2003 Buick Park Avenue

The 2003 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and generally reliable powertrain. The standard engine was a 3.8L Series II V6 (L36) producing 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. There was also an “Ultra” trim available, which included the same 3.8L V6 but with a supercharger (L67), increasing output to 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the smooth ride, quiet cabin, and comfortable seats of the Park Avenue. Common complaints include the somewhat bland styling and dated interior design, as well as lower fuel economy compared to some newer vehicles.

Engine

3.8L Series II V6 (L36)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets with updated, more durable gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaking Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged Series II V6 (L67)

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the supercharger, loss of boost.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets with updated, more durable gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaking Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E Four-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during torque converter lockup, stalling, trouble shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, transmission not shifting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Ultra Models)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, air compressor not running, “Service Ride Control” message.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Strut/Shock Leaks (Ultra Models)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, hissing sound, poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace leaking air struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per strut/shock
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, grinding noise.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light on, traction control light on, ABS not functioning properly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater Control Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat or limited heat, temperature fluctuations, engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the heater control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Housing Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight visibility, hazy or yellowed headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (polishing) / $200 - $500 (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Delamination of the Rearview Mirror
  • Description/Symptoms: Separation or bubbling within the rearview mirror glass, obscuring the view.
  • Solution: Replace the rearview mirror.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The display screen is dim or has some segments that are not lit up, or the climate control is not working properly.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control module, or repair the existing module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Buick Park Avenue is a generally reliable vehicle, but like any car of its age, it has some common issues. Engine-related problems like intake manifold and valve cover gasket leaks are fairly common and can be moderate in cost to repair. Transmission issues, particularly related to the torque converter, can be more expensive. Ultra models with the supercharged engine and air suspension may have additional specific problems. While many of these issues are manageable with proper maintenance and repair, potential buyers should be aware of these common problem areas when considering a 2003 Park Avenue.