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2002 Buick Park Avenue problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Buick Park Avenue is engine and cooling, typically around 79,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Park Avenue model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
32
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
388
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2002 Buick Park Avenue problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    7
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    10
  • Electrical
    7
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lockReported December 9, 2002 · 43,980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will secure the emergency trunk release cable to ensure that the emergency trunk release handle operates properly. Owner notification began december 19, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 02V328000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue

Defect investigations

Engine compartment fireOpened June 12, 2007, closed May 1, 2008

By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by the federal safety agency 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) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it is possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles is low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation is closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.

EA07008

Engine compartment firesOpened October 22, 2002, closed March 9, 2004

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 vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.

EA02030

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue 388

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 388 bulletins for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue

2002 Buick Park Avenue fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylFWD16-1725-2719-21

What 2002 Buick Park Avenue owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 29, 2024 · Body, Driver assistance · MI

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · MS

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.

Filed Nov 7, 2017 · Engine · 150,000 miles · IL

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..

Filed Jun 14, 2017 · Electrical · 107,000 miles · IN · fire

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · 130,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Airbags · 33,127 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed May 22, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 49,000 miles · KY

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

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Engine · 200,000 miles · CT

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.

Filed Jun 11, 2013 · Engine · 45,000 miles · CA

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.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Buick Park Avenue

Is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue reliable?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2002 Buick Park Avenue, close to a typical Park Avenue model year.

What is the 2002 Buick Park Avenue year score?

The 2002 Buick Park Avenue scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Park Avenue: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue?

Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles. Next is electrical (7).

How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have?

1 recall, covering latches/locks/linkages.

What year does the Buick Park Avenue have bad engine?

The Buick Park Avenue model years with the most engine complaints are 1998 (98 complaints), 1997 (47 complaints) and 1999 (43 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16-17 city and 25-27 highway.

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