Model year guide

1998 Buick Park Avenue

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Buick Park Avenue is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.

1998 Buick Park Avenue — representative photo
Representative photo

1998 Buick Park Avenue at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints277
Combined19–20 mpg
Typical price$663

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

1998 Buick Park Avenue recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery NHTSA Campaign #04V090000 · manufacturer #03054B · 24/02/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-…

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.

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.

1998 Buick Park Avenue common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 277 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.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

1998 Buick Park Avenue MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Forced inductionTurbo + supercharged
Passenger volume111 cu ft
Cargo volume19 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,250 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 1998 Buick Park Avenue worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$663
High
$850

From 6 comparable 1998 Buick Park Avenue listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Buick Park Avenue costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Fuel only$17,250
Per mile$0.23

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
57.5 in
Wheelbase
113.8 in
Curb weight
3,788–3,880 lb
Front track
62.6 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 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 75

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 75.

HIGH SPEED SHAKE OR VIBRATION. *EH

Bulletin 3249 · Suspension · Jun 2022

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

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 1998 Buick Park Avenue. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Engine

On certain vehicles, a combination of a low battery condition and fuel in the upper intake manifold while the ignition key is activated at engine start could cause an elevated rate of manifold over-pressurization events. The operator may experience a loud bang / intake backfire that could rupture the intake manifold, resulting in emitting dust from under the hood and a no-start…

Transport Canada #2003283 · Nov 2003

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

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. IMPROPER CALIBRATION OF THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CAN RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED SPARK KNOCK, SETTING AN MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP), MISFIRE, ROUGH IDLE, AUDIBLE KNOCK AND/OR POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. CORRECTION: VEHICLE PCM WILL BE REFLASHED WITH NEW CALIBRATION SOFTWEAR.

Transport Canada #1998034 · Feb 1998

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.

1998 Buick Park Avenue trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Ultra
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl

1998 Buick Park Avenue vehicles on record

Other Buick Park Avenue model years

1998 Buick Park Avenue — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1998 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 1998 Buick Park Avenue?

Across all 277 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seat belts, fuel system.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Park Avenue get?

The 1998 Buick Park Avenue has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 1998 Buick Park Avenue worth?

Comparable 1998 Buick Park Avenue listings run roughly $500–$850, typically around $663 (from 6 vehicles).

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