NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Buick Park Avenue Recalls & Complaints

The 1996 Buick Park Avenue has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 58 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buick dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1996 Buick Park Avenue owner complaints

Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Buick Park Avenue, describing incidents dated January 17, 1996 to April 21, 2021.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 10 complaints
Electrical System 9 complaints
Engine 9 complaints
Service Brakes 6 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
Tires 4 complaints

Of the 58 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 58 complaints, owners report 7 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11418321 · Filed May 24, 2021
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…
ODI #10910574 · Filed September 29, 2016
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…
ODI #10715533 · Filed May 10, 2015
SLOWED TO TURN CORNER, PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. NO CONTACT WITH ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAR.

Read all 58 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Buick Park Avenue in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA02-030: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Closed March 9, 2004
- Recall 04V-090
Recall Query RQ03-001: POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
Closed September 15, 2003
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-050: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Closed October 22, 2002

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel System, Gasoline — Fuel Injection System

NHTSA #96V116000 · NHTSA notice

Reported July 1, 1996 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 275,811 vehicles

Owners notified July 8, 1996 · Vehicles built July 1, 1995 – May 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L V6 ENGINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATIONS BEGAN DURING JULY 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Seat Belts — Front — Buckle Assembly

NHTSA #96V044000 · NHTSA notice

Reported March 5, 1996 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 15,122 vehicles

Owners notified March 4, 1996 · Vehicles built January 1, 1996 – February 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE INCORRECT SAFETY BELT AND/OR SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ENDS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Safety consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF AN INCORRECT PART IS USED, THE BELT MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FRONT AND REAR SAFETY BELT LATCH ENDS AND SAFETY BELT BUCKLES FOR CORRECT PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT PARTS.

Notes

SYSTEM: INTERIOR; ACTIVE RESTRAINTS; BELT BUCKLES, FMVSS NO. 209. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Electrical System — Ignition — Anti-Theft — Control Module

NHTSA #95V204000 · NHTSA notice

Reported October 23, 1995 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 32,869 vehicles

Owners notified September 22, 1995 · Vehicles built March 1, 1995 – August 1, 1995 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.

Safety consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE; THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE KEY WAS LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR THAT THE SAFETY BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.

Notes

SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION; ANTI-THEFT; FMVSS NO. 114 AND NO. 208.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

58 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11418321

Incident: April 21, 2021 · Filed: May 24, 2021

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.

Electrical System

ODI #10910574

Incident: September 27, 2016 · Filed: September 29, 2016

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.

Air Bags

ODI #10715533

Incident: May 10, 2015 · Filed: May 10, 2015

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

Electrical System

ODI #10643149

Incident: October 1, 2014 · Filed: October 7, 2014

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

Tires

ODI #10512661

Incident: May 18, 2013 · Filed: May 18, 2013

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

Suspension; Tires

ODI #10434978

Incident: October 29, 2011 · Filed: November 9, 2011

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

Steering; Suspension; Structure

ODI #10296637

Incident: December 7, 2009 · Filed: December 21, 2009

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

Engine and Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10230980

Fire 1 death

Incident: January 12, 2008 · Filed: June 13, 2008

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

Air Bags

ODI #10209173

1 injury

Incident: October 25, 2007 · Filed: November 16, 2007

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 and Engine Cooling

ODI #10184788

Filed: February 16, 2007

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

Other Buick Park Avenue model years

Check your 1996 Buick Park Avenue VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buick Park Avenue at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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