Most common 2002 Buick Park Avenue problems
Share of the 32 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Park Avenue complaints by model year
Best Park Avenue years: 2004, 2005, 2002. Years to avoid: 1998, 1997, 1999, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
2002 Buick Park Avenue recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2002 Buick Park Avenue:
Engine compartment fire
By letter dated March 12, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by NHTSA recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 Buick regal gs and Pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of GM's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from August 1996…
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
What 2002 Buick Park Avenue owners say
Engine & cooling
I have been smelling oil burning smell when I drive my car for a while. Today I took the car to my mechanic and he told me it's "upper intake manifold/coolant leak. He found recalls on previous years. He advised me to talk to GM. GM didn't find any recall on my VIN and told me I can't be covered. However I found many complains by owners of other models and years. It is possible that 2002 models were not reported to be covered by a recall. GM connected me to a Buick dealer in my area. The person who I spoke with was very rude and uncooperative.
My car started smoking by the manifold gaskets upon me starting it..I left it parked in driveway appox 2 -3 weeks , while I drove my 2nd vehicle...this is the second time I had this problem whenever my vehicle sits 2- 4 weeks ...this do not make sense to my cus it had no problems before I parked it..its obvious I can't drive 2 vehicles at the same time however everytime it its for 2-4 weeks I shouldn't have to replace the manifold gasket either..thiis have happen to me and a few of my neighbors as well..
Electrical system
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Park Avenue. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a chime twice and the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle lost acceleration and a burning odor was present. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic (richie's auto repair in chicago heights, illinois) who diagnosed that the ignition module and a coil were damaged and needed replacement. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired by christi anson Chevrolet (9700 indianapolis boulevard highland, indiana) for the same failure back on September 22, 2015 and December 15, 2012. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
2002 Buick Park Avenue engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue a good car?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Park Avenue rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Park Avenue at the same age. It is one of the best Park Avenue years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue?
The engine & cooling — 10 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the electrical system (7) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue, the most recent from December 9, 2002 (lock). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Park Avenue?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 1997, 1999, 1995 and 2000. See the full Buick Park Avenue years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Buick Park Avenue problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.