1988 Buick Park avenue problems
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.
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Common 1988 Buick Park avenue problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Buick Park Avenue, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
Owners have experienced engine stalling issues related to the failure of the mass air flow or crankshaft position sensors. These sensors are crucial for the proper functioning of the engine, and when they fail, it can lead to stalling while driving, rough idling, or difficulty starting the vehicle. - Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail:
Another common issue reported is the failure of the mode/temperature door actuators. These actuators control the airflow and temperature inside the vehicle, and when they fail, it can result in issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Owners may experience inconsistent temperature control or the inability to adjust airflow direction. - Automatic Door Locks Malfunctioning Due to Park Neutral Safety Switch (NSS):
The automatic door locks on the 1988 Buick Park Avenue have been reported to malfunction, with the root cause being the Park Neutral Safety Switch (NSS). This switch is responsible for indicating the gear the transmission is in and can affect the automatic locking and unlocking of doors when shifting between park and drive. Failure of this switch can lead to intermittent or complete failure of the automatic door locking system.
These problems can significantly impact the driving experience and safety of the vehicle. Addressing these issues promptly through proper diagnosis and repair is essential to ensure the reliable performance of the 1988 Buick Park Avenue.
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 value of a 1998 Buick Park Avenue?
The value of a used 1998 Buick Park Avenue ranges from $113 to $496, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
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.
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 Buick stop making Park Avenue?
Production ended on June 18, 2004. The Park Avenue was discontinued after 2005 in the North American market and was replaced in 2006 by the Buick Lucerne.
What is the value of a 1998 Buick Park Avenue?
The value of a used 1998 Buick Park Avenue ranges from $113 to $496, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Is Buick Park Avenue a RWD?
A front-wheel drive sedan, the Park Avenue channels engine power through a four-speed automatic transmission.
1988 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:
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Structure problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Buick Park avenue vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Buick Park avenue complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Buick Park avenue.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-09
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: *OHIO TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT* THE LUG NUTS ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE UNIT. *JG *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-11
- VIN: FULLFILL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING.*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-11
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN STARTING CAR AND BACKING UP WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, STEERING LOCKS UP.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO BACKWARDS. CONSUMER STATED IT WAS TRANSMISSION.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4CW51C3J1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT ON OUTSIDE OF CAR IS FADING WITH APPEARANCE OF WHITE PATCHES.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: UPON IMPACT FROM A COLLISION, DRIVER'S SEATBACK COLLAPSED. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-24
- VIN: 1G4CW51C7J1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE MECHANISM THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE SHOE TO THE BACKING PLATE FELL OFF, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM TO BE DESTROYED. THE BRAKE DRUM WAS REPLACED ON 11/12/97 AND SHOES WERE REPLACED ON 6/2/29, 5/24/95 AND 10/8//97. ON 10/15/97 MASTER CYLINDER SPRING POPPED LOOSE, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. NO PROLBEM WITH BRAKES AT THIS TIME. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE DESIGN OF THE POWER WINDOWS IN THE REAR ARE MADE SO THAT CHILDREN COULD ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN AND FALL THROUGH; HAS NOT SEEN DEALER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-05
- VIN: 1G4CW51CGS1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4CW51C6J1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT AND PUTTING CAR IN GEAR THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF, OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT HER FOOT WAS ON BRAKES THE WHOLE TIME AND SHE COULD NOT SLOW DOWN VEHICLE AND HIT A BUILDING. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXTERIOR PAINT ON THE TOP AND ON TRUNK OXIDIZED AND CAME OFF. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-10
- VIN: 1G4CW51C9J1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP TWICE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-23
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FAILURE ON THE RACK AND PINION STEERING, WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-10
- VIN: IG4CWSICXJ1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE, DEALER NEEDS TO REPLACE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION COMPONENTS. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-20
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THERE WAS NO STEERING, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, CAR WAS TOTALED. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-23
- VIN: 1G4CW51C5J1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: COLD POWER STEERING. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-27
- VIN: 1G4CW51G9J1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE FRONT STRUCTURE HOOD CAME OFF AND HIT ANOTHER CAR THERE WAS NO DAMAGE . TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-05-10
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING STIFFNESS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Buick Park avenue problems:
Buick Park Avenue Problems and Complaints - 34 Issues
Top Buick Park Avenue Problems · Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshift Position Sensor Failure · Car Won't ...
1996 Buick Park Avenue Q&A: Common Problems, Alternator Signs ...
Jan 20, 2006 ... 1996 Buick Park Avenue suffered complete electrical failure--any thoughts? Optional Information: 1996 Buick Park Avenue - Answered by a ...
1988 buick reatta electrical problems - Buick Reatta - Antique ...
Jan 30, 2011 ... From what I can find, the BCM from the Park Avenue or other full size Buick will not work in the Reatta or any other E platform car even from ...
Q&A: 1988 Buick Electra Park Avenue Battery - Get Answers for 88 ...
Aug 29, 2013 ... My 1988 Buick Electra/PA has battery drain issue when off ... Buick Electra Park Avenue ... I thought this might be common problem with specific ...
1992 Buick Park Avenue - blower wont turn off! | GM Inside News ...
Apr 20, 2010 ... I agree, common problem on the Reatta forum and happens to lots of GM cars of the era with automatic climate control. Pick one up at a ...
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