1988 Buick Park Avenue
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 92 |
| 1992 | 77 |
| 1993 | 64 |
| 1994 | 50 |
| 1995 | 117 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 219 |
| 1998 | 246 |
| 1999 | 140 |
| 2000 | 81 |
| 2001 | 57 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 19 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THERE WAS NO STEERING, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, CAR WAS TOTALED. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960325
5 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH2 of 19 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and hood.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Show complaint excerpts
*OHIO TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT* THE LUG NUTS ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE UNIT. *JG *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030213
1 of 19 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Park Avenue have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.