BUICK PARK AVENUE · model year

1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE

68 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1996BUICKPARK AVENUE carries 68 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 5 fires, 7 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1996 PARK AVENUE is air bags with 4 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4) and engine and engine cooling (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 1996 PARK AVENUE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

68
Complaints
3
Crashes
5
Fires
7
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

68 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS3
TIRES3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW2

Recent Complaints

20210524UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sub-frame rust is severe where 2 at front of the engine mounting bushings all have rust, but the worst are the ones supporting the transmission -under the transmission, 2 have almost no metal frame and engine/transmission could drop down, as seen on some of the You tube videos. Inspected and find the engine appears to have dropped some... there is a gap where the steering wheel cover connects to the drive. This is a self inspection after replacing the stabilizing bar end link, had to be replaced.

20160929ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 88,000

20150510AIR BAGS

SLOWED TO TURN CORNER, PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. NO CONTACT WITH ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAR.

Mileage: 259,726

20141007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN OFF KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH CAR RUNNING. *TR

Mileage: 124,000

20130518TIRES

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

Mileage: 140

20111109SUSPENSION

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

Mileage: 200,000

20111109TIRES

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

Mileage: 200,000

20091221STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

Mileage: 180,000

20091221STEERING

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

Mileage: 180,000

20091221SUSPENSION:FRONT

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

Mileage: 180,000

20080613FireFatalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT. *TR

20080613FireFatalFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT. *TR

20071116AIR BAGS

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

Mileage: 133,027

20070305ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1996 PARK AVENUE WITH MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUES**NAR**CC *JB

20070305ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

1996 PARK AVENUE WITH MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUES**NAR**CC *JB

20061125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

NIGHT & DAY DRIVING, INTERIOR LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATE: THIS CAN HAPPEN AT 05 TO 70 MILES AN HOUR: AT NIGHT ON A EXPRESSWAY THIS IS INTERESTING! WHEN ON A TURN THE ABOVE WILL HAPPEN AN ON UNEVEN / RUFF DRIVE AREA. THE ONLY WAY IS TO TURN OFF [ INTERIOR LIGHTS ] ARE TO REMOVE THE FUSE, THIS DISABLES MIRRORS, SEATS, ECT. WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF [ SOME TIMES ] IT WILL RESET STD. OP. *NM

Mileage: 99,000

20060321SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

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

Mileage: 200,000

20060321FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

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

Mileage: 200,000

20060223AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS BEING PASSED BY A TRUCK CAUSING SOME AIR TURBULENCE BUT NO IMPACT. *NM

20060125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER MALFUNCTIONED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, REGARDING THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES, ALARM SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC DETERMINED THE MALL MODULE NEEDED REPLACED. UPDATED 02/27/06. *JB

Mileage: 30,000

Compare 1996BUICKPARK AVENUE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE have?
The 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE has 68 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 5 fires, 7 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE?
The most-complained component for the 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE is AIR BAGS with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.