2005 Buick Park Avenue

The 2005 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its smooth ride and spacious interior. It was available in two trims: base Park Avenue and the uplevel Park Avenue Ultra. Both trims were equipped with the 3800 Series III 3.8L V6 engine producing 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The Park Avenue Ultra featured a supercharged version of the 3.8L V6, rated at 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the Park Avenue for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and large trunk. Dislikes often included the somewhat dated styling and average fuel economy.

Engine

3.8L V6 (L36)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Often, the plastic intake manifold itself becomes brittle and cracks and should be replaced during the gasket replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Engine Crankcase Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak that drips from the bottom of the engine. The leak will usually be isolated to the front of the engine near the serpentine belt.
  • Solution: Remove the front cover and replace the seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged V6 (L67)

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the supercharger, loss of boost, reduced engine power.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating under boost, reduced engine power, potential for engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during TCC lockup, engine stalling at low speeds, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to TCC malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, slipping, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Automatic Transmission Filter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogging of the filter leading to a drop in transmission pressure. The drop in pressure will cause slipping, harsh shifting, and the transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and fluid. If the issue is caught early, then this may solve the issue. In more severe cases, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+, $800 - $3,000+ for transmission rebuild/replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Park Avenue Ultra)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, especially after sitting overnight, air suspension warning light illuminated, compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Consider replacing the air springs as well, as they may be leaking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Strut Failure (Park Avenue Ultra)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear struts will leak and cause the air compressor to turn on more often to compensate for the leak.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking strut and any other strut on the same axle. It is best practice to replace both struts as they are likely to both fail around the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts. Replacing the struts at the same time is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car stalls unexpectedly, key can be removed while the car is running, accessories lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: #06V027000
• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent issues with power windows, door locks, lights, or other electrical systems.
  • Solution: Diagnose and reprogram or replace the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty turning headlights on or off, headlights flickering, other lighting malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or air flow, clicking noise from the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty climate control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving, moving slowly, or making grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Buick Park Avenue has a mix of issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine and transmission issues can be costly, particularly those related to the supercharged engine or the automatic transmission. Suspension problems, especially with the air suspension on the Ultra trim, can also lead to significant repair bills. Electrical issues, while less frequent, can be frustrating to diagnose and fix. Overall, while the Park Avenue offers a comfortable and luxurious ride, potential buyers should factor in the possibility of these common repairs when considering a purchase.