2001 Buick Park Avenue: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (18% of complaints); the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The motor caught on fire everything in the hood caught on fire in the middle of the street. Orlando street fresno ca 93706.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2021
“Upper intake manifold exploded into at least 10 pieces during start up. Stationary . Had not been started for two days. In driveway.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2020
“Our 2001 buick has had a engine compartment fire it is the same cause as this recall- [xxx] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -close investigation subject : engine compartment fires , 1 recall(s) date investigation opened: oct 22, 2002 date investigation closed: mar 09, 2004 NHTSA action number: ea02030 component(s): fuel system, gasoline information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving down the expressway, the car just shut off. My daughter was able to get it to the side of the road without wrecking (luckily), it would not restart, we had the car towed. The code reader indicated a problem with the anti-theft system. If you clear the codes, or disconnect the battery, the car will start. This has happened multiple times. My daughter has learned how to clear codes with a code reader, but this is unsafe. The dealer says they have not had a recall on this, but it sounds exactly like the other ignition switch problems on the other gm vehicles. They need to be recalled!! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“While attempting to start the car after the ignition was cranked for less than one second there was an explosion from under the hood resulting in fire. The fire was put out within a minute due to access of a nearby fire extinguisher. Upon examination of the engine compartment the entire intake manifold had exploded off of the engine and there was fire damage to wiring and hoses. The car was parked outside overnight and the temperature was 5 degrees f. It is a good thing I had recently purchased this car from my aging parents. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2014
“My daughter had a head on accident with another vehicle. The airbag did not deploy in our 2001 buick park ave. She died from her injuries. She was 17 years old. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 buick park avenue. While the vehicle was idling, the contact noticed fluid leakinf on the ground. Approximately a year ago, the vehicle had an abnormal odor. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that there was an oil leak that leaked onto the manifold, which caused the abnormal odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2013
“Any time the the battery is disconnected the gas needle goes on the wrong side and will not come back in place until the dash is removed and this problem is fixed at a dealership and this cost.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2011
“Headlight assembly, after about 4 years the headlight assemblies on the vehicle become fogged over so badly that you cannot see the road very clearly at night. This is due to the auto makers using plastic for the lens cover instead of using glass on the assemblies, if they used glass there would not be a problem, the headlight assemblies are just as important as the windshield. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 buick park avenue. While the cruise control was set at 70 mph he attempted to disengage it, the vehicle accelerated over 70 mph. The contact stated that he also experienced failure with the vehicles head lights, high beams and the fuel gauge gave an incorrect reading. When the vehicle was out of fuel the gauge displayed full and when there was no fuel it also displayed full. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer will be contacted. The failure mileage was 86743 and the current mileage was 88,651. Updated 3/7/11 *cn updated 04/29/11”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A WIPER SYSTEM MICROPROCESSOR THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO VOLTAGE TRANSIENTS, WHICH CAN CAUSE A "LATCH-UP" CONDITION IN THE SYSTEM CONTROLLER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER WHICH CONTAINS THE MICROPROCESSOR.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE CABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE OPERATES PROPERLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2002. 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.
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 2001 Buick Park Avenue reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Buick Park Avenue. The most complained-about area is electrical system (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Buick Park Avenue problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,435 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Buick Park Avenue have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer. 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.