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FaultScore report

1996 Buick Park Avenue problems

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 1996 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 1996 and 2021. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 13 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Buick Park Avenue All 1996 cars
C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Buick Park Avenue.

How this is worked out

The numbers

68

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

112,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

12%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 29 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 20 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Buick Park Avenue

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Buick Park Avenue

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 10 14.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 122,513 mi

Electrical System 10 14.7%

Median failure at 93,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 10 14.7%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 99,000 mi

Brakes 8 11.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 200,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 5 7.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 146,271 mi

Tires 4 5.9%

Median failure at 99,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 5.9%
Seats 3 4.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 4.4%
Suspension 3 4.4%

Median failure at 190,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 2.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Body & Structure 2 2.9%

Median failure at 180,000 miles

Steering 2 2.9%

Median failure at 139,500 miles

Seat Belts 1 1.5%
Lights 1 1.5%

Exactly what failed

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.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 4 19.0%
Control Module 3 14.3%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 3 14.3%
Frontal 3 14.3%
Side/Window 2 9.5%
Gasoline 2 9.5%
Rotor 2 9.5%
Engine 2 9.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 3.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 7.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 11.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 23.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 19.2%
150,000+ miles 9 34.6%

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.

Jul 1996 peak 4 May 2021

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Buick Park Avenue

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

RQ03001 Opened 2 Jan 2003 Closed 15 Sep 2003 STEERING

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE

GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...

EA02030 Opened 22 Oct 2002 Closed 9 Mar 2004 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICL...

PE02050 Opened 13 Jun 2002 Closed 22 Oct 2002 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Recalls on the 1996 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

96V116000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

96V044000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE INCORRECT SAFETY BELT AND/OR SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ENDS. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF AN INCORRECT PART IS USED, THE BELT MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT SHOULD A VEHICLE CRASH OCCUR.

95V204000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.

Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE; THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE KEY WAS LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR THAT THE SAFETY BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1996099 14,365 units in Canada

Engine

THESE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING THAT CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. ALSO, IF A PERSON WAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPEN, AND THIS BACKFIRE CONDITION OCCURRED, IT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CORRECTION: THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) WILL BE REFLASHED WITH NEW PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE.

Recall 1996045 250 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 209 - Seatbelt Assemblies. Vehicles may have been assembled with one or more incorrect seat belt and/or seat belt buckle ends. If an incorrect part is used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and incorrect parts replaced.

Recall 1995195 615 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 114 - LOCKING SYSTEM AND 208 - SEAT BELT INSTALLATIONS. THE MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE MAY CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY BE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FUNCTIONS ARE ALSO AFFECTED. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Redstone, MT Fire 1 killed

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT.

NHTSA complaint #10230980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redstone, MT Fire 1 killed

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT.

NHTSA complaint #10230980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,027 miles Minoa, NY 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND FELT PAIN IN HER LEFT HAND. SHE REALIZED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SUGGESTED SHE CALL NHTSA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,037 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,027. UPDATED 12/12/07

NHTSA complaint #10209173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barrington, RI 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS BEING PASSED BY A TRUCK CAUSING SOME AIR TURBULENCE BUT NO IMPACT.

NHTSA complaint #10151076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,690 miles State College, PA 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A RED LIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. DEALER STATED WATER GOT INTO THE AIRBAG MODULE WHICH WAS NORMAL. DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES TO HIS RIGHT ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10117735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,690 miles State College, PA 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO A RED LIGHT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. DEALER STATED WATER GOT INTO THE AIRBAG MODULE WHICH WAS NORMAL. DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES ON HIS RIGHT ARM.

NHTSA complaint #10117740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Colts Neck, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sub-frame rust is severe where 2 at front of the engine mounting bushings all have rust, but the worst are the ones supporting the transmission -under the transmission, 2 have almost no metal frame and engine/transmission could drop down, as seen on some of the You tube videos. Inspected and find the engine appears to have dropped some... there is a gap where the steering wheel cover connects to the drive. This is a self inspection after replacing the stabilizing bar end link, had to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11418321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Hampton, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME DOESN'T WORK. THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME USUALLY DOESN'T WORK. THE MALL MODULE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE BY A LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP. THIS SAME ISSUE IS A RECALL ON SOME OF THIS MODEL AND MAKE OF CAR, BUT NOT CURRENTLY ON THIS VIN#. GM AND SUTTLE MOTORS OF NEWPORT NEWS, VA REFUSE TO PAY THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I FEEL LIKE THIS VIN# SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED 5 YEARS AGO, WITH THE PROBLEM OCCURRING THE 1ST DAY OF OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA complaint #10910574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 259,726 miles Brandon, CO

AIR BAGS

SLOWED TO TURN CORNER, PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. NO CONTACT WITH ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10715533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN OFF KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITH CAR RUNNING.

NHTSA complaint #10643149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140 miles Greer, SC

TIRES

LARGE BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL PULLING BEAD LOOSE FROM RIM, AFTER DRIVING ONLY ABOUT 140 MILES THESE TIRES ARE KELLY EXPLORER 205/70R15 DOT PJMO JD1R.

NHTSA complaint #10512661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Morrilton, AR

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH BRIDGESTONE INSGINIA TIRES, SIZE: P225 60 RX16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD WEAR PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE NOT ROTATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 200,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. .. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF UPDATED 12/12/11 THE CONSUMER WANTS TO CANCEL HIS COMPLAINT. 02/06/12

NHTSA complaint #10434978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Morrilton, AR

TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE WITH BRIDGESTONE INSGINIA TIRES, SIZE: P225 60 RX16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD WEAR PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE NOT ROTATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 200,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. .. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF UPDATED 12/12/11 THE CONSUMER WANTS TO CANCEL HIS COMPLAINT. 02/06/12

NHTSA complaint #10434978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Oswego, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT

THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10296637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Oswego, IL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10296637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Oswego, IL

STEERING

THREE OF THE FOUR REAR SUB-FRAME BOLTS RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING THE SUB-FRAME TO DROP ON ONE SIDE AFFECTING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SUSPENSION IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB-FRAME. IF THE FOURTH BOLT WAS RUSTED AS BAD AS THE OTHER THREE, THE WHOLE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD DROP ALONG WITH THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING LINKAGES DISMOUNTING CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR VIN #-- I AM AWAY FROM HOME AND DO NOT HAVE VIN AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10296637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redstone, MT Fire 1 killed

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT.

NHTSA complaint #10230980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redstone, MT Fire 1 killed

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DAVID NELSON DIED IN CAR FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE IN PLENTYWOOD, MT.

NHTSA complaint #10230980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,027 miles Minoa, NY 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND FELT PAIN IN HER LEFT HAND. SHE REALIZED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SUGGESTED SHE CALL NHTSA. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG RECALLS AVAILABLE AND THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,037 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,027. UPDATED 12/12/07

NHTSA complaint #10209173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Montgomery, MN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

1996 PARK AVENUE WITH MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUES**NAR**CC

NHTSA complaint #10184788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Montgomery, MN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1996 PARK AVENUE WITH MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUES**NAR**CC

NHTSA complaint #10184788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Grand Rapids, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

NIGHT & DAY DRIVING, INTERIOR LIGHTS, DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATE: THIS CAN HAPPEN AT 05 TO 70 MILES AN HOUR: AT NIGHT ON A EXPRESSWAY THIS IS INTERESTING! WHEN ON A TURN THE ABOVE WILL HAPPEN AN ON UNEVEN / RUFF DRIVE AREA. THE ONLY WAY IS TO TURN OFF [ INTERIOR LIGHTS ] ARE TO REMOVE THE FUSE, THIS DISABLES MIRRORS, SEATS, ECT. WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF [ SOME TIMES ] IT WILL RESET STD. OP.

NHTSA complaint #10174227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Corpus Christi, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE STARTER, TIMING BELT, AND ELECTRONIC COMPUTER RELAY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V116000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE STALLING ISSUE REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, A BACKFIRE OCCURRED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE DAMAGE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. UPDATED 05/30/06 4 FUEL PUMPS REPAIRED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND STILL THERE IS A SHORT IN THE AIR CONDITION AFTER FIXING THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, CHECKED BRAKES DUE TO NOISE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. FOUND REAR PADS WITH UNEVEN WEAR, AND REAR ROTORS FLAKING.

NHTSA complaint #10153346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Corpus Christi, TX

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE STARTER, TIMING BELT, AND ELECTRONIC COMPUTER RELAY WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. A NHTSA RECALL, # 96V116000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE STALLING ISSUE REMAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. UPON INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, A BACKFIRE OCCURRED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ATTRIBUTED THE DAMAGE TO THE RECALL REPAIR. UPDATED 05/30/06 4 FUEL PUMPS REPAIRED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND STILL THERE IS A SHORT IN THE AIR CONDITION AFTER FIXING THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, CHECKED BRAKES DUE TO NOISE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. FOUND REAR PADS WITH UNEVEN WEAR, AND REAR ROTORS FLAKING.

NHTSA complaint #10153346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barrington, RI 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS BEING PASSED BY A TRUCK CAUSING SOME AIR TURBULENCE BUT NO IMPACT.

NHTSA complaint #10151076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Montgomery, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER MALFUNCTIONED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, REGARDING THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES, ALARM SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC DETERMINED THE MALL MODULE NEEDED REPLACED. UPDATED 02/27/06.

NHTSA complaint #10148532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Montgomery, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER MALFUNCTIONED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, REGARDING THE ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES, ALARM SYSTEM INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC DETERMINED THE MALL MODULE NEEDED REPLACED. UPDATED 02/27/06.

NHTSA complaint #10148532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

York, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V204000 CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10146289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,000 miles Jupiter, FL

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

CONSUMER REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. *** NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS UPDATED 11/7/2005 - THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED SEPTEMBER 2002 AND HAD 22000 MILES OR LESS ON THEM WHEN THEIR TREADS SEPARATED (COOPER LIFELINER TOURING SLE RADIAL DESIGN 0042).

NHTSA complaint #10142156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,542 miles DES Moines, IA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

DT: THE PRESSURE FUEL LINE SPILT AND LEAKED GAS. IT WAS LOCATED RIGHT BEHIND THE ENGINE. CALLER SAID THEY SMELLED GAS. DEALER HAD TO ORDER A WHOLE NEW FUEL LINE AND IT TOOK THEM FOUR DAYS TO IT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK

NHTSA complaint #10131898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Brooklyn, NY

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

DT: 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE, THE IGNITION WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK THE CONSUMER HAD JUST STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WITHIN 3 MINUTES AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, ON JUNE 15, THEN ON JUNE 20 THE VEHICLE WAS JUST TURNED ON AND THE CONSUMER HAD JUST SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10126395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.