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Research · Large Cars
2003 Buick Park AvenueRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (9) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2002
Owner complaints
36
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
36 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2003 – Dec 2024
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Electrical system6
- Tires5
- Engine4
- Suspension2
- Power train1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Service brakes1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
9 reports
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK PARK AVENUE ULTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK FROM THE ENGINE INTAKE WHICH WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,200.”
Electrical system
6 reports
“IN SAN DIEGO UNION PAPER DATED 10/28/2015, THERE IS A RECALL ON GM CARS HAVING THE 3.8 LITER ENGINE. IT INVOLVES VEHICLES HAVING THIS ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING OIL. THIS WAS FOUND BY THE SMOG STATION. [XXX] ' *JB”
Tires
5 reports
“New tires installed on vehicle 12/10/24. Passenger rear tire blew out at 65mph on interstate on 12/16/24. Car was able to be controlled, some damage to vehicle. Could have resulted in severe injury and/or death.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl · 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Park Avenue Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 4998
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 Park Avenue questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2003 Buick Park Avenue problems?
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (9), electrical system (6), tires (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Buick Park Avenue at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026