2002 Buick Park Avenue Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles, 20 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine (6) and engine cooling (4). 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 322 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 63 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 20 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
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.
- Electrical system7 22%
- Engine6 19%
- Engine cooling4 13%
- Air bags2 6.3%
- Brakes2 6.3%
- Fuel system2 6.3%
- Other or unknown2 6.3%
- Seats2 6.3%
- Tires2 6.3%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
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, filed 2024-05Engine: “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, filed 2017-11, 150,000 milesEngine cooling: “There were three systems that had problems, but one of the systems, the door locking system, seems to have cured itself. The other two problems, that of the A/C and the seat memory systems, began to show up as soon as we started driving the car after purchase. The first time that I registered those problems with the dealership, the car had been driven 2886 miles. We purchased the car on july 24, 2002. I spoke to the service manager at least once before taking the car into the dealership on sept. 11, 2002. Air conditioning: after car sits in hot sun for 2 hrs or more, A/C refuses to come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069598, filed 2004-01, 2,886 milesAir bags: “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, filed 2014-12, 33,127 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,595 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 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 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Park Avenue FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 02V328000Dec 9, 2002Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › LockCovers: Buick Park Avenue 2001–2003
On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.
Recall details for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA07008Engine compartment fireClosed · Jun 12, 2007
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. 322 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Engine, Fuel system. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Buick Park Avenue is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine with 6.
Has the 2002 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 2002 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Buick Park Avenue (Park Avenue, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,595 and 130,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.