MYRModel Year Report

1996 Buick Park Avenue

● Typical for this model
1996 Buick Park Avenue
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:48:11.970Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Park Avenue Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 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 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
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%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING JUMP STARTED TOP OF THE ENGINE BLEW OFF AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980220

AIR BAGS 17%

17% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050411

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050411

WHILE PARKING, THE FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN OFF KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH CAR RUNNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20141007

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel injection system.

FIRE DEATH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19950922 — electrical system

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 AN

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.

Campaign 95V204000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960304 — seat belts

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.

Campaign 96V044000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960708 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 96V116000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020613 — PE (closed 20021022)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20021022 — EA (closed 20040309)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20030102 — RQ (closed 20030915)

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V204000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V044000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 2003 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 1998 ■ 1997 ■ 1999

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.