1993 Buick Park Avenue Problems
- Complaints
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 156,510miles, 5 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Buick Park Avenue (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the anti-lock brake system: warning lamps that stay on, valve assembly replacement, and in some cases fluid loss with a pedal that sinks. Transmission complaints are the other recurring theme, including slipping on grades and transmission fluid escaping near hot exhaust. Scattered reports of smoke or fire from the steering column, door wiring, and the cigarette lighter also appear in the sample.
- Brakes
ABS warning light stays on, valve assembly replaced
- 14 complaints (22%)
- typically at 5.2 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2000
Owners describe the ABS and brake warning lamps coming on and staying on, sometimes with a chime that will not stop. Several say a dealer or mechanic diagnosed the ABS valve assembly and replaced it, in some cases more than once. A few note the lamp clears briefly during a hard turn and then comes back. Reports were filed from the mid-1990s through the 2000s, and most of them do not record mileage.
What to check: On a test drive, confirm the ABS lamp lights at start and then goes out, and ask whether the ABS valve assembly has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been the owner of this vehicle for three years . I purchased this vehicle from a dealership in richmond at that time it had 34k miles. I am not a person that drive fast or ride my brakes, so I find it very disturbing that something as major as the ABS braking system should have to be replaced this soon. The problem I incurred was that the ABS light would not go out even after following the instructions in the manuel. I then took it to be checked out as the book stated. …”
NHTSA complaint #724975, filed 2000-07“The ABS brake warning light comes on and the bell rings nonstop. Occasionally if you make a hard turn the light goes off for a few minutes. Took to mechanic. Did front brake job . 2 days later the light came back on. The automatic door locks do not work in the front doors. The passagner side does not lock or unlock. The drivers side locks but will not unlock. But the car will lock the doors when you put it in gear or turn off the engine - locking you in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #716712, filed 2000-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, shuddering, cooler line leaks
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 173,000 mi at 15.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2008
Owners report the transmission slipping out of gear on hills, shuddering or jumping at speed, and in some cases smoke and fire from transmission fluid escaping under the hood. Several reference the transmission oil cooler line campaign and say a dealer declined to perform the recall work. Others describe a transmission replacement after which the same symptoms came back. None of these reports list mileage; several involve highway grades with cruise control set or heavy load at speed.
What to check: Ask whether campaign 96V015000 for the transmission oil cooler line was completed, and check the lines and radiator area for fluid residue or a burnt smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #716316, filed 1999-12“While driving at any speed transmission is jumping. While driving up a hill transmission slips out of gear, making it hard for vehicle to pull. Consumer had the transmission replaced before, and the problem has returned.”
NHTSA complaint #834070, filed 1999-03 - Brakes
Sinking pedal, brake fluid loss, master cylinder
- 8 complaints (13%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe the pedal going to the floor and the car being hard to stop, in one case while going downhill. Owners report losing brake fluid, and several say the master cylinder was replaced or found leaking. Some describe the same problem returning after repairs and pads or rotors being replaced without curing it. Most of these reports give no mileage; they were filed from the mid-1990s onward on cars of varying age.
What to check: Check the brake fluid level and look for wetness around the master cylinder and along the lines; ask for records of master cylinder or hydraulic repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abs brake light illuminated on the dashboard panel. When this happened brake pedal suddenly got hard , causing extended stopping distance. Pedal was hit too hard and brakes locked up. Dealer has been contacted. In 8/14/96 alternator failed twice. 10/3/96 driver side and right passenger side door lockes failed. 6/16/97 serpentine belt failed. 7/20/98 antenna motor failed. 1/31/00 brake master cylinder failed. 5/4/00 ABS wheel cylinder, brake shoes failed. Battery failed three times.”
NHTSA complaint #861956, filed 2000-05“While driving consumers brakes do not stop car , hard to stop at lights. This the third time they have taken to dealer. Car still will not stop. Tt it was complete brake failure with pedal going to the floor.”
NHTSA complaint #974911, filed 1995-11 - Electrical system
Smoke and fire from steering column or interior wiring
- 7 complaints (11%)
- median 76,000 mi at 13.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2006
Owners describe smoke coming from the steering column just below the wheel, and one reports the smell of burning insulation seconds after the engine started. Others describe a door catching fire while the car was parked and a cigarette lighter overheating and burning the interior. One report gives about 76,000 miles with smoke appearing shortly after start; the others occurred while driving or with the car parked.
What to check: Look for scorched or melted connectors and a burning smell under the dash and inside the doors, and ask whether the column or door wiring has been repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, filed 2003-07“Vehicle was parked, while owner walked towards vehicle pushed remote lock release, opened driver's side door, door was on fire, toxic fumes coming from door, owner put out flames w/extinguisher.”
NHTSA complaint #802168, filed 1996-09
Buying note. The sample is dominated by brake and transmission complaints on a car that is now decades old, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with this ABS system and with the transmission cooler lines is worth the cost. Ask for records of brake, ABS, and recall work before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 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 64 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Park Avenue. 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 156,510 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 10 a fire, 3 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.
- Brakes21 33%
- Engine cooling12 19%
- Electrical system11 17%
- Body and structure8 13%
- Equipment6 9.4%
- Fuel system5 7.8%
- Steering5 7.8%
- Air bags3 4.7%
- Other or unknown3 4.7%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Abs has failed twice since I have owned the car. The first was the original system, and the second failed approx. Six months ago. The original failure was repaired by a Buick dealer/terry Buick/jacksonville,fla.”
NHTSA complaint #725645, filed 2000-07Engine cooling: “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, filed 2008-09, 130,000 milesElectrical system: “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, filed 2006-04, 76,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #561928, filed 2001-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 130,000 and 173,000 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 1993 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 | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Park Avenue FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 25 | 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 1993 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 1993 Buick Park Avenue?
Owners of this model year most often write about the anti-lock brake system: warning lamps that stay on, valve assembly replacement, and in some cases fluid loss with a pedal that sinks. The issues reported most often: ABS warning light stays on, valve assembly replaced; Transmission slipping, shuddering, cooler line leaks; Sinking pedal, brake fluid loss, master cylinder.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Buick Park Avenue have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 1993 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Buick Park Avenue is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 21 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 12.
Has the 1993 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 1993 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Buick Park Avenue (Park Avenue, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Buick Park Avenue reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 156,510 miles and the middle half falls between 130,000 and 173,000 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.