Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 040601021 | 06/01/2004 | 10012148 | New rear main seal and special tool for installation. *tt | 02/15/2005 | |
| 3180 | 3180A | 10010868 | Dealers may comment on a chuggle, surge, misfire condition. *tt | 12/15/2004 | |
| 010601008A | 05/01/2002 | 010601008 | 634813 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 10/09/2002 |
| 010601008 | 02/01/2001 | 619177 | Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak. *tt | 05/17/2001 | |
| 990603005 | 06/01/1999 | 606152 | Subject regarding generator noise (whine / hum / moan / vibration) in passenger compartment at idle, slow speeds, decelerating or parking maneuvers. *tt | 08/11/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 990603005A | 12/01/2000 | 990603005 | 618099 | Some vehicles may exhibit a generator noise (whine / hum / moan / vibration) in passenger compartment at idle, slow speeds, decelerating or parking maneuvers. *jb | 04/04/2001 |
| 990605005 | 10/01/1999 | 6088811 | Some vehicles may exhibit a popping type noise heard in the passenger compartment. *tt | 01/08/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||||
| 040605008 | 07/01/2004 | 10012115 | Availability of exhaust muffler for service. *tt | 02/14/2005 | |
| 3115 | 01/01/2004 | 10009950 | Engine intake manifold coolant leak. *sc | 11/02/2004 | |
| 040601017 | 06/01/2004 | 10008471 | New upper intake manifold and gasket kits. *tt | 08/02/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||
| PE02050 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/13/2002 | 10/22/2002 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | ||
| Alleged engine compartment fire during startup.loud pops or backfires before the fire started | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 03/21/2002 | |||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick park avenue. when the contact started the ignition, he smelled a strong burning odor inside the passenger compartment. in addition, oil was leaking from the engine compartment onto the ground. the failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 41,281. | |||
| 01/09/2009 | 164376 | 1 | |
| 1999 buick park ave v6=3800 3 8l shot fire apx. 6 feet per firemen on duty that witnessed this. the motor shook. upper intake, intake set, valve cover set, pcv, oil pressure switch, both converters and still not fixed. *tr | |||
| 10/24/2008 | 45000 | 1 | |
| Plastic intake manifold failure occurred on 1999 buick park avenue with approximately 45,000 miles. coolant leaked into the engine and resulted in a misfire code in multiple cylinders. symptoms experienced by the driver were a rough idle at start for 30 seconds, and the service engine soon light would come on, sometimes staying on and sometimes extinguishing after 15 seconds. the car was immediately driven for service. the dealer initially diagnosed the problem as a combination of dirty fuel injection system (cleaned regularly, but still needed to be cleaned again to convince dealer to rule out this problem). when problem persisted in cylinder #6, the problem was then diagnosed as a faulty fuel injector which was replaced. when the problem persisted, it was noticed that coolant had gotten into cylinder #6 in small amounts and cause a misfire. dealer then diagnosed problem as the plastic intake manifold. web searching reveals that this is a chronic problem as the design was changed from metal to plastic. however, there are no current recalls on this issue. cost to repair is approximately $1,700. *tr | |||
| 3 | |||
| While driving vehicle at any speed engine would stall. dealer inspected vehicle several times, and problem still occurring. *ak | |||
| 08/30/2002 | 40000 | 2 | |
| The consumer states that his wife started the vehicle and the engine blew. the noise sounded as if a bomb went off. there was a large hole on top of the engine. the dealer said that they didn't know why this happened. the consumer also replaced all four tire due to vibration. scc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 02/08/2009 | 101500 | 1 | |
| My 1999 park avenue suddenly started to run ruff, causing me to take the vehicle to a gm dealer who replaced the spark plugs and wires, as well as two ignition coils. he stated that the plugs had indication of burns that are attributed to anti freeze coming in contact with the plugs. during the repair he also indicated that he noticed anti freeze on the outside of the engine in the area of the plenum. the repairman stated that this is a common problem with the 3800 motor, that the plenum leaks causing associated problems due to the anti freeze coming in contact with engine components. he also stated that this problem can lead to engine failure if not corrected by replacement of the plenum and the intake gasket. *tr | |||
| 11/27/2006 | 103134 | 1 | 03/20/2003 |
| Plastic upper intake manifold failed flooding engine interior with coolant. engine locked up. vehicle operator was accelerating from idle to enter traffic when engine lock up occurred, but luckily had not yet entered traffic. mechanic informed owner that this is a common failure for buick park avenues with mileage above 90,000 miles. repairs exceeded $1,100. *nm | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer complained about engine cooling leak at upper intake manifold. manufacturer issued a recall for 2000-2003 vehicles, but consumer owned a 1999, buick, park avenue. consumer had to have vehicle fixed and asked for reimbursement, he was denied. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 07/14/2007 | 40000 | 2 | 12/01/1999 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 buick park avenue. the contact stated that the warning indicator illuminated for the antifreeze. when he checked the level in the proper receptacle, it was empty. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the manifold and catalytic converter. the antifreeze is still leaking. the current and failure mileages were 40,000. | |||
| 11/30/2004 | 93000 | 1 | 11/20/2002 |
| The vehicle would run rough, over heat and the engine check light would illuminate while driving 45-50 mph. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer informed the consumer that the 3.8l engine has blown a head gasket. the dealer made the repair. *jb *nm | |||
| 07/27/1999 | 581 | 1 | 06/28/1999 |
| Consumer concerned that auto safety data won't be released to the public. *nm the consumer believed that the public had the right to know about defects regarding all vehicles. the consumer purchased a vehicle which had numerous problems, such as a molding rear door, a broken door handle and a new engine and fuel pressure regulator was needed. after the consumer was told the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, he sold the vehicle and another couple endured problems such as an ongoing problem with the battery dying. the other couple was told in jan 2004 the regulator had been recalled. *jb | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 39246 | 6 | 05/01/1999 |
| Vehicle experienced shaking and smoking due to anti-freeze leaking into the engine.*mr (nar) the consumer is requesting a refund in the amount of $1177.52 for repairs made on defective vehicle. *cb | |||
| 06/14/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at any speed consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the vehicle. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.*ak | |||
| 51025 | 1 | 04/01/2003 | |
| Crack developed in the manifold as well as in the upper intake plenum.*mr *ts | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 33535 | 1 | 06/14/2002 |
| The engine exploded upon starting the vehicle. there was damage to the upper intake manifold (plenum), fuel injector rails, and fuel pressure regulator. all componets required replacement, plus a seal and valve kit. both gm and the dealer refused to reimburse for the cost of the explosion and subsequent damage/repair. *ph *jb | |||
| 06/06/2003 | 35535 | 1 | 06/14/2002 |
| When the consumer attempted to start the vehicle a loud explosion occurred. the explosion destroyed the upper intake manifold plenum, fuel rail and fuel pressure regulator. the consumer paid to repair the engine and other damaged parts. the dealer and manufacturer refused to reimburse the consumer for the repairs. the manufacturer has not determined the cause. *ak *cb *nlm | |||
| 01/31/2003 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle backfired and then caught on fire.*jb referenced in ea02-030 | |||
| 15 | |||
| After vehicle has been parked in heated garage for awhile. then started it, and vehicle stalled. would need to be jumped. has happened 15 times. took vehicle to dealership & mechanic changed the battery & alternator. but problem could not be duplicated. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 02/14/2003 | 41000 | 03/24/1999 | |
| 1999 buick park avenue (3800 engine) exploded and caught fire upon startup. *nlm | |||
| 12/04/2002 | 43000 | 0 | 05/06/1999 |
| My 1999 buick park ave caught fire under the hood and was damaged beyond repair. this occurred without warning less than five minutes after it had been parked six and a half hours and then driven for less than 5 minutes at low city speeds. | |||
| 08/29/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2099 | |
| The vehicle was not driven for about two weeks. my wife went to start the vehicle. when it blew about a three inch hole in the top of the motor. the explosion sounded as if a bomb had exploded. the noise could be heard for blocks. the explosion scared my wife . the dealer or buick refused or did not know the cause and were not willing to investigate the cause. dt | |||
| 07/25/2002 | |||
| While driving vehicle died out. rubber sealant broke, and leaked coolant into the engine, causing engine to go out. this was a common problem. maufacturer aware of problem. *ak | |||
| 09/29/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer attempted to start vehicle and heard a loud pop, flames started to shoot out from under the hood, claim 13-7487-456. *slc | |||
| 11/18/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle would not start when key was turned, on the second try the vehicle exploded and there was a fire in the engine compartment, claim 40-2451-477. *slc | |||
| 09/29/2001 | 1 | ||
| Insured started vehicle. vehicle let out a loud pop and started to shoot out flames resulting in under hood fire, claim 13-7487-456. *jg | |||
| 11/18/2000 | 2 | ||
| Vehicle was in shop for repairs for not starting when key was turned. repair shop could not duplicate problem. the second time this happened, the vehicle exploded, claim 40-2451-477. *jg | |||
| 09/29/2001 | 1 | ||
| Insured started vehicle. vehicle let out a loud pop and started to shoot out flames resulting in under hood fire, claim 13-7487-456. *jg | |||
| 11/18/2000 | 2 | ||
| Vehicle was in shop for repairs for not starting when key was turned. repair shop could not duplicate problem. the second time this happened, the vehicle exploded, claim 40-2451-477. *jg | |||
| 09/29/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer attempted to start vehicle and heard a loud pop, flames started to shoot out from under the hood, claim 13-7487-456. *slc | |||
| 11/18/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle would not start when key was turned, on the second try the vehicle exploded and there was a fire in the engine compartment, claim 40-2451-477. *slc | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 3 | 05/05/1999 | |
| While coming to a stop and then proceeded to go and engine died. another incident occurred while pulling off from a traffic light, engine died. last time while going over a bridge with a lot of traffic, consumer slowed down, and driver in front started to back up really fast. when attempting to put car in reverse, vehicle died.*ak dealer could not duplicate the problem.*slc | |||
| 05/03/2001 | 3 | ||
| At 33,000 miles vehicle been experiencing ongoing / intermittent problems with hesitation and stalling, by starting or while driving. vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and unable to duplicate the problem. feel free to provide any further information on this matter. *ak | |||
| 04/19/1999 | 8 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Car stalls for no reason .when it stalls no check engine light comes on or messages indicateing what the failure was. the check engine light does appear before you start your vechicle but when car stalls the engine light does not come on. it is risk to be driving the vehicle and having the engine stall and not realizing it .it endangers the lives of the persons not only in the vehicle but others as well. dealer has tried to repair several times but the the check engine light still does not illuminate.i believe that this is an engineering problem in which the vehicle was never programmed to illuminate the check engine light anyways. | |||
| While driving vehicle lost power on the highway. dealer was contacted. *ak | |||
| 10/26/1999 | |||
| On several occasions vehicle has completely stopped which could result in collision. *yc | |||
| 10/01/1998 | |||
| The vehicle does not always accelerate when i step on the gas pedal. this can be dangerous when i am trying to pull out into traffic. buick knows about the problem but has basically tried to pretend that it does not exist. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 35000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer went to start vehicle and there was an explosion under the hood. the motor and all connecting parts caught on fire. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 05/25/2005 | 56400 | 1 | 11/20/1998 |
| Dt: the 1999 buick park avenue has a plastic plenum that fails while the vehicle is in motion unannounced, causing antifreeze to enter the engine compartment, locking the engine up. consequently, there is a total power failure. power steering and power brakes do not work, and the car has no power. can't coast or anything else. consumer has been in contact with buick, but, there was no recall. consumer considered this vehicle very unsafe. car just stopped in the middle of the road. this was instantaneous, and with no prior problems. consumer took the car to his mechanic, and they replaced the plenum from gm products. *ak *tt *nm | |||
| 06/24/2002 | 47000 | 2 | |
| Intake manifold leaked coolant fluid all over the engine. this resulted in the vehicle stalling while driving . the manifold was replaced, but the problem recurred. the dealership replaced the manifold with a redesigned one.*ak *jb | |||
| 06/19/2003 | 42000 | 1 | |
| While driving the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken tot eh dealer where it was determined that the engine intake manifold had a design defect which caused premature gasket failure. that failure caused coolant to leak into the engine manifold and burn in the engine. the vehicles a/c compressor also failed. *ak *cb *nlm | |||
| 1 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| The plastic intake manifold melted, and caused coolant to leak onto the engine. *jb scc | |||