Owners have filed 102 complaints
about the 1993 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 43
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1993 compares with every other Buick Park Avenue
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
228.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.3%
150,000+ miles
457.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 9Dec 2008
Recalls on the 1993 Buick Park Avenue
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V015000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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.
Risk: VEHICLE FIRES CAN OCCUR DUE TO THE SPILLAGE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199405171,790 units in Canada
Powertrain
THE UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSE COULD PULL OUT OF THE CRIMPED COUPLING AT THE TRANSAXLE END OF THE LINE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS COUPLING WERE TO SEPARATE, TRANSAXLE OIL WOULD SPILL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UPPER TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINE ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cleveland, OHFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10031695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkwood, MOFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #761785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trenton, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #743538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CAFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
ON DEC. 11, 1999, AT APPROX. 5:45 PM, I WAS SOUTH BOUND ON I-15, 36 MILES NORTH OF BAKER, CA. DURING THE CLIMB OF THE HILL, CRUISE SET AT 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AT THAT INSTANT, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DISTINCT ODOR OF BURNT TRANS FLUID WAS ENTERING THE PASSENGER AREA. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO DISCOVER THE ENGINE AREA WAS ON FIRE. THE WIFE AND I ONLY HAD ENOUGH TIME TO EXIT VEH AND CALL FOR HELP. I HAVE DISCOVERED A RECALL BULLETIN (CAMPAIGN #96V015002) DESCRIBING THE CONDITION AND RESULTS I EXPERIENCED. THE UNJUSTICE IS THE SAFETY BULLENTIN DOESN'T APPLY TO CALIFORNIA VEHICLES. IN THE LAST WEEK, I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER VEH, OF SAME MODEL, SUFFER THE SAME OUTCOME.
NHTSA complaint #716316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Valley, WAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR ENGINE STARTED FIRE WHILE DRIVING DUE TO GAS LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #813404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brason, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION BECAUSE OF LOSS OF THE BRAKE FLUID. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #813283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 173,000 milesGladstone, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MAJOR TRANSMISSION LEAK-POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10251138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesVergennes, VT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10243569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,510 milesBuffalo, NY
STRUCTURE
THE WASHERS FOR THE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. THE SUB FRAME(CRADLE) THEN DROPPED AND DISCONNECTED STEERING SHAFT. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED LEAVING A PARKING LOT @ 5MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10235203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, NY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
LEAKING TRANSAXLE FLUID LINE.
NHTSA complaint #10155957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesNorthridge, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DT*:THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE IGNITION SMELL OF ELECTRICAL WIRES BURNING. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. UPDATED 5/2/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10154978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesNorthridge, CA
STEERING:COLUMN
DT*:THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE IGNITION SMELL OF ELECTRICAL WIRES BURNING. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. UPDATED 5/2/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10154978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBurghill, OH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED. AS A RESULT BOLTS BROKE, AND THE STEERING FAILED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK ALL FOUR BACK BOLTS FAILED AND CRADLE DROPPED AND STEERING FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10094264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesBurghill, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED. AS A RESULT BOLTS BROKE, AND THE STEERING FAILED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK ALL FOUR BACK BOLTS FAILED AND CRADLE DROPPED AND STEERING FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10094264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flagstaff, AZ
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
CALLED LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP AT 928-774-1472 IN FLAGSTAFF ARIZONA AND TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE STATED THAT GM DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR MY 1993 BUICK, PARK AVENUE. THE SERVICE MANAGER DECLINED TO PERFORM A SAFETY RECALL ON MY CAR. THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS AS FOLLOWS 96V01500; TRANSMISSION LINE REPLACEMENT. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10036638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OHFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10031695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Derry, NH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD MOUNTING CORRODED BODY OPENING PINCHWELD, LEAKS AND STRESS CRACKS MAY OCCUR WHEN MFG OR REPLACED IE NO PAINT OR PROTECTION WAS EVER PUT ON IE QUALITY SAFETY IE THERE IS NO WAY RUST CAN GET T THE MOUNTING OF THE GLASS. IN OTHER WORDS OTHER MAY BE DRIVING AND PUT BRAKES ON ONLY TO FIND THE WINDSHIELD WILL GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. DT
NHTSA complaint #769440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlden, MA
STRUCTURE
WHILE EXITING HIGHWAY REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE, AND STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED FROM GEAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8016853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlden, MA
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
WHILE EXITING HIGHWAY REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE, AND STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED FROM GEAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8016853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NYLON FUEL LINE FAILED, RESULTING ON GASOLINE SPRAYING ON EXHAUST AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. HIGH PROBABILITY OF FIRE. THE LEAKAGE RATE WAS APPROXIAMTELY .5 GPM.
NHTSA complaint #762596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkwood, MOFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #761785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #761171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
TIRES
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED, REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED, HOWEVER BRAKES STILL SQUEAK, MASTER CYLINDER HAS LEAKED TWICE. OIL PAN LEAKS, ENGINE OVERHEATED, FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. AIR CONDITIONER INOPERABLE DUE TO FAULTY CORE AND EVAPORATOR. CONSUMER STATES TIRES WERE BAD, ONE TIRE EXPERIENCED A LEAK, FAULTY VALVE STEM, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. EXHAUST PIPE FAILURE, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. BATTERY AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. STEERING GEAR FAILURE. TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES LEAKED. ROCKER PANELS RUSTED AND WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.