2002 Buick Park Avenue
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Park Avenue › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Buick Park Avenue. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the cable IS out of the proper position, it could increase the force required to activate the emergency trunk release handle and a person trapped in the trunk may not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle.
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.
Owner complaints
32 complaints3 involved a crash4 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Structure › Body
Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Engine
My car started smoking by the manifold gaskets upon me starting it..i left it parked in driveway appox 2 -3 weeks , while I drove my 2ND vehicle...this IS the second time I had this problem whenever my vehicle sits 2- 4 weeks ...this do not make sense to my cus it had no problems before I parked…
My car started smoking by the manifold gaskets upon me starting it..i left it parked in driveway appox 2 -3 weeks , while I drove my 2ND vehicle...this IS the second time I had this problem whenever my vehicle sits 2- 4 weeks ...this do not make sense to my cus it had no problems before I parked it..its obvious I can't drive 2 vehicles at the same time however everytime it its for 2-4 weeks I shouldn't have to replace the manifold gasket either..thiis have happen to me and a few of my neighbors as well..
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a chime twice and the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle lost acceleration and a burning odor was present. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic (richie's auto repair in chicago…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a chime twice and the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle lost acceleration and a burning odor was present. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic (richie's auto repair in chicago heights, illinois) who diagnosed that the ignition module and a coil were damaged and needed replacement. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired by christi anson chevrolet (9700 indianapolis boulevard highland, indiana) for the same failure back on september 22, 2015 and december 15, 2012. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
- Air bags · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel began to move independently from left to right without warning, causing the contact to crash into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained whiplash and bruises that…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel began to move independently from left to right without warning, causing the contact to crash into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained whiplash and bruises that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Engine
I have been smelling oil burning smell when I drive my car for a while. Today I took the car to my mechanic and he told me it's "upper intake manifold/coolant leak. He found recalls on previous years. He advised me to talk to gm. Gm didn't find any recall on my vin and told me I can't be covered.…
I have been smelling oil burning smell when I drive my car for a while. Today I took the car to my mechanic and he told me it's "upper intake manifold/coolant leak. He found recalls on previous years. He advised me to talk to gm. Gm didn't find any recall on my vin and told me I can't be covered. However I found many complains by owners of other models and years. It IS possible that 2002 models were not reported to be covered by a recall. Gm connected me to a buick dealer in my area. The person who I spoke with was very rude and uncooperative. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact swerved and crashed into a light post. The contact sustained a cut on the eyebrow, lip and several broken teeth due to the impact of the air bag which required…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle, the contact swerved and crashed into a light post. The contact sustained a cut on the eyebrow, lip and several broken teeth due to the impact of the air bag which required medical attention. The police report was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,127.
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while traveling 50 mph, the power steering failed as the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and resumed as normal. The failure recurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while traveling 50 mph, the power steering failed as the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and resumed as normal. The failure recurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crank sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000 and the current mileage was 51,000. Dr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while traveling 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration power. The contact continued to drive and the vehicle eventually regained power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while servicing the vehicle, the dealer found a leak in the lower intake gasket. The upper intake was found to be deformed and caused a cooling fluid leak. The vehicle was repaired. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage and current mileage was 45,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas gauge quit working and service engine light came on. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, smoke and flames were seen from the rear driver's side. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed with no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, smoke and flames were seen from the rear driver's side. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed with no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where however, the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure and current mileage was 132,000. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear window defroster on the driver's side. The contact stated he was driving with the defroster on for about 45 minutes when the window…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming from the rear window defroster on the driver's side. The contact stated he was driving with the defroster on for about 45 minutes when the window started to smoke. The vehicle was destroyed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 195,000. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Drove 2.5 miles from store,parked in driveway ,went in house, 3mins later heard explosion,car engine in flames,burned for 20 mins until fire dept extinguished. *kb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. the contact stated that the interior locking mechanism IS defective within his vehicle. he stated that the gears that hold the lock in place are no longer operating. the locks have been replaced twice. the dealer stated that this IS a manufacturer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick park avenue. the contact stated that the interior locking mechanism IS defective within his vehicle. he stated that the gears that hold the lock in place are no longer operating. the locks have been replaced twice. the dealer stated that this IS a manufacturer defect due to the plastic piece of the mechanism. the current mileage IS 39,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. the consumer stated the vehicle locks were repaired properly however, the locks continue to break. Updated 08/07/07 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds or at an idle, knocking noises came from the engine compartment. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. the mechanic determined the engine motor mounts were worn and needed to be replaced. the engine motor mounts were replaced by the independent repair shop.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
A leaking fuel pressure regulator on 2002 buick park ave could have caused a fire or explosion which may result in a fatal accident or injury. Fuel was leaking out of the vacuum port of the pressure regulator. Gm no longer uses the part number 17113660 which was leaking on my vehicle. They have…
A leaking fuel pressure regulator on 2002 buick park ave could have caused a fire or explosion which may result in a fatal accident or injury. Fuel was leaking out of the vacuum port of the pressure regulator. Gm no longer uses the part number 17113660 which was leaking on my vehicle. They have replaced it with part number 12583236. I plan to replace the leaking fuel pressure regulator with a new one and will keep the old one for inspection. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tread separation on goodyear eagle LS tires. On 5-17-05 during scheduled tire rotation , discovered 2 of 4 eagle LS 225-65r-16 tires had tread separation @ 51,660 miles.madison goodyear dealer, in lieu of requested adjustment offered sale tires @ $119.00 each. Instead I purchased 4 new tires from a competitor.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Dt: the dealership has told her she needs new brakes. Last year on 4-20-04 she brought it in to have the oil changed and complained about a pulsation in the brakes. They told her that both front and rear brakes were gone and they replaced them at no charge. On 5-4-05. She IS having the same…
Dt: the dealership has told her she needs new brakes. Last year on 4-20-04 she brought it in to have the oil changed and complained about a pulsation in the brakes. They told her that both front and rear brakes were gone and they replaced them at no charge. On 5-4-05. She IS having the same problem with her brakes. The service manager,told her that the brakes were gone again. They told her that it was an environmental issue and would not be covered. *nm..on april 20, 2004 consumer took vehicle to dealer for an oil change, and to check for pulsation. Shortly after checking vehicle mechanic informed consumer that brakes rotors/pads malfunctioned, and replaced them. However, brakes continued to fail, and consumer asked for an investigation of the problem since vehicle was new. *Ak *sb
- Electrical system
The instrument cluster on the consumer's 2002 buick park avenue failed. *bf *nm
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
There were three systems that had problems, but one of the systems, the door locking system, seems to have cured itself. the other two problems, that of the a/c and the seat memory systems, began to show up as soon as we started driving the car after purchase. the first time that I registered…
There were three systems that had problems, but one of the systems, the door locking system, seems to have cured itself. the other two problems, that of the a/c and the seat memory systems, began to show up as soon as we started driving the car after purchase. the first time that I registered those problems with the dealership, the car had been driven 2886 miles. we purchased the car on july 24, 2002. I spoke to the service manager at least once before taking the car into the dealership on sept. 11, 2002. air conditioning: after car sits in hot sun for 2 hrs or more, a/c refuses to come on. Auto light IS illuminated. Blower does not come on and floor IS shown on display screen. compressor does run. attempts to make run will sometimes get system operative. seat memory: after doors unlocked with key pad, driver selects his or her seat memory button. Seat moves forward. when ignition switch IS selected to on and before engine IS started, seat will move to exit position. this condition intermittent--probably one time in 50 tries. dealer cannot duplicate either problem and refused to replace any components. better business bureau has been contacted and we are in arbitration at this moment. we may press for a gm re-purchase of the car. we have given dealer one more chance to find and fix the problems. we like the car very much and want to keep it if gm will fix the problems. their stone wall approach IS not acceptible.
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
2002 buick park avenue purchased 07/23/02, left front driver's seat has excess movement ( feels like one half to one inch movement) each time I start and stop. This IS noticed, especially, when stopping and starting at traffif lights. I feel very insecure, as if the seat may come loose and throw me…
2002 buick park avenue purchased 07/23/02, left front driver's seat has excess movement ( feels like one half to one inch movement) each time I start and stop. This IS noticed, especially, when stopping and starting at traffif lights. I feel very insecure, as if the seat may come loose and throw me into the windshield or backward each time I start or stop the vehicle. The dealer was contacted about this concern 10/02/02,10/23/02 and 06/25/03.i also contacted buick customer assistance center about 01/10/03. The conclusion seems to be that this IS normal for the 2002 buick park avenue. Excess driver"s seat movement does not seem normal to me nor does it seem to be safe!!
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS lights comes on and stay on while driving. This results in loss of ABS and service brakes.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
The left side mirror blocked the vision on the left side of the vehicle consumer fells it IS a safety hazard. The consumer e-mailed gm with the concern and the representative said nothing could be done. *jb *cb *nlm
- Vehicle speed control
Accelerator stuck and car hit a building. Car was totaled. *nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fire
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged…
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series II V6 engine.the recalled regal GS vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it IS possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles IS low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- 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.
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
Every Buick Park Avenue model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.