1991 Buick Park Avenue: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 92 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (54% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated without warning. The speed of the vehicle topped out at 40 mph. The brake was depressed using excessive force, which was unsuccessful in slowing the vehicle. The ignition was shut off, and the vehicle was coasted into a parking space. When the vehicle was restarted, the throttle immediately opened up, revving the engine. The vehicle was shut off again, and the cruise control was disconnected at the throttle by the contact, which corrected the problem. A service dealer was notified of the problem, however the vehicle was not taken in for service.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2006
“The consumer noticed the vehicle tire leaning almost off the axle and found lug nuts were missing. *tc the consumer heard a squealing noise coming from the vehicle. The consumer was told the front and rear brakes needed to be replaced. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2005
“Concerned citizen: new owner just purchased from a private owner a 1991 buick park avenue, with 100,000 miles, VIN [xxx], and was driving the auto when the motor and cradle fell to the road. This in turn detached the steering shaft and the control of auto was loss. Speed was approximately 30 mph. *la information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“The lights on the car went out around 2:00 the other night. We were on a dark country road. Trying to determine if something went wrong in tilt steering to cause this. Seems as it is wire broke or something came unplugged. Have already checked fuses.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2003
“Brakes go completely to the floor with no warning and no stopping. Ran into curbing to stop and avoid crash. ABS sensors replaced, brakes, drums, master cylinders, brake lines, etc replaced. Pedal still goes to floor and ABS grabs at end of stop. Computer turns off ABS system, but won't report error code or cause. All this has caused brand new tires to wear down to steel belt within 4 months time. Low beams failed but still had highbeams. Low beams come and go. Had to bypass module in order to regain lights. Dt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
“Vehicle caught fire with occupant locked in the vehicle. Car was being parked in the garage at home after a trip to the store. Fire caused vehicles door and window openers to fail. Since this incident I have heard of similar incidents in other vehicles. I am trying to determine if this is happening in other vehicles and what can be done to ensure that other people don't get locked in their vehicles when a fire starts and knocks out the door openers and windows. This would have been a fatality had my mother not spotted the smoke coming from the garage in time.please call or email me if you require further information. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2000
“Vehicle experiencing problems with delayed in stopping distance and brakes locking up intermittently; dealer notifed. Please provide any further details:”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2000
“Driver hit a deer head-on. Both airbag's experienced no deployment which could have resulted in injury. No injuries were sustained. *ak *yc”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1999
“Multiple ABS failures during operation. All components (master/wheel cylinders, calipers, brake pads/shoes) except for the pump and electronic brake control module have been replaced. This problem seems to follow a pattern of failures from other complaints I have read for this vehicle model. The brake pedal plunges to the floor and there is little active braking at that time. Momentarily, the pedal heighth returns and full braking is restored. This is an extremely unsafe and unreliable system. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1999
“Vehicle was repaired by a buick dealer. Several days later , while at a complete stop, engine compartment caught on fire, totalling the vehicle. The manufacturer has not been notified. *ak *ml”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Park Avenue by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
NHTSA has 92 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Buick Park Avenue. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (54% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Buick Park Avenue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,688 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Buick Park Avenue have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning parking brake:conventional:mechanical. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.