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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Buick Park Avenue recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns and 1,004 owner complaints for the Buick Park Avenue, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 1998 model year drew the most complaints (246), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Buick Park Avenue VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 13 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,004 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 1998 (246 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (236 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V090000 (reported Feb 24, 2004)
  • 31 complaints reporting a crash (3.1%)
  • 98 complaints reporting a fire (9.8%)
  • 31 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Buick Park Avenue complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1998 model year has the most complaints: 246 of 1,004, or 24.5%. Next come 1997 (219) and 1999 (140). The fewest are for 2005, with 8 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Buick Park Avenue owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 1,004 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 1998 with 246. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 117 complaints11719951996: 59 complaints5919961997: 219 complaints21919971998: 246 complaints24619981999: 140 complaints14019992000: 81 complaints8120002001: 57 complaints5720012002: 32 complaints3220022003: 33 complaints3320032004: 12 complaints1220042005: 8 complaints82005
Buick Park Avenue complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Buick Park Avenue complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19951175350
1996592461
199721952170
199824672920
199914022210
2000813740
2001573631
2002323420
2003331000
2004120210
200580000
All model years1,0043198312

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Buick Park Avenue components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 236 complaints (23.5% of all 1,004), followed by Electrical System (134) and Seat Belts (120).

Components named most often in Buick Park Avenue complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Buick Park Avenue complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling23623.5%
Electrical System13413.3%
Seat Belts12012.0%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic989.8%
Steering838.3%
Fuel System, Gasoline777.7%
Power Train646.4%
Structure565.6%
Suspension484.8%
Visibility474.7%
Air Bags373.7%
Tires313.1%
Unknown or Other313.1%
Vehicle Speed Control313.1%
Engine292.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Buick Park Avenue recalls

13 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Park Avenue, newest first. The 13 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. 4 model years tie for the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 13 recall campaigns
Buick Park Avenue recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 1 campaign1996: 3 campaigns1997: 3 campaigns1998: 2 campaigns1999: 3 campaigns
2000: 3 campaigns2001: 2 campaigns2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V090000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

    Model years 1998–2000

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.

    Consequence:
    The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 02V328000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Lock

    Model years 2001–2003

    On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.

    Consequence:
    If the cable is out of the proper position, it could increase the force required to activate the emergency trunk release handle and a person trapped in the trunk may not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. Owner notification began December 19, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 00V346000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model years 2000–2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems." These vehicles have a wiper system microprocessor that is susceptible to voltage transients, which can cause a "latch-up" condition in the system controller.

    Consequence:
    If microprocessor "latch-up" occurs, the customer will not be able to operate the system in both the lower and high-speed modes required by the standard.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover which contains the microprocessor.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 00V117000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Webbing

    Model years 1997–1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have front seat shoulder belts that may twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.

    Consequence:
    When the shoulder belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the belt may be unusable.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and where necessary, install new front seat shoulder belt opening bezel kits.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 00V114000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.

    Consequence:
    When the rear brake proportioning, antilock brake, traction control, or stability control feature is activated in some driving situations, the feature may not perform as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V238000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake booster to pedal assembly attachment nuts may be loose.

    Consequence:
    If these nuts are loose, the brake pedal may be low, the assembly may be loose, the brakes may not release, and if the nuts back completely off, braking may be lost. Also fume and water intrusion to the passenger compartment can occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace any missing brake booster to brake pedal assembly nuts and tighten all four (4) nuts to specified torque.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 99V081000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect front brake rotor, brake caliper assembly, brake pads, and caliper mounting bracket on either the left or right side of the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    A vehicle with this condition can pull to one side during a braking maneuver. In addition, vehicle stopping distance could be increased.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for correct brake parts and replace any incorrect rotors, caliper assemblies, brake pads, and caliper mounting brackets.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 97V064000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model year 1997

    The electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module can cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS brake application.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in an increase in vehicle stopping distance increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 97V036000

    Reported

    Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

    Model year 1997

    These vehicles were assembled with center rear seat belt anchor bolts not properly installed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt system would not withstand the required load and injury to the seat occupant could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will tighten the center rear seat belt anchor bolts to specification.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 96V116000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System

    Model year 1996

    A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 3 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 96V044000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 1996

    These vehicles were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or safety belt buckle ends. This does not conform with the requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: if an incorrect part is used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 95V204000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module

    Model year 1996

    These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "theft protection" and FMVSS No. 208, "occupant crash protection." In addition, other chime reminder functions, interior lighting controls, and power door locking features are also affected.

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 95V158000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 1995

    The driver side headlamp lens has an incorrect aim pad number on the lens. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: if these head lamps are re-aimed using a mechanical aiming device that utilizes the aiming pad numers, the resultant aim would be out of the specified range. This may cause a visibility problem increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver side headlamp on vehicles with the correct outboard lower pad number.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Buick Park Avenue questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Buick Park Avenue have?

NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns for the Buick Park Avenue, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 04V090000, was reported on February 24, 2004 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”.

Which Buick Park Avenue model year has the most complaints?

The 1998 model year, with 246 of the 1,004 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.5%). The next are 1997 (219) and 1999 (140). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Buick Park Avenue complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 236 complaints, or 23.5% of all 1,004. Electrical System (134) and Seat Belts (120) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Buick Park Avenue?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Buick dealer.

How many Buick Park Avenue complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,004 complaints, 31 report a crash, 98 a fire, 31 at least one injury and 2 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Buick models

8 models · most complaints first

The Buick models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Buick VIN decoder with every Buick model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Buick models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.