Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 118 of 140 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 59 of 140 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
47 complaint records15 fire reports1 crash report
"CONSUMER WENT TO START VEHICLE AND THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD. THE MOTOR AND ALL CONNECTING PARTS CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
19 complaint records8 fire reports
"THE VEHICLE HAD A CRACK IN THE FUEL LINE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THAT FIRE STARTED AS A RESULT OF CRACKED FUEL LINE. GM HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Electrical system
19 complaint records5 fire reports
"INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE STALLED AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA07008 opened Jun 2007 | closed May 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE - led to recall 09V116000 BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND... |
| EA02030 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 04V090000 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... |
| PE02050 opened Jun 2002 | closed Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES |
| EA00002 opened Jan 2000 | closed May 2000 | Seat Belts | FRONT SHOULDER BELT MALFUNCTION - led to recall 00V117000 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V090000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 99V238000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO PEDAL ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT NUTS MAY BE LOOSE. | Normally free |
| 99V081000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR, BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY, BRAKE PADS, AND CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET ON EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE OF THE... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003283 2003-11-12 | Engine | 40,397 | 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. |
| 1999161 1999-08-31 | Seats And Restraints | 775 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208 - Seat Belt Installations. The air bag warning labels may be in English only, rather than in English and French as required by the standard. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 3249 Jun 2022 | Suspension | HIGH SPEED SHAKE OR VIBRATION. *EH | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | 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. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | 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. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | 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. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Electrical System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | 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 Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIP5346 Nov 2015 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| PI1217 Apr 2014 | Power Train | This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent. | |
| 99-08-51-007F Feb 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. | |
| PI0281D Jan 2014 | Structure | Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| PIC3379D Nov 2012 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have multiple Head Up Display issues. An issue with the Head Up Display image may not appear clear can be caused by a non-original equipment manufacturer windshield installed. | |
| 08089-B Nov 2008 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE | |
| 08-089B Sep 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CHEVROLET GMC SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED. *PE | |
| 08-089 Jun 2008 | Equipment | BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. | |
| PIC-4887 Jun 2008 | Suspension | GMC: HARSH RIDE OR LINE INSTALLATION CONCERN WITH DELCO SHOCK KIT. CONCERNS WITH CONNECTING THE LINES TO THE SHOCKS AND THE AIR COMPRESSOR. CONCERN OF HARSH RIDE AFTER INSTALLATION. *PE | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 000310007F Nov 2004 | Suspension | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *JB UPDATED *EH GM VOICEMAIL MESSAGE. *TT | |
| 010730032B Nov 2004 | Power Train | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A TRANSMISSION OIL LEAK. *TT UPDATED *EH | |
| 040605008 Jul 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | AVAILABILITY OF EXHAUST MUFFLER FOR SERVICE. *TT | |
| 040601017 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET KITS. *TT | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 03054 May 2004 | Electrical System | UPCOMING PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *MJ | |
| 03232004 Mar 2004 | Structure | THIS IS A FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME REMINDER GOING OUT TO BUICK DEALERS REGARDING ASHTRAYS THAT ARE EITHER DIFFICULT TO OPEN OR WILL NOT STAY CLOSED. *TT | |
| 02112004 Feb 2004 | Electrical System | REPLACEMENT IGNITION KEY CLARIFICATION. *TT | |
| 000310007E Feb 2004 | Suspension | SHAKE/VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 040089005 Feb 2004 | Unknown Or Other | NEW REPLACEMENT KEY BLANK AVAILABLE. *TT | |
| 01202004 Jan 2004 | Fuel System | SAFETY RECALL, PRODUCT FIELD ACTION NUMBER 03054, HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR DIAPHRAGM LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 01536 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | ALTERNATOR WHINE AFTER BULLETIN 99-06-03-005. SIT BULLETIN 1408812. *TT | |
| 01768 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | IGNITION KEY REPLACEMENT. *MR | |
| 01741 Jan 2004 | Fuel System | SUPPLEMENT TO 03054 RECALL - REPLACEMENT FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WILL NOT. SIT BULLETIN 1460267. *TT | |
| 02120 Jan 2004 | Structure | HVAC FACEPLATE LENS AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. SERVICE VME. *TT | |
| 3015 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | MULTIPLE STABILITRAK/PRECISION CONTROL CODES SUCH AS C1282, C1283, C1284, C1285, C1287, AND C1288 EXIST ON DELPHI BOSCH 5.0 OR 5.3 SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 3115 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD COOLANT LEAK. *SC | |
| 00222A Nov 2003 | Service Brakes | UNEVEN RIGHT FRONT BRAKE WEAR WITH THE RIGHT FRONT OUTBOARD PAD BEING WORN AN AMOUNT INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE FRONT BRAKE PADS. *TT | |
| 00704A Nov 2003 | Power Train | THE 4T65E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF A HARSH GARAGE SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE ON A COLD START. *TT | |
| 010235009A Aug 2003 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN TO INSTRUMENT PANEL FASTENER REMOVAL. *TT | |
| 030236002 Aug 2003 | Steering | REVISED STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR OR STEERING SHAFT LOWER BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE AND STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CENTERING PROCEDURE. *EH | |
| 57 Jul 2003 | Electrical System | WIRE HARNESS MAY BE STRETCHED, OR THE PCS MAY NOT BE ORIENTED IN THE SAME POSITION, AFTER INSTALLING A SERVICE REPLACEMENT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY. GM TECH LINK. *TT | |
| 030867004 Jun 2003 | Visibility | PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT | |
| 030849005 May 2003 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT PANEL ASH TRAY LATCH AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE USE. *TT | |
| 030730017 May 2003 | Power Train | GRIND NOISE OR NO VEHICLE MOVEMENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. *TT | |
| 000310007C Aug 2002 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *TT | |
| 000730002B Jul 2002 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH SLIPS, HARSH UPSHIFT OR GARAGE SHIFTS, LAUNCH SHUDDERS, FLARES, ERRATIC SHIFTS AND INTERMITTENT CONCERNS, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1811 OR P0748 SET. *TT | |
| 020730014A Jul 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65-E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS FOR VARIOUS MODELS FROM 1997 THROUGH 2002. *TT | |
| 00310007B Jun 2002 | Suspension | TECHNICAL INFORMATION REGARDING SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *TT | |
| 010601008A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 020730014 Apr 2002 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON SERVICING 4T65E TRANSAXLE SPACER PLATE AND GASKETS. *TT | |
| 100202 Feb 2002 | Fuel System | ONWERS MAY ENCOUNTER ONE FUEL READING AFTER THEY HAVE FINISHED DRIVING THE VEHICLE THEN A DIFFERENT READING WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 000730007A Feb 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING WHINE NOISE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, SERVICE ENGINE SOON OR SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT | |
| 010730044 Jan 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING HARSH ENGAGEMENT INTO REVERSE GEAR IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. *TT | |
| 021001 Oct 2001 | Visibility | INFORMATION REGARDING THE OO WING HEATER HOSE ADAPTOR TO ELIMINATE ALTERNATOR WHINE ON. *YH | |
| 000310007A Oct 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING SHAKE/VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR,SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS (DIAGNOSE/BALANCE TIRES/WHEELS). *YH |
Showing 60 of 82 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Buick Park Avenue →