2004 Buick Park Avenue

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its smooth ride and spacious interior. It comes standard with a 3.8L Series III V6 engine producing 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. A supercharged version of the 3.8L V6 is available, which increases the output to 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4T65-E 4-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and large trunk. Some disliked the somewhat dated styling and less-than-sporty handling.

Engine

3.8L Series III V6 (L36)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust (if coolant enters cylinders), rough running engine, loss of coolant without visible leaks. The plastic intake manifold gasket is prone to failure with age and mileage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket with an updated aluminum or improved composite gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the IAC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged Series III V6 (L67)

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the supercharger, reduced power, potential for bearing damage if ignored. The supercharger snout coupler wears out over time.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, reduced power, diagnostic trouble codes related to intercooler performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed shifts, harsh upshifts or downshifts, slipping between gears, failure to engage. Can be caused by worn valve body, worn clutches, or solenoid issues.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement, valve body replacement/reconditioning, solenoid replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, TCC solenoid failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter, TCC solenoid replacement, or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Ride Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, compressor running constantly, rough ride, “Service Ride Control” message. Air bladders can leak or the compressor can fail.
  • Solution: Replace air springs, replace air compressor, repair air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per corner
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as power windows not working, door locks malfunctioning, security system issues, or lighting problems.
  • Solution: BCM replacement or reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle stalls, difficulty starting, loss of electrical power.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Housing Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, hazy or yellowed headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat will not move in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replace power seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control display goes blank or shows incorrect information.
  • Solution: Replace or repair the climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2004 Buick Park Avenue, while a comfortable and spacious vehicle, has a few common issues to watch out for. Engine issues include intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on the naturally aspirated engine) and supercharger problems on the supercharged model. Transmission problems can be significant and costly. Suspension issues, particularly with the air ride system, can also be expensive to repair. Electrical issues with the BCM can cause a variety of problems. While some issues are minor, others can be quite expensive to fix, so a thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing.