2004 Buick Park Avenue Problems & Reliability

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re cruising down memory lane or just happen to be in the market for a classic ride, the 2004 Buick Park Avenue might have caught your eye. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, this full-sized sedan was once the epitome of American luxury. But before you take the plunge and invest in this vintage beauty, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Like any car that’s been around for a while, the 2004 Park Avenue has its fair share of quirks and issues. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems owners have faced and give you the lowdown on its overall reliability. Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t about scaring you off. Every car has its ups and downs, and the Park Avenue is no exception. From minor annoyances like electrical glitches to more significant concerns like engine troubles, we’ll cover the spectrum of issues that have been reported over the years. But it’s not all doom and gloom! We’ll also highlight the aspects that have kept this car on the road for nearly two decades, proving that with a little TLC, the 2004 Buick Park Avenue can still be a reliable companion. So, buckle up and let’s explore what makes this classic sedan tick—and what might make you think twice before adding it to your garage.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has some issues with the mode/temperature door actuators, which might fail over time. This problem can lead to difficulties in controlling the climate inside the car, affecting overall comfort. While it’s a notable issue, it doesn’t necessarily overshadow the car’s other reliable features, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshift Position Sensor Failure

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has some reliability issues, particularly with engine stalling due to problems with the mass air flow or crankshaft position sensors. These sensor failures can lead to unexpected engine shutdowns, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if not addressed promptly. Overall, while the car has its strengths, these sensor issues are a notable concern for owners.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Car Won’t Start Because of Anti-Theft System That Uses Raised-Chip Key

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue where the car won’t start due to problems with the anti-theft system that uses a raised-chip key. This can be frustrating for owners, as it may require a visit to the dealership to reset or replace the key system. Despite this issue, many owners find the Park Avenue to be a generally reliable vehicle, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering buying one.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure May Cause Erratic Shifting

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue with the transmission pressure control solenoid, which can lead to erratic shifting. This problem can be a bit of a headache for owners, as it affects the overall driving experience. While the car has its strengths, this particular issue is something to keep an eye on if you’re considering buying or currently own one.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Fuel Gauge Needle Stuck on Wrong Side of “Empty Stop”

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue seems to have a quirky issue with the fuel gauge needle getting stuck on the wrong side of the “empty stop,” which can be pretty annoying when you’re trying to keep track of your fuel levels. While this problem doesn’t necessarily affect the car’s overall performance, it can be a hassle for drivers who rely on accurate fuel readings. Overall, aside from this odd glitch, the Park Avenue is generally considered a reliable ride for its age.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Intake Manifold Gaskets Can Develop Engine Oil Leaks

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue with its intake manifold gaskets, which can develop engine oil leaks over time. While this problem can be a hassle, it’s a relatively common issue in older vehicles and can be fixed with proper maintenance. Overall, aside from this gasket issue, the Park Avenue is generally considered a reliable car for its age.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Fuel Level Sensor Failure

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue seems to have a recurring issue with the fuel level sensor, which can lead to inaccurate fuel readings and potentially leave drivers guessing how much gas they actually have. While this problem doesn’t affect every vehicle, it’s a common enough complaint that it might be worth keeping an eye on if you’re considering buying or currently own one. Overall, aside from this hiccup, the Park Avenue generally holds up well in terms of reliability.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it has its quirks. One key maintenance tip is to replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent fuel pump failure, which can be a common issue if neglected. Staying on top of this simple task can keep your Park Avenue running smoothly and save you from potential headaches down the road.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Water Pump May Fail Prematurely

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue with the water pump potentially failing prematurely, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. While this problem doesn’t affect every vehicle, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model. Overall, aside from this hiccup, the Park Avenue is generally considered a reliable ride for its age.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue is generally a reliable car, but one common issue that pops up is the check engine light coming on due to a loose or faulty gas cap. This problem is usually easy to fix by simply tightening or replacing the gas cap, so it doesn’t typically affect the overall dependability of the vehicle. Just keep an eye on that gas cap, and you should be good to go!

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Front Struts May Wear at 75,000 Miles

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue is generally a reliable vehicle, but one issue to keep an eye on is the front struts, which may start to wear around 75,000 miles. This isn’t uncommon for cars of this age and mileage, so it’s something to consider if you’re planning on keeping the car for the long haul. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch this issue early and keep your ride smooth.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Loss of Power Steering Fluid From Steering Rack Failure

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue with the high pressure power steering hose, which can leak fluid over time. This problem can lead to steering difficulties and potential damage if not addressed promptly. While it’s a notable concern, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maintain the overall reliability of the vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Rubber Transmission Cooler Lines Can Leak Fluid

Analysis:

The 2004 Buick Park Avenue has a known issue with its rubber transmission cooler lines, which can leak fluid over time. This problem can lead to transmission performance issues if not addressed promptly. While it’s a specific concern, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maintain the overall reliability of the vehicle.

Conclusion

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