Buick Park Avenue Ultra 1997
Model Park Avenue Ultra made in 1997 by Buick got 23 consumer complains there are 2 investigations as well as 14 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, gasoline. Technical service bulletines regarding exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline and interior lighting. The car had one investigation (steering).
Model 1997
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | |||||
| 9810012 | 03/24/1998 | 601779 | Information on no turn signal operative. *yc | 08/24/1998 | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||||
| 100202 | 02/10/2002 | 629785 | Onwers may encounter one fuel reading after they have finished driving the vehicle then a different reading when restarting the vehicle. *tt | 04/08/2002 | |
| INTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| 9810011 | 03/24/1998 | 601778 | Information on interior lights inoperative and fuse blown. *yc | 08/24/1998 | |
| SEATS | |||||
| 731614A | 08/01/1998 | 609642 | The front seat adjuster switch trim plate has become dtached from the seat and/or seat rocks. yd | 04/05/2000 | |
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - POWER ADJUST | |||||
| 990850018 | 10/01/1999 | 731614A | 6088910 | Subject regarding front seat adjuster switch trim plate detaching from seat and / or seat chucks / rocks. *tt | 01/11/2000 |
| 9810010 | 03/24/1998 | 601777 | Information on memory seat operating intermittently. *yc | 08/24/1998 | |
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - SEAT HEATER/COOLER | |||||
| 990850021 | 12/01/1999 | 6089947 | A condition with the front seat back and / or seat cushion heat element is non-functioning. *tt | 02/29/2000 | |
| STEERING | |||||
| 990232007 | 09/01/1999 | 733208 | 608376 | This bulletin addresses concerns of steering vibration / shudder / moan during parking maneuvers on dry pavement. *tt | 11/24/1999 |
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 00310007B | 06/01/2002 | 000310007A | 634993 | Technical information regarding shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. *tt | 10/11/2002 |
| 000310007C | 08/01/2002 | 000310007B | 634981 | Subject regarding shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. *tt | 10/11/2002 |
| 000310007A | 10/01/2001 | 627462 | Information regarding shake/vibration in steering wheel, floor,seat at highway speeds on smooth roads (diagnose/balance tires/wheels). *yh | 02/07/2002 | |
| 000310007F | 11/17/2004 | 000310007G | 618097 | Vehicles may experience shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. *jb updated *eh gm voicemail message. *tt | 04/03/2001 |
| 833004 | 09/01/1998 | 603826 | Experiencing shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. *yc | 03/08/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||||
| 990139005 | 04/01/1999 | 606579 | A condition may exist where the hvac control assembly displays inaccurate temperature setting and / or emits tick noise. *tt | 08/27/1999 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||
| RQ03001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/02/2003 | 09/15/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | ||
| Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). the recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. | ||||||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | ||||||
| RQ03001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/02/2003 | 09/15/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | ||
| Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). the recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 12/24/2008 | 91050 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 08/08/2007 | 111998 | 1 | 01/27/2007 |
| 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. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 08/10/2007 | 80000 | 1 | |
| Engine oil is leaking from the front valve cover of the 3.8l supercharged engine and dripping on the front exhaust manifold. *tr | |||
| 01/29/2006 | 160862 | 1 | 08/31/2000 |
| On starting engine, intake manifold exploded violently and engine caught fire. *nm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 01/13/2004 | 109229 | 3 | 11/20/1999 |
| My factory installed supercharger has had a pulley mechanism fall apart. as a result the belt from this system (similar to a drive train belt) fell down through the engine compartment under the front passenger side tire abruptly stopping my vehicle as the belt was still attached to the another component in the engine. this has happened three different times and each time has involved a different pulley on the system.*ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 05/03/2003 | 49300 | 07/10/2000 | |
| Failure of gas gauge. *nlm | |||
| SEAT BELTS | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| 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 | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| 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 | |||
| STEERING | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| 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 | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 07/06/2004 | 69973 | 2 | 08/08/2000 |
| 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 | |||
| 01/12/2004 | 1 | 12/20/2003 | |
| 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 - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 04/28/2001 | |||
| There is an electrical short in wiring of steering column which causes brakes to vibrate and make a rumbling noise. this happens when making a stop at any given speed. dealership said there was a short in the steering column, causing this defect. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 07/19/2005 | 116432 | 1 | 02/07/1997 |
| 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 | |||
| 07/17/2005 | 106113 | 1 | 06/19/2002 |
| Dt: 1997 park avenue buick the sub frame that holds the engine/ engine drive ,and steering wheels corroded. there was faulty material on this sub frame because it rotted, enabling the driver's front wheel to break away from its mounting, and leaving the vehicle in a hazardous condition. it has been repaired, which was unusual to repair the problem. mentioned he had never seen a park avenue of that year where the frame rotted. it has been repaired at the cost of $725.00 with labor and used frame. *ak | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR | OZARK | 72949 | H & H MOTORS | 479-776-5454 |
| NC | CARY | 27511 | HENDRICK | 919-380-8267 |
| OH | BROADVIEW HTS. | 44147 | ANDY SIMS | 440-526-1900 |
| OH | COLUMBUS | 43229 | KEY OLDMOBILE | |
| OH | RITTMAN | LARIA CHEVROLET-BUICK | 1-800-466-2766 | |
| OH | SHAKER HEIGHTS | 44122 | QUA BUICK | 216-561-1177 |