1996 Buick Park Avenue Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Buick Park Avenue, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1015.4%
- Engine913.8%
- Electrical913.8%
- Brakes710.8%
- Fuel system57.7%
- Visibility46.2%
- Tires & wheels46.2%
- Interior & seats34.6%
- Steering34.6%
- Suspension34.6%
- Transmission34.6%
- Body & structure23.1%
- Heating & air conditioning11.5%
- Powertrain (other)11.5%
- Seat belts11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
SLOWED TO TURN CORNER, PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. NO CONTACT WITH ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAR.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND FELT PAIN IN HER LEFT HAND. SHE REALIZED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SUGGESTED SHE CALL NHTSA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,037 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,027. UPDATED 12/12/07
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT. *TR
1996 PARK AVENUE WITH MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUES**NAR**CC *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME DOESN'T WORK. THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME USUALLY DOESN'T WORK. THE MALL MODULE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE BY A LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP. THIS SAME ISSUE IS A RECALL ON SOME OF THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF CAR, BUT NOT CURRENTLY ON THIS VIN#. GM AND SUTTLE MOTORS OF NEWPORT NEWS, VA REFUSE TO PAY THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I FEEL LIKE THIS VIN# SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED 5 YEARS AGO, WITH THE PROBLEM OCCURRING THE 1ST DAY OF OWNERSHIP.
IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN OFF KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH CAR RUNNING. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE STARTER, TIMING BELT, AND ELECTRONIC COMPUTER RELAY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V116000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE STALLING ISSUE REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, A BACKFIRE OCCURRED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE DAMAGE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. UPDATED 05/30/06 4 FUEL PUMPS REPAIRED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND STILL THERE IS A SHORT IN THE AIR CONDITION AFTER FIXING THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, CHECKED BRAKES DUE TO NOISE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. FOUND REAR PADS WITH UNEVEN WEAR, AND REAR ROTORS FLAKING. *TT
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES,AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE STARTER, TIMING BELT, AND ELECTRONIC COMPUTER RELAY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V116000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE STALLING ISSUE REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, A BACKFIRE OCCURRED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE DAMAGE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. UPDATED 05/30/06 4 FUEL PUMPS REPAIRED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND STILL THERE IS A SHORT IN THE AIR CONDITION AFTER FIXING THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, CHECKED BRAKES DUE TO NOISE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. FOUND REAR PADS WITH UNEVEN WEAR, AND REAR ROTORS FLAKING. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY SEAL.
PASSENGER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH BRIDGESTONE INSGINIA TIRES, SIZE: P225 60 RX16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD WEAR PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE NOT ROTATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 200,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. .. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF UPDATED 12/12/11 THE CONSUMER WANTS TO CANCEL HIS COMPLAINT. 02/06/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT SEAT SWITCH BEZEL ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FROM DEALER. *SLC
CONSUMER FOUND NUTS MISSING FROM TRACK & ANCHOR UNDERNEATH BOTH DRIVER & PASSENGER SEATS. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER TO ORDER NUTS.*AK THESE NUTS ARE USED TO HOLD SEAT TRACKS TO VEHICLE FLOOR PAN. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME. *TR
THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE RACK AND PINION BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. CONSUMER COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BOLTS HELD THE RACK AND PINION TO THE FRAME. STEERING WAS IMPAIRED ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH BRIDGESTONE INSGINIA TIRES, SIZE: P225 60 RX16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD WEAR PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE NOT ROTATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 200,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. .. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF UPDATED 12/12/11 THE CONSUMER WANTS TO CANCEL HIS COMPLAINT. 02/06/12
THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY SEAL.
POWER TRAIN ASSEMBLY FAILED TWICE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME. *TR
THERE IS A POPPING NOISE THERE IS ANOTHER NOISE IN THE FRONT ENDED TOOK TO DEALER COULDN'T NOT FIND PROBLEM .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEATING ELEMENT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HAS CAUSED BURN MARKS TO APPEAR IN LEATHER MATERIAL OF SEAT. THERE WAS NO OPEN FIRE. HOWEVER, MATERIAL WAS BURNED, AND COULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY DEFECT. *AK SEAT PADDING AS WELL AS LEATHER SEAT COVERING WAS BURNED FROM BOTTOM TO SURFACE OF SEAT. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STRONGLY VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF 65 AND MORE. APPARENTLY LOOSENED RF (PASSENGER) DOOR THAT WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER. VIBRATION CAUSES SEATBELTS TO NOTICABLY VIBRATE, VIBRATIONS ARE SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE SEATS TO PASSENGERS, OWNER IS AFRAID THAT CONTINUED VIBRATIONS WILL LOOSEN BODY PARTS TO RESULT IN A DEATH CAUSING ACCIDENT. NOTE, MILEAGE WHEN PURCHASED ON 11-04-98 WAS ABOUT 5400, A GMAC LEASE RETURN TO SELLING DEALER. THE VIBRATIONS OCCUR EACH TIME VEHICLE EXCEEDS 65 MPH. SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ROYAL BUICK INDICATED THAT THIS VIBRATION PROBLEM WAS NOT UNCOMMON TO 1996 PARK AVENUE VEHICLES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELTS IN REAR OF VEHICLE ARE TOO SMALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .