Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 134 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Park Avenue year — the 1991 model ranks #5 of 22 Park Avenue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 61% of all reports (82 of 134), far ahead of electrical system at 10.
134
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
16
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 82 | 61% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
WHEN APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY MAY RELEASE ONE OR MORE TEETH, REDUCING THE CABLE LOAD TO THE REAR BRAKES.
Consequence
DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE LEVER RELEASE AND ROADLEVEL. THE PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING IT TO ROLL, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 105.
Remedy
REPLACE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN COMING OUT OF A RAMP IN THE WAY DOWN, TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES AND STOP VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND, REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. *AK”
“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITH OCCUPANT LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE AT HOME AFTER A TRIP TO THE STORE. FIRE CAUSED VEHICLES DOOR AND WINDOW OPENERS TO FAIL. SINCE THIS INCIDENT I HAVE HEARD OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN OTHER VEHICLES. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS HAPPENING…”
“PARKED VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT. WENT INSIDE RESTAURANT. SOMEONE NOTICED VEHICLE BURNING & NOTIFIED THE RESTAURANT. FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR & AROUND THE ENGINE AREA. *AK”
“WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL RECURRENT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE, YET NONE OF THE RECURRENT PROBLEMS HAS BEEN COVERED BY ANY MANUFACTURERS RECALLS. WE HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY REPEATEDLY AND HAVE HAD CONTINUAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. WE HAVE HAD CONSTANT AND RECURRING PROBLEMS…”
“CONCERNED CITIZEN: NEW OWNER JUST PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE OWNER A 1991 BUICK PARK AVENUE, WITH 100,000 MILES, VIN [XXX], AND WAS DRIVING THE AUTO WHEN THE MOTOR AND CRADLE FELL TO THE ROAD. THIS IN TURN DETACHED THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE CONTROL OF AUTO WAS LOSS. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH.…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 134 complaints put the 1991 model at #5 of 22 Park Avenue years. It is one of the Park Avenue years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (82 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 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 2 investigations 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.