MYRModel Year Report

1996 Buick Park Avenue

● Typical for this model
1996 Buick Park Avenue
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:07.665Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
59
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 19 complaints 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1993: 64 complaints 1993 1994: 50 complaints 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 59 complaints 1996 59 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1999: 140 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 12 complaints 2005: 8 complaints 2005
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 19 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 64 complaints 1994: 50 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1996: 59 complaints 1996 59 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1998 1999: 140 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 8 complaints
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 19 complaints 1988 1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 92 complaints 1991 1992: 77 complaints 1992 1993: 64 complaints 1993 1994: 50 complaints 1994 1995: 117 complaints 1995 1996: 59 complaints 1996 59 1997: 219 complaints 1997 1998: 246 complaints 1998 1999: 140 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 8 complaints 2005

1996: 59 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19842
198510
19866
198713
198819
198921
199012
199192
199277
199364
199450
1995117
199659
1997219
1998246
1999140
200081
200157
200232
200333
200412
20058

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

When the vehicle was being jump started top of the engine blew off and caught fire. The vehicle is being repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-20

Air bags

17% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While slowing down at a red light driver's side airbag deployed inadvertently. Dealer stated water got into the airbag module which was normal. Driver sustained cuts and bruises to his right arm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-11

While slowing down to a red light driver's side airbag deployed inadvertently. Dealer stated water got into the airbag module which was normal. Driver sustained cuts and bruises on his right arm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-11

While parking, the front air bags inadvertently deployed. Consumer sustained minor burns. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-22

Electrical system

17% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing control module and ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch will not turn off key can be removed with car running.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-07

Service brakes

12% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel injection system.

FIREDEATH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1995-09-22Electrical system95V204000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1996-03-04Seat belts96V044000 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."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1996-07-08Fuel system, gasoline96V116000 A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
  5. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  6. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V204000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 96V044000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1996 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Buick Park Avenue is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Park Avenue have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.