VehicleVerdict

2002 Buick Park Avenue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Buick Park Avenue sits mid-pack among Park Avenue years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 52, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), electrical system (7), and brakes (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Park Avenue years?

Park Avenue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted355 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 16 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 21 complaints1989: 28 complaints1990: 12 complaints1991: 134 complaints1992: 104 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 63 complaints1995: 164 complaints1996: 68 complaints1997: 355 complaints1998: 327 complaints1999: 174 complaints2000: 104 complaints2001: 71 complaints2002: 41 complaints2003: 38 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 10 complaints
Park Avenue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Park Avenue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Buick Park Avenue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1024%
Electrical System717%
Brakes410%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Fuel System25%
Other25%
Seats25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Airbags25%
Seat Belts12%
Transmission12%
Speed Control12%
Driver Assistance12%
Steering12%
Latches & Locks12%
Lighting12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V328000Latches & LocksDecember 9, 2002 · 43,980 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 29, 2011 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 13, 2013 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 4, 2005

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 4, 2005 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

2002 Buick Park Avenue — common questions

Is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue reliable?

It is close to typical for the Park Avenue: 41 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Park Avenue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Park Avenue years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.