MYRModel Year Report

2002 Buick Park Avenue

▲ Better than typical
2002 Buick Park Avenue
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:51:01.484Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
32
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

22% 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 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1999: 140 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 32 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 1997: 219 complaints 1998: 246 complaints 1998 1999: 140 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 32 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 1998: 246 complaints 1998 1999: 140 complaints 1999 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 57 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 32 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004 2005: 8 complaints 2005

2002: 32 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.

Electrical system

22% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing horn.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Park Avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, smoke and flames were seen from the rear driver's side. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-18

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Park Avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear window defroster on the driver's side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-06

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-29

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and structure

Engine

19% · 6 reports
Show complaint excerpts

My car started smoking by the manifold gaskets upon me starting it..I left it parked in driveway appox 2 -3 weeks , while I drove my 2ND vehicle...this is the second time I had this problem whenever my vehicle sits 2- 4 weeks ...this do not make...

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Drove 2.5 miles from store,parked in driveway ,went in house, 3MINS later heard explosion,car engine in flames,burned for 20 mins until fire dept extinguished.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-29

Consumer stated when trying to start vehicle would not start. Had to keep trying to get vehicle started. The check engine light and computer light would come on and stay on. Took to dealer but dealer could not duplicate the problem.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-28

Service brakes

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Air bags

6% · 2 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Park Avenue. The contact stated that while attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact swerved and crashed into a light post.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-03

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  2. R
    2002-12-19Latches/locks/linkages02V328000 On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.

    Remedy: Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. Owner notification began December 19, 2002. Owners who take their…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2007-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-05-01 Engine compartment fire

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V328000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Buick Park Avenue is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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