1996 Buick Park Avenue
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.
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 | 48 |
| 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
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ABS BRAKES WHEN DEPRESSED DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN CONSUMER HAVING AN ACCIDENT. ALSO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980813
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE DEATH7% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG UPON IMPACT CAUSED BRUISES ON PASSENGERS AND FLAME FROM STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970814
SLOWED TO TURN CORNER, PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. NO CONTACT WITH ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150510
5% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
LARGE BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL PULLING BEAD LOOSE FROM RIM, AFTER DRIVING ONLY ABOUT 140 MILES THESE TIRES ARE KELLY EXPLORER 205/70R15 DOT PJMO JD1R. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130518
5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 7% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Park Avenue have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.