1985 Buick Park avenue problems

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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.

There were two generations of the Park Avenue that were manufactured in the United States until 2005. In 2007, the nameplate was revived on a large Buick sedan built by Shanghai GM for the Chinese market based on the Holden Caprice from the WM/WN range. The nameplate is derived from the affluent New York City boulevard, Park Avenue.

Electra Park Avenue (1975–1990)

1975-1976

Park Avenue first appeared as an appearance package on the 1975 Buick Electra Limited. It included similar seats to the Cadillac Sixty Special, optional full center console, Buick 455ci V8, posi-traction, 15-inch rallye sport wheels, rear automatic leveling, optional leather, optional Air Cushion Restraint System, remote mirror with thermometer, and automatic climate control. The 1976 cars were largely the same except for some styling revisions and added emissions systems.

1977-1984

Park Avenue, previously an appearance option package, became an official trim level on the Electra in 1978. Cosmetically, a different grille and redesigned tail lights were the only notable cosmetic changes that year but 1979 brought a redesigned, flat front end and a subtly different taillight treatment featuring a Buick crest and bisecting horizontal silver line. A more extensive redesign occurred for the 1980 model year.

1985-1990

Park Avenue remained the top trim on the Buick Electra, it was redesigned along with the rest of the Electra line, moving to the heavily downsized front wheel drive GM C-Body. It featured a Buick 3800 V6. The coupe version was discontinued in 1987. For 1989, Buick introduced the Park Avenue Ultra trim level. The Ultra was an upgrade to the Electra Park Avenue trim and featured a standard leather interior with dual 20-way power front seats designed and manufactured by Lear Siegler and styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign; lower-body accent exterior paint treatment; distinctive thick-padded french-seamed vinyl top with limousine-style rear-window surround (available only on Ultra); simulated burled elm trim on the doors and instrument panel; unique aluminum wheels; anti-lock brakes; chromed B-pillar moldings; specific grille and tail lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel; electronic instrumentation; padded glove-compartment door and unique interior door panel trim. The Park Avenue Ultra carried a higher base price than Cadillac's Sedan de Ville. The Park Avenue Ultra did not gain much popular recognition, however, until the following generation of Park Avenue where the "Ultra" badge offered even more features.

1985 Buick Park avenue

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Common 1985 Buick Park avenue problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1985 Buick Park Avenue, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Mode/Temperature Door Actuators Failure:
    • One of the top issues reported by owners is the failure of the mode/temperature door actuators. These components are responsible for controlling the airflow and temperature inside the vehicle. When they fail, it can lead to issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, affecting the comfort of the passengers.
  2. Fuel System Problems:
    • Complaints have been made regarding fuel system problems in the 1985 Buick Park Avenue. Issues such as difficulty starting the car despite fuel reaching the fuel rail have been reported. This could indicate problems with components like the fuel pressure regulator or fuel injectors, impacting the engine's performance and reliability.
  3. Electrical Issues:
    • Owners have reported electrical problems, including issues with fuses blowing repeatedly. In particular, the no. 17 fuse has been a concern for some owners, causing electrical malfunctions. Electrical issues can lead to various problems within the vehicle, affecting the functionality of critical systems.
  4. Cooling System Concerns:
    • Some owners have raised concerns about the cooling system of the 1985 Buick Park Avenue. Reports of a smaller radiator fan not functioning properly have been noted, potentially affecting the engine's cooling efficiency. Additionally, the absence of a temperature gauge in some models has been highlighted as a peculiar issue, impacting the driver's ability to monitor the engine's temperature.

These common problems with the 1985 Buick Park Avenue can significantly impact the vehicle's performance, comfort, and overall reliability. Addressing these issues promptly through proper diagnosis and repair is crucial to maintaining the optimal functioning of the car.

1985 Buick Park avenue engine

What was the last year of production for the Buick Park Avenue?

2005

The Park Avenue was discontinued after 2005 in the North American market and was replaced in 2006 by the Buick Lucerne.

How many MPG does a Buick Park Avenue get?

Based on data from 7 vehicles, 568 fuel-ups and 162,897 miles of driving, the 2004 Buick Park Avenue gets a combined Avg MPG of 20.73 with a 0.39 MPG margin of error.

What is the difference between a Buick Park Avenue and a Park Avenue Ultra?

Under the hood, there was the most important difference between the Park Avenue and the Ultra version. Both cars were fitted with a 3.8-liter V6, but only the Ultra featured a supercharger and it offered 40 more horsepower than the 200 hp, regular, Park Avenue.

How big is the gas tank on a Buick Park Avenue?

18.5 gal

Fuel & MPG

314.5/499.5 mi. 18.5 gal.

Is Buick Park Avenue a luxury car?

The Ultra trim, with grandeur, promised an ensemble of features. It bridged the gap between Buick and Cadillac Sedan deVille territory with aspects such as memory seats, Twilight Sentinel, and traction control, elevating the Park Ave into a realm of affordable luxury.

When did they stop making Buick Park Avenues?

2005

The Park Avenue was discontinued after 2005 in the North American market and was replaced in 2006 by the Buick Lucerne.

Is Buick Park Avenue a RWD?

A front-wheel drive sedan, the Park Avenue channels engine power through a four-speed automatic transmission.

How fast is a Buick Park Avenue?

The Buick Park Avenue 3.8 208 PS claimed top speed is 200 km/h / 124 mph.

1985 Buick Park avenue car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Park avenue problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Steering problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Buick Park avenue vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Buick Park avenue complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Buick Park avenue.

2005-12-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-11-04
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A TINY NYLON CLIP THAT HOLDS THE TIMING BELT ON. THE CONTACT HAD THE HOSES AND BELTS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 60 MPH THE CAR STALLED. THE CLIP WAS CRACKED AND THE TIMING BELT LOOSENED AND WENT OUT OF TIME AND BLEW THE ROD IN THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS MADE BECAUSE HE HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PURPOSE OF THE COMPLAINT BEING FILED WAS TO KEEP SOMEONE FROM GETTING HURT OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NHTSA. *AK
2004-03-04

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-08
  • VIN: 1G4CW1131F1
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING MECHANISM, WILL NOT TURN WHEN COLD/OR ON INITIAL STARTUP, STIFFNESS IN STEERING LED TO LOOSENESS IN STEERING WHEEL, DUE TO LONG TIME PROBLEM OF TURNING THE WHEEL,THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN MY FAMILY, MY FATHER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, SPECIAL ORDER, TWO DOOR PARK AVE.1985. *AK
2004-01-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-11-15
  • VIN: 1G4CW6939F1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NEW AIR-CONDITIONING INSTALLED IN 1990. CAR NOT DRIVEN OFTEN. AGAING AC NOT WORKING FOR PAST 3 YEARS. CAR GARAGED AND WELL CARED FOR..SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. ONE PERSON DRIVER..MIDDLE AGE LADY.. PAINT IS PEELING OFF ..GM WILL NOT PAY FOR IT. TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OUT SO SOON.. AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS..FILE IS 3 INCHES THICK OF MONEY SPENT ON REPAIRS..
2002-06-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G4CW6932F1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1999-06-17

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-19
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOUNTS BROKE CAUSING TIRE TO FALL OFF RESULTING IN DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) MJS.
1998-12-03

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE THROTTLE STICKS, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1997-06-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-17
  • VIN: 1G4CW6932F1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH OUT OF PARKING LOT; HEARD A LOUD OR BIG BOOM SOUND & VEHICLE WENT INTO NEXT LANE; THOUGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD HIT IT; PULLED TO THE SIDE & PARKED; GOT OUT & LOOKED; NOTICED THAT ENGINE & TRANSMISSION ON THE GROUND; HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC & TOW DRIVER SAID IT WAS CROSSMEMBER & THE RACK & PINION. *AK
1997-01-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-24
  • VIN: 1G4CW6933F1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL HOSE FAILED, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND EXHAUST PIPES.
1996-04-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-16
  • VIN: 1G4CW6934F1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILURE, OCCUPANTS UNABLE TO BUCKLE SEAT BELTS. *AK
1995-08-14

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-14
  • VIN: 1G4CW6937F1
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Buick Park avenue problems:

Q&A: Common 1994 Buick Park Avenue Problems - JustAnswer
Q&A: Common 1994 Buick Park Avenue Problems - JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/buick/229ni-1994-buick-park-avenue-3-8-engine-driving.html

May 4, 2009 ... I have an 1994 Buick Park Avenue 3.8 engine. While driving no matter what speed or how it just shuts off with no - Answered by a verified ...

Transmission shudder- 92 Park Avenue & 94 Lumina - Buick ...
Transmission shudder- 92 Park Avenue & 94 Lumina - Buick ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/37916-transmission-shudder-92-park-avenue-94-lumina/

Mar 4, 2003 ... I am not sure what it is, nor the cost of repair, if I decide to repair, rather than sell both of these cars. It seems to be a common problem ...

Park avenue code p0306 comes on when engine cold. after warm ...
Park avenue code p0306 comes on when engine cold. after warm ...
https://www.justanswer.com/buick/25p87-park-avenue-code-p0306-comes-when-engine-cold-warm.html

Jun 2, 2009 ... I also have seen valve seating problems with this engine (not real common), so I suggest doing a leak down test on #6 and several other ...

Buick Park Avenue Maintenance & Repair - Page 7 — Car Forums ...
Buick Park Avenue Maintenance & Repair - Page 7 — Car Forums ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/2889/buick/park-avenue/buick-park-avenue-maintenance-repair/p7

Apr 11, 2002 ... ... common factor in problems on the 3800's. ... I have a problem with my cruise control on a 1997 Buick Park Avenue ... BUICK ELECTRA PARK AVENUE (1985 ...

Buick Park Avenue 2005. 106k miles. 6k. Is this a good deal. I heard ...
Buick Park Avenue 2005. 106k miles. 6k. Is this a good deal. I heard ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/119melq/buick_park_avenue_2005_106k_miles_6k_is_this_a/

Feb 23, 2023 ... Buick Park Avenue 2005. 106k miles. 6k. Is this ... That's a common failure item. At some point ... 1985 Century (3.8l), a 92 LeSabre (also a ...

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Park avenue 1986
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Park avenue 1987
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Park avenue 1988
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Park avenue 1989
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Park avenue 1990
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Park avenue 1991
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1985 Buick Park avenue photo