Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 355 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.8 times the median Park Avenue year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 22 Park Avenue years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (61), seat belts (58), and brakes (44), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
355
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
5
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
40
Fires reported
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 61 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 58 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 44 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 37 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 27 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 24 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 21 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 18 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 17 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 11 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELTS THAT MAY TWIST, ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.
Consequence
WHEN THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF UPDATED FRONT SHOULDER BELT BEZELS AND WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT OPENING BEZEL KITS.
Defect
THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) TO CYCLE DURING A NON-ABS BRAKE APPLICATION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE OR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE.
Defect
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD AND INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND CAME TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT…”
“00 117 000/GM SHOULDER BELTS: RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE, INFORMING THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. CONTACTED DEALER(WEST POINT BUICK, HOUSTON, TEXAS, PHONE # 281/493-2000 FOR A APPOIMENT, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PART WERE NOT AVAILABLE. APPOINTMENT WOULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL LATER. CAN NHTSA…”
“ON TWO OCCASSIONS, ONE ON DRY PAVEMENT, ONE ON WET, IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION, THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO BRAKING FOR A TIME. IT WAS AS IF THE ABS STARTED ON THE WRONG CYCLE (NO BRAKING). THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED SIGNIFICATLY IN BOTH CASES. *AK”
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BELIEVE THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A LOOSE WIRE ON THE STARTER, CLAIM 25-5562-917. *SLC ”
“TRANSMISSION STARTED TO JUMP INTO OD. VIBRATION AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. REPLACED TRANNY WITH GM REBUILT.AFTER 700 MILES PROBLEM CAME BACK (VIBRATION ONLY) SAME PROBLEM BUT NOW HAS METAL TO METAL GRINDING WHEN MAKING LEFT TURN AND ACCELERATING. REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS. THEY WERE CRACKED. PRIOR TO THIS…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 355 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 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 engine (61 complaints), seat belts (58 complaints), brakes (44 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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 5 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.