Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1990 Buick Park Avenue — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
12
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4 | 33% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 17% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 8% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
OWNERS MANUALS DID NOT FULLY EXPLAIN HOW FRONT SHOULDER BELT COMFORT FEATURE WORKS.
Consequence
CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208, AND INCORRECT USE OF SAFETY RESTRAINTS COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IF AN ACCIDENTSHOULD OCCUR.
Remedy
INSERT STICKER THAT PROVIDES MISSING INFORMATION IN OWNERS MANUALS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY WOULD GET SPONGY & THEN PULL HARD TO RIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER & DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED. PROBLEM INTERMITTENT. FINALLY MECHANIC FOUND PROBLEM & HAD THE REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED. *AK”
“DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE JAMMED 1/3 OF THE TIME. THE CONSUMER HAD TO STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE, STILL BUCKLED AND THEN THE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED.*AK FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE WHEN THE BUTTON WAS PRESSED HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. *PH *JB”
“I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS COMPONENT WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL ON THE 1990 BUICK REGAL WHICH APPEARS TO USE IDENTICAL COMPONENTS. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK”
“OUR BUICK STARTS JUST FINE BUT OFTEN DIES OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT STOP SIGNS, WHEN WE SLOW DOWN, WHEN WE ARE JUST IDLING, WHEN WE FIRST START IT AND WHEN WE PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IT HAPPENS WHETHER IT'S COLD OR HOT, BEEN RUNNING FOR A LONG TIME OR NOT, GOING 50 MPH OR 2 MPH, IT JUST DIES OUT.…”
“WHEN MOVING TRANSMISSION PAWL FROM PARK TO DRIVE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (4 complaints), other (2 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Buick Park Avenue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Park Avenue years to avoid are 1997, 1998, 1999, 1995, 1991, 2000, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Park Avenue years belongs to 1984.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.