1998 Buick Park Avenue Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 11%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 11% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle battery failed. Consumer was unable to exit the vehicle. Dealer was not notified at this time. The battery cable came loose while the consumer was sitting in the vehicle. As a result the consumer was unable to exit the vehicle using the power door locks. The consumer was able to exit the vehicle by unlocking the doors manually.”
NHTSA complaint #10089583, filed 2004-09, 89,500 miles“The vehicle was started while in the garage when without warning the vehicle exploded underneath the hood. The dealer indicated that the intake manifold fractured and resulted in the fuel rail bending. One of the fuel line holding clips also was broke. The vehicle would crank but would not start. The battery had run dead and was charged, the fuel pressure was checked, the engine backfired and had blown the intake gasket. …”
NHTSA complaint #10012291, filed 2003-03, 42,496 miles“There was an explosion under hood. This occurred when key was turned in the ignition to start the vehicle. The fire inspector was unable to locate the cause of the explosion because the under hood components were melted together.”
NHTSA complaint #10047989, filed 2003-11, 60,000 miles“My 1998 Buick Park Avenue wouldn't start because of a line that leaked anti-freeze into the cylinders of the engine. After I took it to the mechaninc and talking with a parts foreman at a local dealership I found out that this was quite common. If it is common why isn't there a recall and why aren't the being fixed free of cost to us owners?”
NHTSA complaint #10129810, filed 2005-07“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. The contact then smelled a burning odor from inside the vehicle and noticed small flames emitting from the rear driver's side window panel. The engine was turned off and the fire was extinguished. The fire department arrived and disconnected the defroster wires. The vehicle was driven from the scene and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10488706, filed 2012-12, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10012990Feb 11, 2004Replacement ignition key clarification.
- 10016464Jul 1, 2003Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 13% |
| 2004 | 3 | 25% |
| 2003 | 5 | 15% |
| 2002 | 7 | 22% |
| 2001 | 11 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 15% |
| 1999 | 16 | 11% |
| 1998 | 28 | 11% |
| 1997 | 24 | 11% |
| 1996 | 9 | 15% |
| 1995 | 18 | 15% |
| 1994 | 9 | 19% |
| 1993 | 11 | 17% |
| 1992 | 7 | 9% |
| 1991 | 10 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 10% |
| 1986 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue
97 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSeat belts
32 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Buick Park Avenue
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology