2003 Buick Park Avenue
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.
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 | 50 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM STATING THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH COOLANT LEAKS AROUND GASKETS AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD OR AT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH MIGHT "CAUSE HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURES".
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
15% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
New tires installed on vehicle 12/10/24. Passenger rear tire blew out at 65mph on interstate on 12/16/24. Car was able to be controlled, some damage to vehicle. Could have resulted in severe injury and/or death.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241218
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A SET OF UNIROYAL TIRES THAT I PURCHASED 2 YEARS AGO, WITHIN 11,000 MILES THE FIRST SEPARATED, AT 22,763 THE SECOND TIRE SEPARATED, AT 30,875 THE THIRD TIRED SEPARATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120531
15% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.
12% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. SUDDENLY LIGHTS STARTED GOING OFF ON MY DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT MY ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND SATIABILITY CONTROL WERE OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150715
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 VEHICLES
Campaign 02V328000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Buick Park Avenue — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V328000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Buick Park Avenue is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Park Avenue?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Park Avenue have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.