MYRModel Year Report

1997 Buick Park Avenue

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Buick Park Avenue
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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
219
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

25% 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 1997: 219 complaints 1997 219 1998: 246 complaints 1999: 140 complaints 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 1997: 219 complaints 1997 219 1998: 246 complaints 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 1997: 219 complaints 1997 219 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

1997: 219 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.

Seat belts

25% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and webbing.

Show complaint excerpts

Passenger shoulder belt will not retract.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-04

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

After starting the vehicle, the vehicle back fire and then caught fire in the engine compartment. The local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-21

While driving 30 MPH consumer noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle. It was towed to the repair shop and then to the dealer for repairs. Consumer was concerned that the intake manifold gasket was made of plastic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-04

Service brakes

20% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

12% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

Electrical system

12% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Problems with starting up vehicle. Please provide information. Mr consumer also states that the car wouldn't start after getting gas at a full service gas station. When she tried the ignition the air bag exploded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-09

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Buick Park Avenue. While driving, the contact noticed an odor of burning plastic. The contact noticed a little smoke coming from the rear driver's side panel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-16

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 219 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1997-03-26Seats97V036000 These vehicles were assembled with center rear seat belt anchor bolts not properly installed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages."

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten the center rear seat belt anchor bolts to specification.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1997-05-28Service brakes, hydraulic97V064000 The electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module can cause the antilock brake system (ABS) to cycle during a non-ABS brake application.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake control module or the electronic brake and traction control module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-09-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-01-06 Front shoulder belt malfunction
  5. I
    2000-01-06Engineering analysisClosed 2000-05-02 Front shoulder belt malfunction
  6. R
    2000-08-31Seat belts00V117000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have front seat shoulder belts that may twist, allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the presence of updated front shoulder belt bezels and where necessary, install new front seat shoulder belt opening bezel kits.

    Check if this car was fixed →

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

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 55 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 48 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 43 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V036000 · Seats
  • Recall 97V064000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 00V117000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Buick Park Avenue is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Park Avenue have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.