1992 Buick Park Avenue Problems
- Complaints
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 123,048miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Buick Park Avenue (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report abnormal ABS behavior (warning light, pedal dropping to the floor, longer stopping distances) and intermittent engine stalling or loss of power while driving that sometimes restarts after a pause. Airbag non-deployment in collisions and older-age electrical and visibility faults also appear in the sample. Reports span a wide mileage range and are not concentrated in unusual conditions.
- Brakes
ABS light and long stopping distance
- 17 complaints (22%)
- typically at 5.2 yrs old
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–1999
Complaints describe the ABS warning light coming on and staying on, and the brake pedal dropping toward the floor when braking hard, sometimes with longer stopping distances than expected. Some owners say a valve block or wheel sensor was identified as the cause and the light returned afterward. A few describe brake rubbing with hot wheels or warped rotors. Reported across a broad mileage and age range, in ordinary braking and in emergency stops.
What to check: Confirm the ABS warning lamp is off after start-up and ask whether the ABS valve block or wheel sensors have been replaced. Have a mechanic check pedal feel and rotor condition on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Continues to have brake failure, brakes started rubbing because the rims were very hot to touch and then started to grab, ABS light would come on, replaced the front brake pads and there are still problems. Please give more information.”
NHTSA complaint #806753, filed 1996-12“Consumer attempted to stop due to a stopped motorist ahead, however brakes failed, consumer swerved to miss vehicle and crashed into a backhoe, there were no injuries in accident, dealer found no problems.”
NHTSA complaint #975509, filed 1995-11 - Engine cooling
Engine stalling or sudden loss of power
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 123,048 mi at 13.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2015
Owners describe the engine cutting out or losing power while driving, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes in stop-and-go traffic, then restarting after the car sits for a period. Several complaints say the dealer could not duplicate or find the cause, and some owners resorted to replacing multiple parts. One report notes the service engine light coming on before a no-start. Appears from around 100,000 to 145,000 miles in the sample, both in warm stop-and-go traffic and at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether stalling has occurred and whether any ignition, fuel or electrical components were replaced. Note that a service bulletin mentions an engine control module remanufacture program for cooling-related electronics, so ask if that work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car stalled as I was going down freeway 65 MPH. Stalled, no warning at all. No brakes (power)no steering (power. Lucky I was in right hand lane to horse car off to side and call tow truck. Second time going down steep grade, stalled same exact thing no power coasted down to bottom of hill trying to avoid accident. Let car sit for 15 minutes, start right back up and run for a couple of weeks.now I drive in right lane, 45 MPH, phone and aaa card by my side. Scary”
NHTSA complaint #10025363, filed 2003-07, 102,000 miles“While driving in stop and go areas the car will shut off completely. No steering, brakes, or power whatsoever. Will place in park and turn key, car will start right up. So far I have not found anyone who can find the cause of this issue and just recommend replacing numerous parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10782243, filed 2015-10 - Air bags
Airbag did not deploy in a collision
- 8 complaints (10%)
- typically at 4.4 yrs old
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Complaints describe frontal or side impacts where the driver's airbag did not inflate, in several cases alongside a crash report. Owners state the cause was unknown and that the vehicle was sometimes declared a total loss. Reported across various impact speeds and weather conditions; no consistent mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light works and whether the airbag system has ever been serviced; a pre-purchase inspection can confirm the airbag indicator self-test at start-up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer was traveling 4 0 MPH on a bridge in bad weather while changing lanes vehicle skidded horizontally. A oil truck hit consumer's vehicle on driver's front, and airbags didn't deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #879606, filed 2001-02“At speed of 35 MPH applied ABS brakes and had extended stopping distance, pedal went to the floor, impact 12:00 position, driver's side airbag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #807560, filed 1997-02 - Electrical system
Headlights and dimming mirrors
- 5 complaints (6%)
- typically at 6.7 yrs old
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe automatic headlights turning off while driving although they stay on in manual mode, and outside rearview mirrors that darkened or lost their tint, making it harder to judge following traffic. One owner reported a wiring harness replaced over short-circuit concerns. Reported on older, higher-mileage vehicles, often noted during night driving.
What to check: Check both headlight modes at night and inspect the outside mirrors for dark or patchy glass. Ask about any wiring repairs or harness replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dealer reported that entire wiring harness required replacement because of potential fire hazard from shorts occurring in original wire harness. Appeasr to be caused by lack of reliable short protection (I,e, circuit breakers, fuses, etc,) this is a substantial hazard and cost to be borne by the owner of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #742110, filed 2001-03“Heated outside rearview mirror has darkened, impairing visibility. Cause unknown. Alsothe mirror has been replaced, but darkness reoccurred. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #824153, filed 1998-06
Buying note. Given the age of this model year, ask for service records on the ABS system, fuel pump and airbag system, and budget for a thorough inspection of brakes and electrical accessories before purchase. A test drive that includes hard braking and both headlight modes will surface several of the reported symptoms.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 33 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1992 Buick Park Avenue. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 123,048 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes23 30%
- Engine cooling11 14%
- Air bags8 10%
- Electrical system7 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control5 6.5%
- Equipment4 5.2%
- Fuel system4 5.2%
- Seat belts3 3.9%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Other or unknown (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I bought my 1992 Buick Park Avenue on 09/29/1991 (from don snell Buick, dallas). Each year I only used the emergency parking brake one time when I got texas car inspection. I think I never used that brake for more than 10 times totally after I bought that car. This year(1999), before I did the car inspection, I found when I applied the emergency parking brake, the emergency parking brake couldn not hold down. So I went to the city garage car repair shop, and they told me that problem been recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #702867, filed 1999-02Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 1992 Buick Park Avenue. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off on four different occasions. On each occasion, the contact waited ten minutes for the vehicle to restart. On may 7, 2007, the contact attempted to start the vehicle and was unsuccessful. Prior to this failure, the service engine light illuminated. The current and failure mileages were 144,096. The dealer states compressor locked up, flush condenser and dealer also installed alternator. Update 05/22/07”
NHTSA complaint #10189971, filed 2007-05, 144,096 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 102,000 and 144,096 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Buick Park Avenue version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Park Avenue FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V015000Jan 23, 1996Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesCovers: Buick Park Avenue 1992–1993, Oldsmobile Silhouette 1992–1995, Chevrolet Lumina APV 1992–1995 +5 more
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.
Recall details for the 1992 Buick Park Avenue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Other model years of the Buick Park Avenue
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 46,242 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 12 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 33 | 52,500 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 32 | 64,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 57 | 65,434 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 81 | 56,480 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 140 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 246 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 219 | 91,525 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 99,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 117 | 108,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 48 | 97,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 64 | 156,510 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 77 | 123,048 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 92 | 96,688 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 12 | 200,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 21 | 127,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 13 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 6 | 55,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | 118,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Park Avenue model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Buick Park Avenue?
Owners of this model year most often report abnormal ABS behavior (warning light, pedal dropping to the floor, longer stopping distances) and intermittent engine stalling or loss of power while driving that sometimes restarts after a pause. The issues reported most often: ABS light and long stopping distance; Engine stalling or sudden loss of power; Airbag did not deploy in a collision.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Buick Park Avenue have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 1992 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Buick Park Avenue is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 23 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 11.
Has the 1992 Buick Park Avenue been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Buick Park Avenue (Park Avenue, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Buick Park Avenue reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 123,048 miles and the middle half falls between 102,000 and 144,096 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.