***NAR***

INSURED BELIEVES THE ENGINE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LOOSE WIRE IN THE STARTER, CLAIM 25-5562-917. *JG

INSURED BELIEVES THE ENGINE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LOOSE WIRE IN THE STARTER, CLAIM 25-5562-917. *JG

FUSE BOX RELAY BOX SUSPECTED FOR CAUSE OF FIRE, CLAIM 42-1331-250. *JG

FUSE BOX RELAY BOX SUSPECTED FOR CAUSE OF FIRE, CLAIM 42-1331-250. *JG

MY ISSUE IS CONSTANT VIBRATION OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE REPLACED ALL TIRES, ALL STRUTS, BALANCED NUMEROUS TIMES. BUICK PEOPLE TELL ME ITS THE TIRES. TIRE PEOPLE TELL ME ITS THE DRIVE TRAIN. MEANWHILE, NOTHING GETS DONE EXCEPT I KEEP SPENDING MONEY. I DON'T MIND A PROBLEM NOW AND THEN AS LONG AS SOMEONE RESPONDS TO IT. BUT IN THIS CASE, BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE AND READING ACCOUNTS OF OTHER OWNERS, THIS ISSUE NEVER GOES AWAY. MY GUESS IS NOW THAT I'M OUT OF WARRANTY, GM WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO STICK IT ON THE RACK AT THE GOING LABOR RATE AND MAYBE GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT. I SEE TSB 833004, WHICH I JUST DISCOVERED, WAS PUBLISHED IN 9/98, LONG BEFORE I WENT INTO SUN BUICK WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY NEVER MENTIONED OR DID ANY OF THE REMEDIATION CALLED FOR IN THAT TSB. WHAT OTHER BUTTONS ARE THERE FOR A CONSUMER TO PUSH?*AK

FRONT END SHAKES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. DEALER DOES NOT NOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *AK

FRONT WHEELS OUT OF BALANCE. NLM

CAR VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HWY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70. DEALER TOOK THE CAR FOR A ROAD TESTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PROBLEM DOES EXIST AND THAT THE TIRES ARE EXTREMELY NOISY!! HE SAID I SHOULD WAIT UNTIL I NEED NEW TIRES ,AND BUY SPECIAL MICHELINE 'S. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION!! THE TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NO EXPENCE TO ME!!( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P225/60R16 )

FRONT END VIBRATION CONTINUAL, DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC AND NO CURE AT THIS TIME. VIBRATION IS CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OF TIRES. MJS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECREASE IN SPEED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN UNUSUALLY LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE INTO A GRASSY FIELD TO AVOID A CRASH; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 90 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE GAS PEDAL STUCK ON HER 1997 BUCIK, PARK AVENUE. SHE HAD TO BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AT A HIGH RPMS. I CHECKED THE THROTTLE AREA AND THE THROTTLE WHEEL THAT ROTATES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED WAS RUBBING AGAINST A LARGER CABLE THAT WAS NOT LETTING THE WHEEL RETURN WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED. I FIXED THE PROBLEM BY PULLING & STRAPPING THE CABLE AWAY FROM THE THROTTLE AREA. A LOCALE DEALERSHIP HAS WORKED ON THE ENGINE, AND I DON'T KNOWN WHETHER THE CABLE WAS INSTALLED LIKE THAT AT THE FACTORY. I COULD SEE SOME WEAR ON THE CABLE WHERE THE WHEEL HAD BEEN RUBBING ON IT FOR A WHILE. I COULD ALSO SEE A NOTCH ON THE WHEEL THAT COULD'VE CAUGHT THE CABLE AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT.*AK

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS/SHUTS OFF WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR DIFFERENT REPAIRS ON SAME PROBLEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK

CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND MODULE FAILED. YH

CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENT FAILURES, 14 REPAIRS IN SIX MONTHS. MJS

CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR A RECALL FOR BUCKET SEAT LATCH, AND DEALER BROKE PART OF SEAT THAT WAS ON RECALL. TOLD CONSUMER THAT THAT PARTS WERE IN, BUT IN A WHILE CONSUMER WAS WAITING AND PARTS FELL OFF. *AK

THE CONSUMER FEELS THE HEAD REST DESIGN IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND WOULD NOT PROTECT THE CONSUMERS HEAD DURING A COLLISION. *MJS

DRIVER SEAT EXIT MODULE AND MEMORY SYSTEM FAILED. YH

DRIVER'S POWER SEAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR SWITCH BROKE. YH

FRONT AND REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED. NLM

SPARE KEY THAT CAME WITH VEHICLE DOESN'T WORK. NLM

FRONT AND REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED. NLM

SPARE KEY THAT CAME WITH VEHICLE DOESN'T WORK. NLM

FRONT AND REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED. NLM

FUEL GAUGE FAILED. NLM

WATER PUMP FAILED. NLM

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.

DIFFICULTY SEEING DASHBOARD CONTROLS DUE TO DASH TOP DESIGN.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT UNDER ANY ROAD CONDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE DUE TO THE LENSES TURNING A MILKY WHITE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

PARKING BRAKE SWITCH AND LAMP FAILED. YH

MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. YH

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER. THE DUAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT, HOWEVER THE DRIVER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB FIRE SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN THE FIRE TRUCK DID ARRIVE FLAMES HAD BURNT THE LEATHER SEAT, MELTED THE STEERING COLUMN AND BURNT THE WINDSHIELD VISOR. *BF *NM

UNSPECIFIED: ROAD DEBRIS HITS AIRBAG SENSOR, CAUSING FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS, RESULTING IN LEG INJURIES/HEARING LOSS.

UNSPECIFIED: ROAD DEBRIS HITS AIRBAG SENSOR, CAUSING FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS, RESULTING IN LEG INJURIES/HEARING LOSS.

HOSE CLAMP FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. NLM

SPARE KEY THAT CAME WITH VEHICLE DOESN'T WORK. NLM

AIR CONDITIONER PROGRAMER FAILED. YH

WHY WAS THIS CAR NOT RECALLED WITH OTHER GM PRODUCTS WITH THE 3800 V6 ENGINES FOR THE OIL LEAKS? THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME 3800 V6 AS ALL OF THE RECALLED CARS!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND CAME TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

I OWN A 1997 PARK AVE ULTRA WITH SEVERAL RECALL REPAIR ISSUES THE FOLLOWING WERE ADDRESSED BY GM BUT NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED: (FAULTY) ABS SYSTEM (WITH CAMPAIGN CODE STICKER) REPLACED ABS SYSTEM CUTS OUT RANDOMLY CAUSING CHANGES IN STOPPING DISTANCE (IN SEVERE BRAKING SITUATIONS THE ABS SYSTEM HAS CUT OUT ON ME GETTING OFF OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES JUST TO COME TO A NORMAL STOP) FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT(NO CAMPAIGN STICKER) MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR WAS NEVER FIXED OR TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFIED STANDARDS WHILE IN FOR REPAIRS LET ALONE ADDRESSED AT ALL RACK AND PINION HAS MULTIPLE ISSUES SOME DUE TO AGE AND MILES BUT REGARDLESS THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE AND BEARINGS ARE SHOT THE FAULTY RECALL REPAIRS ON MY VEHICLE DON'T INSTILL TRUST IN GM'S ABILITY TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. *TR

FACTORY REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SEPT 1998 SAME AS BEFORE. THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM PERSISTS; SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT BUICK COULD DO NOTHING. PASSENGER CAN EXTEND SEAT BELT, BUT IT OFTEN FOLDS & JAMS, LEAVING 1-2 FT OF LOOSE BELT WHICH VOIDS THE SAFETY OF SEAT BELT. WARPED BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING PROBLEM IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO BUICK WHO HAS LAST WEEK SUGGESTED A TRIAL OF CHANGING HOSES.

DT: CONTACT STATES IN HOT WEATHER 75 DEGREES OR ABOVE AND WITHIN ONE MILE THE CAR WILL DIE. CAN WAIT IT 10-15 MINUTES AND THE CAR WILL RESTART. HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 3 SUMMERS. IT USUALLY HAPPENED IN SLOW TRAFFIC, BUT CONSUMER DID NOT GET OUT ON THE INTERSTATE VERY MUCH; BUT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF HE DID. THE CAR WOULD DIE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY SUGGESTED THAT IT MAY BE THE FUEL PUMP OR THE SENSOR IN THE CRANK CASE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES CAM EON. . THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. HE HAS NOT TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *TT

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, AND CHIMMING. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD STOPPED AND RAISE THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH. STOPPED THE ENGINE SAW THAT IT WAS NOT OVERHEATED. ATTEMPTED TO START. IT WOULDN'T. WRECKER TOOTO BRIAN HARRIS DEALER. DEALER REPACED BOTH INTAKE MANIFOLDS BECAUSE THEY WERE PITTED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO ENTER INTO CYLINDERS AND LOCK THE ENGINE. DEALER SAID BOTH MANIFOLDS HAD TO BE REPLACED.

FUEL GAUGE FAILED. NLM

GAS GAUGE SENDER UNIT FAILED. YH

MY PROBLEM IS, THE LEFT BLINKER OF THE FRONT, BACK AND HEADBOARD IS NOT WORKING. BUT IF I PUT ON MY FLASHERS, ALL MY LIGHTS ARE WORKING, INCLUDING THE LEFT BLINKER. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT ITS NOT THE LIGHT BULB, AND ITS NOT THE FUSES FROM BOTH THE FRONT AND THE HEADBOARD FUSES BOXES, AND I'VE BEEN TOLD BY RESEARCH AND THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AND ITS BEEN AN OCCURRING ISSUE FOR THE 1997-2005 BUICK PARK AVENUE. . .UPDATED 07/20/15 *BF

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

I HAVE A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE, WHEN I TURN TO THE RIGHT ONLY EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT I HEAR A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AREA. I HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS CHECKED AND REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING AND STILL HAD THE SAME NOISE. I DO NOT KNOW IF ITS PART OF THE STEERING OR MAYBE THE PILOT BEARING IF IT HAS ONE ON THE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. MAYBE THE RACK PINION SYSTEM. I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT. PLEASE HELP...? *TR

MY VEHICLE IS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVE WITH 140,000 MILES. I'M THE SECOND OWNER. MY IN-LAWS WERE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. I GOT THE VEHICLE FROM THEM IN 1999 WITH APPROXIMATELY 9000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THEREFORE, I KNOW THE COMPLETE CAR CARE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE. YESTERDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THIS CAR AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO LOST OF STEERING CAPABILITIES. NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR BODY DAMAGE DUE TO HER LOW SPEED WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE SPLIT INTO PIECES DUE TO RUST AND THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO FAIL SINCE THE STEERING RACK IS MOUNTED TO THIS ENGINE CRADLE. THE RUST THROUGH OF THIS THE ENGINE CRADLE (OR ENGINE FRAME) WAS CONFIRMED BY THE REPAIR SHOP TODAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2008. THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT THE 1997 BUICK PARK AVE'S HAD A STEEL ENGINE CRADLE AND THAT THE MOISTURE AND SALT GETS CAUGHT WITHIN THIS BOX FRAME DUE TO IT'S POSITION DIRECTLY BEHIND THE WHEEL WELLS. THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT 1998 PARK AVE'S( AND AFTER) HAVE ALUMINUM ENGINE CRADLES BUT THAT THE 1998 PART WILL NOT FIT THE 1997 BUICK PARK AVE. THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO FIND ANOTHER USED ENGINE CRADLE FROM A 1997 BUICK PARK AVE WHICH COSTS APPROXIMATELY $400 TO $500 JUST FOR THE USED PART. THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE IS TO BUY A NEW ENGINE CRADLE FROM A GM DEALERSHIP FOR APPROXIMATELY $1200 TO $1400. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS ENGINE CRADLE IS A VERY CRITICAL PART OF THE FRAME OF THE CAR AND SHOULD NOT RUST THROUGH WITHIN 10 YEARS. ALL OF THE STEERING CONTROLS ARE MOUNTED TO THIS PART AND WHEN THIS ENGINE CRADLE FAILS ALL STEERING CAPABILITIES ARE LOST. PLEASE REVIEW THIS WEB SITE FOR THE SAME PART FAILURE BY OTHER 1997 BUICK PARK AVE OWNERS (HTTP://WWW.ALLWORLDAUTO.COM/COMMENTS/1997_BUICK_PARK_AVENUE_COMMENTS_AND_COMPLAINTS_C42-256-1997-312-1.HTML. *TR

DT: CONSUMER STATED: WHILE BACKING VEHICLE OUT INTO THE STREET, JUST CHANGED THE OIL A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, THE FRAME BROKE RIGHT FROM WHERE THE OIL FILTER WAS. THEN, THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE. NEIGHBOR HEARD A NOISE WHEN IT HAPPENED. *AK

THE A/C WILL TURN ON AGAIN AFTER I TURN IT OFF. THE RADIO WILL SHIFT TO CASSETTE AND BACK WHILE DISPLAYING E33. DRIVERS WINDOW WILL COME DOWN UNEVENLY AND GET WEDGED. THE ALTERNATER WENT OUT AND THE BOTTOM BOLT STRIPPED DURING REMOVAL. THERE IS A LURCH SOMETIMES DURING SHIFTING.

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.

MY NUMBER ONE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR IS THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE OIL WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE RESULT WAS THAT THE MAIN BEARINGS WERE DESTROYED AND I HAD TO BUY A NEW ENGINE. (I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD IN MY POSSESSION.) THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN NOT WITHSTAND THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE EGR VALVE AND EVENTUALLY SUFFERS FROM THERMAL FATIGUE AT THE EGR AND STRESS RELAXATION AROUND THE FLANGE OF THE MANIFOLD. I NOTIFIED GM OF THE PROBLEM IN WRITING AND THEY OFFERED ME $800 COMPENSATION FOR MY $5,000.00 PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY ENGINE WAS PROBABLY ON ITS LAST LEGS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN BABIED AND OFFERED UP RESULTS OF THE MANDATORY EMISSIONS TEST THAT THE CAR UNDERWENT NOT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO FAILURE AS PROOF THAT THE CAR WAS IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER. (IN TORONTO, ALL VEHICLE OWNERS MUST SUBMIT THEIR CARS FOR EMISSIONS TESTING EVERY 2 YEARS. THE CAR IS MEASURED FOR HYDRO CARBON OUTPUT, NOX OUTPUT, CO, AND CO2. IF THE ENGINE HAD BEEN MALFUNCTIONING, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN QUALIFIED.) THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF GM DIDN'T SWITCH FROM ALUMINUM TO PLASTIC. OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR INCLUDE A REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE, - 3'RD ALTERNATOR, 2ND BATTERY , A SECURITY SYSTEM THAT SOUNDS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, WATER IN THE TRUNK (SEVERAL ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, ENDED UP DRILLING A HOLE IN THE TRUNK), FAILED AC COMPRESSOR, FAILED HEATED SEAT, SEVERAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL LIGHT BULBS HAVE BURNED OUT AND CAN NOT BE REPLACED, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT. THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS THAT WARP EVERY 35,000 KM. - FUEL GAUGE THAT DOESN'T WORK BELOW A QUARTER TANK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO GM, LET ME KNOW. REGARDS DOUG WEBB 13 BRUMELL AVENUE TORONTO, ONTARIO M6S 4G3 [email protected] 905-238-0007 EX. 2624 (DAYTIME)

AT 70 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN A LOT, THEN STALLED. TOWED TO DEALER, ANTIFREEZE FLOODED ENGINE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE.*AK. CONSUMER WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD BY AN 18 WHEELER BECAUSE VEHICLE HAD STARTED SLOWING AND CONSUMER COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO RESPOND. LOSS OF STEERING ACCOMPANIED THE SUDDEN DECELLERATION. *JG

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ELECTRONIC BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING ABS TO ACTIVATE WHEN IT WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO. ALSO, TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN TAKING OFF, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. RECALL 97V064000/ ABS FAILURE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

ODOMETER FOUND TO BE BROKEN

DRIVER'S DOOR WINDOW AND LOCK SWITCHES REPLACED, BROKEN PLASTIC SEPARATED AND FELL INSIDE DOOR PANEL. MJS

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS TWISTED & FAILS TO RETRACT PROPERLY. THE SEAT BELTIS SUPPOSE TO LOCK UP. ALSO, FRONT END HAS A SCRAPPING NOISE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. BEEN TO DEALER'S & WAS TEST DRIVEN, TWICE BY MECHANIC. NOTHING WAS FOUND. *AK

SWAY BAR LINK MISSING. FUEL GAUGE REPLACED, STRONG FUMES WHEN FULL. WEATHERSTRIPPING ON DOOR REPLACED.

SHOULDER BELTS ROLL AND JAM IN RETRACTOR OPENING IF LEAN FORWARD, OR AS RETRACTING. FUEL EXPELLED FROM FILLER WHEN FUELING - REPEATEDLY, EVEN AT SLOW PUMP SPEEDS IF USE AUTO SHUTOFF - SEVERAL DIFFERENT STATIONS/PUMPS. MUST SLOWLY NURSE FUEL BY HAND TO AVOID - APPROX 1 CUP FUEL SPLASHES OVER VEHICLE, ONTO GROUND OR OPERATOR.

VIBRATIOIN IN VEHICLE AT 60-75 MPH - TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED TWICE IN FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP - TIRE RUNOUT/OUT-OF-ROUND IS GOOD

CAR HAS BEEN IN GARAGE FOR REPAIRS OR PROBLEMS FOR 116 HOURS OF SERVICE

WHEN FILLING GAS TANK AND REACHES FULL CAPACITY, IT KICKS OFF THE AUTOMATIC NOZZLE AND GASOLINE WILL SPILL ONTO VEHICLE AND GROUND. IN ADDITION, WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A VISUAL DEFECT IN THE DRIVER'S AREA. THE REPLACEMENT WINDHSHIELD CAUSES A DOUBLE IMAGE AND IS VERY DISTRACTING. *AK