Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 102 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Park Avenue year — the 1993 model ranks #8 of 22 Park Avenue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (24), electrical system (14), and engine (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
102
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 24 | 24% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 14 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 13 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 10 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Consequence
VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION BECAUSE OF LOSS OF THE BRAKE FLUID. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“CONSUMER PUSHED IN CIGARETTE LIGHTER TO ACTIVATE. LIGHTER ONLY GOT WARM. CONSUMER DEPRESSED AGAIN. THIS TIME LIGHTER GOT HOT, BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE BURNING OUT THE ENTIRE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE. *PH”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE MOUNT FELL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO DROP HALFWAY OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE USED. THE CONTACT IS SENDING THE VEHICLE TO A WELDING SHOP. THE FAILURE…”
“WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE CAME FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, PULLED TO SIDE, ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES; OWNER RECEIVED RECALL, CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO NO PARTS 96V0150002. *AK”
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHILE OWNER WALKED TOWARDS VEHICLE PUSHED REMOTE LOCK RELEASE, OPENED DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, DOOR WAS ON FIRE, TOXIC FUMES COMING FROM DOOR, OWNER PUT OUT FLAMES W/EXTINGUISHER. *AK *SLC”
NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 1993 model at #8 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 (24 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), engine (13 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Buick Park Avenue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.