FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Buick Park Avenue problems

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2002 Buick Park Avenue with NHTSA between 2001 and 2024. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 13 worst.

C

FaultScore 54/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

41

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

47,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

46%

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 17 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 79 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Buick Park Avenue. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 79
46% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 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 2002 Buick Park Avenue

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

Engine & Cooling 10 24.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 64,000 mi

Electrical System 7 17.1%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 119,500 mi

Brakes 4 9.8%

Median failure at 9,297 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 4.9%

Median failure at 2,886 miles

Seats 2 4.9%

Median failure at 11,776 miles

Tires 2 4.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 4.9%

Median failure at 2,886 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 4.9%

Median failure at 79,000 miles

Airbags 2 4.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 81,563 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 2.4%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 2.4%
Seat Belts 1 2.4%
Lights 1 2.4%

Median failure at 10,780 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 7,117 mi

Body & Structure 1 2.4%
Steering 1 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 130,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 2.4%

Median failure at 49,000 miles

When it fails

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

1,000 – 9,999 miles 6 23.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 4 15.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 5 19.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 11.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 19.2%
150,000+ miles 3 11.5%

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.

Dec 2001 peak 3 May 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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.

EA07008 Opened 12 Jun 2007 Closed 1 May 2008 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 12, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-118) TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 207,542 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL GS AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L67 SUPERCHARGED VERSION OF GM'S 3800 SERIES II V6 ENGINE.THE RECALLED REGAL GS VEHICLES WERE BUILT FROM AUGUST 1996 TO JUNE 2003 AND THE GRAND PRIX GTP FROM MARCH 1996 THROUGH JANUARY 2003.ACCORDING TO GM, OIL MAY ESCAPE PAST THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK (CYLINDERS 1-3-5) AN...

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...

Recalls on the 2002 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

02V328000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

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

Risk: 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

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

Recall 2002235 533 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be forced out of the proper position. A person trapped in the trunk may not be able to release the trunk latch using the emergency trunk release handle. Correction: Dealers are to secure the emergency trunk release cable.

Recall 2001272 11,337 units in Canada

Other

Certain vehicles have an improperly programmed vehicle theft deterrent system. Correction: dealers will reprogram the system.

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.

at 107,000 miles Dyer, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIME TWICE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (RICHIE'S AUTO REPAIR IN CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE AND A COIL WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY CHRISTI ANSON CHEVROLET (9700 INDIANAPOLIS BOULEVARD HIGHLAND, INDIANA) FOR THE SAME FAILURE BACK ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 AND DECEMBER 15, 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #10995122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Dayton, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10764694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Dayton, TX Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10764694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,127 miles Butler, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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 MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,127.

NHTSA complaint #10661979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Union, NH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 MECHANIC WHERE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10503497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,000 miles Norwood, MA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS DRIVING WITH THE DEFROSTER ON FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES WHEN THE WINDOW STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.

NHTSA complaint #10501839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

Sault st Marie mi, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11591425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sault st Marie mi, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11591425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sault st Marie mi, MI

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Rust got to the back end of this car it is completely detached this car is not safe in any shale or form. The backend could fall apart at any moment and completely make the tires and everything else fall right off. It has only been inspected by me and I am 100%sure it is rusted through and through. Just don't wanna see someone get hurt. The car vibrates on the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11591425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carrirere, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11404896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carrirere, MS

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11404896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles University Park, IL

ENGINE

MY CAR STARTED SMOKING BY THE MANIFOLD GASKETS UPON ME STARTING IT..I LEFT IT PARKED IN DRIVEWAY APPOX 2 -3 WEEKS , WHILE I DROVE MY 2ND VEHICLE...THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAD THIS PROBLEM WHENEVER MY VEHICLE SITS 2- 4 WEEKS ...THIS DO NOT MAKE SENSE TO MY CUS IT HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE I PARKED IT..ITS OBVIOUS I CAN'T DRIVE 2 VEHICLES AT THE SAME TIME HOWEVER EVERYTIME IT ITS FOR 2-4 WEEKS I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD GASKET EITHER..THIIS HAVE HAPPEN TO ME AND A FEW OF MY NEIGHBORS AS WELL..

NHTSA complaint #11044137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Dyer, IN Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CHIME TWICE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (RICHIE'S AUTO REPAIR IN CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE AND A COIL WERE DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY CHRISTI ANSON CHEVROLET (9700 INDIANAPOLIS BOULEVARD HIGHLAND, INDIANA) FOR THE SAME FAILURE BACK ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 AND DECEMBER 15, 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #10995122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Dayton, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10764694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Dayton, TX Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10764694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Rockville, MD

ENGINE

I HAVE BEEN SMELLING OIL BURNING SMELL WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR FOR A WHILE. TODAY I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME IT'S "UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD/COOLANT LEAK. HE FOUND RECALLS ON PREVIOUS YEARS. HE ADVISED ME TO TALK TO GM. GM DIDN'T FIND ANY RECALL ON MY VIN AND TOLD ME I CAN'T BE COVERED. HOWEVER I FOUND MANY COMPLAINS BY OWNERS OF OTHER MODELS AND YEARS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT 2002 MODELS WERE NOT REPORTED TO BE COVERED BY A RECALL. GM CONNECTED ME TO A BUICK DEALER IN MY AREA. THE PERSON WHO I SPOKE WITH WAS VERY RUDE AND UNCOOPERATIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10679507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,127 miles Butler, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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 MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,127.

NHTSA complaint #10661979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Windchester, KY

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. DR

NHTSA complaint #10593446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Windchester, KY

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000. DR

NHTSA complaint #10593446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Bridgeport, CT

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY REGAINED POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #10584313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Littleton, CA

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER FOUND A LEAK IN THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET. THE UPPER INTAKE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFORMED AND CAUSED A COOLING FLUID LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA complaint #10516264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Smethport, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.

NHTSA complaint #10505838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Union, NH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 MECHANIC WHERE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10503497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,000 miles Norwood, MA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS DRIVING WITH THE DEFROSTER ON FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES WHEN THE WINDOW STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.

NHTSA complaint #10501839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Pinson, AL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10437758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocean City, NJ

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LOCKING MECHANISM IS DEFECTIVE WITHIN HIS VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT THE GEARS THAT HOLD THE LOCK IN PLACE ARE NO LONGER OPERATING. THE LOCKS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT DUE TO THE PLASTIC PIECE OF THE MECHANISM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 39,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOCKS WERE REPAIRED PROPERLY HOWEVER, THE LOCKS CONTINUE TO BREAK. UPDATED 08/07/07

NHTSA complaint #10196500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,884 miles Park Ridge, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR AT AN IDLE, KNOCKING NOISES CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP.

NHTSA complaint #10152377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Downers Grove, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

A LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ON 2002 BUICK PARK AVE COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE OR EXPLOSION WHICH MAY RESULT IN A FATAL ACCIDENT OR INJURY. FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE VACUUM PORT OF THE PRESSURE REGULATOR. GM NO LONGER USES THE PART NUMBER 17113660 WHICH WAS LEAKING ON MY VEHICLE. THEY HAVE REPLACED IT WITH PART NUMBER 12583236. I PLAN TO REPLACE THE LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH A NEW ONE AND WILL KEEP THE OLD ONE FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA complaint #10130495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, IN

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TREAD SEPARATION ON GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES. ON 5-17-05 DURING SCHEDULED TIRE ROTATION , DISCOVERED 2 OF 4 EAGLE LS 225-65R-16 TIRES HAD TREAD SEPARATION @ 51,660 MILES.MADISON GOODYEAR DEALER, IN LIEU OF REQUESTED ADJUSTMENT OFFERED SALE TIRES @ $119.00 EACH. INSTEAD I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FROM A COMPETITOR.

NHTSA complaint #10121880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,595 miles Juno Beach, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

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 WITH HER BRAKES. THE SERVICE MANAGER,TOLD HER THAT THE BRAKES WERE GONE AGAIN. THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. *NM..ON APRIL 20, 2004 CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND TO CHECK FOR PULSATION. SHORTLY AFTER CHECKING VEHICLE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT BRAKES ROTORS/PADS MALFUNCTIONED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL, AND CONSUMER ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEM SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10119904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,595 miles Juno Beach, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

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 WITH HER BRAKES. THE SERVICE MANAGER,TOLD HER THAT THE BRAKES WERE GONE AGAIN. THEY TOLD HER THAT IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED. *NM..ON APRIL 20, 2004 CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND TO CHECK FOR PULSATION. SHORTLY AFTER CHECKING VEHICLE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT BRAKES ROTORS/PADS MALFUNCTIONED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL, AND CONSUMER ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEM SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10119904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.