1996 Buick Park Avenue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Park Avenue › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Buick Park Avenue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Buick Park Avenue. Newest first.
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Owner complaints
59 complaints2 involved a crash4 involved a fire7 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown 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…
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
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…
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
Slowed to turn corner, passenger air bag deployed. Airbag light on. No contact with anything outside the car.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch will not turn off key can be removed with car running. *tr
- Tires
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
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 · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › 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…
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
David nelson died in car fire in driveway of residence in plentywood, mt. *tr
- Air 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.…
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 · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1996 park avenue with manifold gasket issues**nar**cc *jb
- Electrical 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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Service 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…
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
- Air 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
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer replaced three different tires due to tread separation. *** no answer required*** *ts updated 11/7/2005 - the tires were purchased september 2002 and had 22000 miles or less on them when their treads separated (cooper lifeliner touring sle radial design 0042). *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: 1996 buick park avenue, the ignition was on and the vehicle was in park the consumer had just stepped out of the vehicle. Within 3 minutes after the consumer had stepped out of the vehicle the front drivers side air bag deployed, on june 15, then on june 20 the vehicle was just turned on and the consumer had just shifted into drive when the front passenger side air bag deployed. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
Dt: consumer has same problem as recall #95v204000, electrical system ignition anti-theft controller. manufacturer said consumer's vin IS not included in recall. dealer said she would have to pay to get the part in car repaired (the capacitor), but would give her the remote for free. *tt consumer added that the capacitor IS broken therefore the remote cannot be programmed to work. *tt
- Air bags › Side/window
While slowing down to a red light driver's side airbag deployed inadvertently. Dealer stated water got into the airbag module which was normal. driver sustained cuts and bruises on his right arm. *Ak
- Air bags › Side/window
While slowing down at a red light driver's side airbag deployed inadvertently. Dealer stated water got into the airbag module which was normal. driver sustained cuts and bruises to his right arm. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While parking, the front air bags inadvertently deployed. consumer sustained minor burns. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
While driving consumer applied the brakes,and the pedal went to the floor. consumer was able to stop the vehicle by applying the emergency brake, and drove it to the dealer. the mechanic replaced the master cylinder. *Ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion
The bolts that hold the rack and pinion broke while the vehicle was being driven. consumer could not steer the vehicle. the vehicle was towed. *ak the consumer stated that the bolts held the rack and pinion to the frame. steering was impaired almost causing an accident. *tc
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Consumer stated water accumulated under the rear floor on the passenger's side. The location for the computer for the air bag was located in the water drenched area. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. The vehicle was no longer under warranty, and the manufacturer was not willing to do anything for the consumer. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Engine compartment fires
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10007793Hvac faceplate lens available for replacement. Service vme.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 6088811Some vehicles may exhibit a popping type noise heard in the passenger compartment.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 603085Some customers may comment that there IS corrosion ( rust ) appearing on the left and /or right rocker panel(s).
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601769Information on growling noise in transaxle during first four minutes after start up.
- 601052Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration between 20 and 40 mph.
- 54421Experience a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine.
- 54285Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 54063Comments that the park brake pedal IS not setting correctly or releasing prematurely while trying to set the park brake.
- 54062Comments on insufficient range of the keyless entry system.
- 53015When brakes are depressed force or engine load may affect and cause various noises.
- 52603Intermittent a/c system thump noise on initial start up from front passenger side floor panel (replace accumulator).
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52564Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror.
Every Buick Park Avenue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.