1996 Buick Park Avenue

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #96V116000July 1, 1996275,811 vehicles affected

  fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

  A backfire during engine starting Can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

  This condition Can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

• NHTSA recall #96V044000March 5, 199615,122 vehicles affected

  seat belts: front: buckle assembly

  These vehicles were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or safety belt buckle ends. This does not conform with the requirements of FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

  Consequence of non-compliance: if an incorrect part is used, the belt may not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.

• NHTSA recall #95V204000October 23, 199532,869 vehicles affected

  electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module

  These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that Can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection" and FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in addition, other chime reminder functions, interior lighting controls, and power door locking features are also affected.

  Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

Other model years

• 1991 92
• 1992 77
• 1993 64
• 1994 48
• 1995 117
• 1996
• 1997 219
• 1998 246
• 1999 140
• 2000 81
• 2001 57
• 2002 32
• 2003 33