1999 Buick Park Avenue: engine failure

Filed Dec 27, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

Sudden engine failure. I own a 99 buick park avenue ultra that has about 65,000 miles on it and is well maintained. The car is only utilized about 6 months out of the year since we are snow birds having returned from the east 2 months ago. Last evening as I drove north and up one of the long hills on the toll rd 73 in orange county, ca I experienced the sudden and total loss of engine power while traveling between 65 and 70 MPH. All electrical systems, headlights, dash lights etc stayed on and appeared normal. Fortunately the traffic was such that I was able to pull over to the side of the road, stop and turn on my hazard warning lights. I sat for a moment and then tried to restart the engine. The cranking appeared normal and the engine immediately started and the engine parameters, temperature, volts, etc appeared normal. I was surprised to say least but we decided to start moving again and proceeded to drive pretty much at normal speeds without a hiccup the 20 miles left to get home staying in the rh lanes for the most part. Getting back into the fast moving stream of traffic was somewhat hazardous in and of itself. Prior to this sudden failure there was no warning or change in performance. The only caveat to that is that it seems lately there has been a minor but noticeable sag or hesitation when starting to accelerate while in drive and at highway speeds.

Filed Feb 12, 2009 · Engine · 101,500 miles · NY

My 1999 park avenue suddenly started to run ruff, causing me to take the vehicle to a gm dealer who replaced the spark plugs and wires, as well as two ignition coils. He stated that the plugs had indication of burns that are attributed to anti freeze coming in contact with the plugs. During the repair he also indicated that he noticed anti freeze on the outside of the engine in the area of the plenum. The repairman stated that this is a common problem with the 3800 motor, that the plenum leaks causing associated problems due to the anti freeze coming in contact with engine components. He also stated that this problem can lead to engine failure if not corrected by replacement of the plenum and the intake gasket.

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 581 miles · TX

Consumer concerned that auto safety data won't be released to the public. *nm the consumer believed that the public had the right to know about defects regarding all vehicles. The consumer purchased a vehicle which had numerous problems, such as a molding rear door, a broken door handle and a new engine and fuel pressure regulator was needed. After the consumer was told the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, he sold the vehicle and another couple endured problems such as an ongoing problem with the battery dying. The other couple was told in jan 2004 the regulator had been recalled.

Filed Jan 14, 2003 · Engine, Tires · 40,000 miles · AZ

The consumer states that his wife started the vehicle and the engine blew. The noise sounded as if a bomb went off. There was a large hole on top of the engine. The dealer said that they didn't know why this happened. The consumer also replaced all four tire due to vibration. Scc

Filed Nov 26, 2001 · Engine · PA

While coming to a stop and then proceeded to go and engine died. Another incident occurred while pulling off from a traffic light, engine died. Last time while going over a bridge with a lot of traffic, consumer slowed down, and driver in front started to back up really fast. When attempting to put car in reverse, vehicle died.*ak dealer could not duplicate the problem.