1998 Buick Park Avenue Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 14%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,539miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue, 14% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,539 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon starting the vehicle there was a loud backfire and visible smoke came out from under the hood. Further investigation showed that the plastic intake manifold was blown apart. There was a strong odor of raw fuel. I contacted a local Buick dealership and was told that there were no open campaigns concerning this vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to a repair facility and have been told that the repair will cost in the range of $2000 - $2500 dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10401750, filed 2011-05, 42,000 miles“Fuel pressure regulator: the fuel pressure regulator went out on my 1998 Buick Park Avenue 3800 v6 and I had it replaced on 8-19-03 at a cost of $142.79. It has come to my attention that Buick has now issued a recall on the Buick Park Avenue (NHTSA campaign #03v473000) for fuel pressure regulators and Buick has informed me that my Park Avenue is not part of this recall. I believe that my car is involved with this problem since I have had the exact problem that Buick is now involved in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054323, filed 2004-01, 33,359 miles“Consumer denied reimbursement for repairs made prior to receiving recall notice. The recall was for the fuel pressure regulator (03v-473). The manufacturer claimed that the documentation that the consumer provided did not substantiated the request. The consumer resubmitted the claim for reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #10071453, filed 2004-04, 74,899 miles“The plastic upper intake manifold developed an internal crack, which leaked coolant into the combustion cylinders. The 3.8l v6 engine shut down and then hydrolocked. It was repaired by a certified Buick dealer. The day the vehicle was returned, within 20 miles of driving, the rear main bearing seal failed. The dealer felt it was caused by the coolant mixing with the oil. After this repair, the engine ran approximately 2000 miles and spun a main bearing, due to the coolant/oil mixture. This has been reported to Buick. They feel it is not their problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10070944, filed 2004-01, 60,000 miles“'98 park ave 4dr. Engine backfired, lucky to get it started it sound like a hot-rod, but did not catch on fire, we replaced the fuel pressure regulator (diaphragm ruptured)$750.00. We also,drove it home about 50 miles. I'd also like to add that we would not have drove it home with our 1 year old son if we knew that it was a potentially dangerous fire hazard. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #10004929, filed 2003-01Related recalls
- 04V090000Feb 24, 2004On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual…Covers: Buick Park Avenue 1998–2000, Pontiac Bonneville 1998–2000, Buick Lesabre 1998–2000 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 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…
- 10137901May 9, 2014This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 9% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 34 | 14% |
| 1997 | 17 | 8% |
| 1996 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 8% |
| 1992 | 4 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1986 | 1 | 17% |
| 1985 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Park Avenue
97 complaintsSeat belts
32 complaintsElectrical system
28 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 31, 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