Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | −82% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2004 | 12 | −85% | — | Headlight | Good |
| 2003 | 33 | −51% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 32 | −64% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2001 | 57 | −17% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 81 | 1.5× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 1999 | 140 | 2.7× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1998 | 246 | 5.0× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1997 | 219 | 4.3× | 3 | Seat Belt | Avoid |
| 1996 | 59 | −22% | 3 | Airbag | Average |
| 1995 | 117 | 2.3× | 1 | Steering | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Park Avenue year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Buick Park Avenue problems
Latest Buick Park Avenue recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle May be installed or forced out of the proper position.
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.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover which contains the microprocessor.
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Buick Park Avenue should you avoid?
1998, 1997, 1999, 1995 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Park Avenue years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Buick Park Avenue?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Park Avenue years at the same age, followed by 2005 and 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Buick Park Avenue problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (265), electrical system (134) and seat belts (120). Engine complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Buick Park Avenue had?
13 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Buick Park Avenue recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.