1996 Buick Park Avenue: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 59 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2021
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2016
“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”Owner report · Tires · May 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2011
“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”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2009
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2007
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2006
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2006
“Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 95v204000 concerning the electrical system:ignition:anti-theft controller. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2005
“Dt: the pressure fuel line spilt and leaked gas. It was located right behind the engine. Caller said they smelled gas. Dealer had to order a whole new fuel line and it took them four days to it. The manufacturer has not been contacted yet.*ak *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FRONT AND REAR SAFETY BELT LATCH ENDS AND SAFETY BELT BUCKLES FOR CORRECT PARTS AND REPLACE ANY INCORRECT PARTS.
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
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.
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 1996 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue. The most complained-about area is air bags (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Park Avenue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 105,500 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Buick Park Avenue have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module. 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.