1998 Buick Park Avenue: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Dec 13, 2012 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. The contact was driving approximately 1 MPH in a parking lot when the heater and rear defroster was engaged. The contact then smelled a burning odor from inside the vehicle and noticed small flames emitting from the rear driver's side window panel. The engine was turned off and the fire was extinguished. The fire department arrived and disconnected the defroster wires. The vehicle was driven from the scene and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 13, 2011 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · TX

Upon starting the vehicle there was a loud backfire and visible smoke came out from under the hood. Further investigation showed that the plastic intake manifold was blown apart. There was a strong odor of raw fuel. I contacted a local buick dealership and was told that there were no open campaigns concerning this vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to a repair facility and have been told that the repair will cost in the range of $2000 - $2500 dollars.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NC · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick park avenue. Whenever the contact would start the vehicle, hhe noticed that it would turn on for several seconds and then immediately shut off. When he attempted to restart the vehicle, he heard a loud pop coming from the engine. The dealer stated that the intake manifolds needed to be replaced. On september 22, 2008, while driving 45 MPH , the vehicle would not gain speed. The contact noticed sparks coming from the rear of the vehicle and pulled to the side of the road. Flames began to appear underneath the hood. The fire department was called to the scene. The current mileage was 130,000 and failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 10/30/2008.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Fuel system · AR

The consumer was denied reimbursement for repairs because the part wasn't covered under recall. *ph the fuel pressure diaphragm leaked which occurred 10 months after the vehicle backfired with smoke coming from under the hood and broke the intake manifold that blew the cap off of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired but the service dealer had not replaced the fuel pressure regulator. The consumer was told by the mechanic to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer to replace the regulator, which he did. The consumer submitted a claim for damages which he paid for and the claim was denied because the part was not covered by the recall#03v473000. *sc

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · NC · fire

Driver started the vehicle and heard a loud bang. Vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Fire department extinguished the fire.

Filed Jan 7, 2004 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NJ

While I was driving I heard a pop & the service engine light came on I went another block and the car lost power & white smoke came out of exhaust. I turned engine off & tried to restart which was unsuccessful. I contacted buick dealer because after talking to a few people I was told that this was a common problem with gm autos. Customer representative told me to go to dealer & they would work with me on the cost of the repair. After a week of wasted time I went to a local mechanic who repaired the auto at a cost of $1,049. The mechanic informed me that this was a very common problem with this engine because of the type of parts the manufacturer uses durin g production. I am relieved that nobody was injured during this incident but if this had occured on a highway and I was not able to get off to a shoulder the situation might have had a different outcome. This auto at the time had 68,000 miles and 1 week after the time frame of the extended warranty the extended warranty expired at 60,000 miles.this is a $33,000 vehicle and I would hope that an engine would last longer than 70,000 miles. I own two other vehicles (toyota's) and they have a combined mileage of over 300,000 miles and both purchased new cost less than this vehicle. It is my understanding that there have been other complaints of this type for this vehicle and the manufacturer has done nothing to correct this problem.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Electrical · 18,000 miles · MO · fire

Consumer reported to the fire investigator, tom schaefer, that when trying to start vehicle after sitting all night heard a loud thump, and then all of the lights on the dash went out. Smoke coming from under the hood. A fire started in the engine compartment. Mr. Schaefer said that the consumer used the word thump not bang to describe the initial incident.

Filed Mar 4, 2003 · Electrical · NY · fire

While the vehicle was being started the engine caught on fire. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company stated that the cause of the fire was unknown but could have been either electrical or fuel related.

Filed Jan 29, 2003 · Fuel system · MO

'98 park ave 4dr. Engine backfired, lucky to get it started it sound like a hot-rod, but did not catch on fire, we replaced the fuel pressure regulator (diaphragm ruptured)$750.00. We also,drove it home about 50 miles. I'd also like to add that we would not have drove it home with our 1 year old son if we knew that it was a potentially dangerous fire hazard. Thanks!

Filed Dec 11, 2002 · Electrical · PA · fire

When consumer turned the keys in the ignition, there was a popping noise, then vehicle caught on fire. Please provide more details. Mr

Filed Oct 31, 2002 · Engine · IA

While slowing down vehicle to pull into a gas station, consumer states there was a big explosion under hood, popped hood and saw flames, went for help. Cause is unknown. Please provide any further information. Ts

Filed Oct 27, 2002 · Engine · MD · fire

The car was parked for 6 days. Weather was slight drizzle, with temperature about 50 degrees. At approximately 8:30 pm on 10/25/2002, I placed the key in the ignition and turned it. I heard a lot pop from the engine. The pop was so loud that neighbors approximately 100 feet down the street came out of their closed houses to discover what happened. Smoke begin to pour from the engine compartment and then flames appeared. Fire department came to extinguished the flames. Car will probably be totalled. Dt