Model year guide

1997 Buick Park Avenue

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Buick Park Avenue is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

1997 Buick Park Avenue — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Buick Park Avenue at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints301
Combined19–20 mpg
Typical price$1,410

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Buick Park Avenue recalls 3

Seat Belts:front:webbing NHTSA Campaign #00V117000 · manufacturer #00039 · 18/04/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT MAY TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF UPDATED FRONT SHOULDER BELT BEZELS AND WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT OPENING BEZEL KITS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #97V064000 · 28/04/1997

THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly NHTSA Campaign #97V036000 · 11/03/1997

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 Buick Park Avenue common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 301 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1997 Buick Park Avenue MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,850
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume111 cu ft
Cargo volume19 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1997 Buick Park Avenue worth?

Low
$550
Typical price
$1,410
High
$3,200

From 5 comparable 1997 Buick Park Avenue listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Buick Park Avenue costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,250
Fuel only$19,250
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
206.7 in
Width
74.8 in
Height
58.3 in
Wheelbase
113.8 in
Curb weight
3,803–3,924 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Buick Park Avenue — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM¿S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS. THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURC…

NHTSA #EA02030 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Oct 2002 · closed Mar 2004

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE02050 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Jun 2002 · closed Oct 2002

FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION Closed

NHTSA #EA00002 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 2000 · closed May 2000

FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION Closed

NHTSA #PE99056 · Seat Belts · opened Sep 1999 · closed Jan 2000

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 53

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 53.

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723B · Electrical System · Feb 2017

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696B · Equipment · Dec 2015

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PARK AVENUE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Buick Park Avenue. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the front seat shoulder belts may twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor. When the shoulder belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the belt may be unuseable. In a vehicle crash, an unbelted occupant may receive more severe injuries. Correction: Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and wher…

Transport Canada #2000108 · Apr 2000

Brakes

Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module may cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS application. This may result in an increase in stopping distance and a possible vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module.

Transport Canada #1997091 · Apr 1997

Seats And Restraints

NOTE: INCLUDES PARK AVENUE/ULTRA. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH CENTRE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD AND INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: CENTRE REAR SEAT BEL…

Transport Canada #1997048 · Mar 1997

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Buick Park Avenue

The Buick Park Avenue is a full-size car built by Buick. The nameplate was first used in 1975 for an appearance option package on the Electra 225 Limited. It became an Electra trim level in 1978 and its own model starting in the 1991 model year after the Electra was discontinued.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1997 Buick Park Avenue trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Ultra
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1997 Buick Park Avenue vehicles on record

1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Base1G4CW52K6V4612903 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Base1G4CW52K1V4659112 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Ultra1G4CU5215V4638714 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Base1G4CW52K6V4645951 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Base1G4CW52KXV4661764 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Ultra1G4CU5217V4620960 1997 Buick Park Avenue 1997 Buick Park Avenue Base1G4CW52K4V4658701

Other Buick Park Avenue model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990

1997 Buick Park Avenue — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Buick Park Avenue have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1997 Buick Park Avenue. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Park Avenue?

Across all 301 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seat belts, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Park Avenue get?

The 1997 Buick Park Avenue has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 1997 Buick Park Avenue worth?

Comparable 1997 Buick Park Avenue listings run roughly $550–$3,200, typically around $1,410 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.