Does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue, the most recent reported on December 9, 2002 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue?

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (7 complaints), followed by engine (6).

How many 2002 Buick Park Avenue complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 32 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Buick Park Avenue recalls and problems

1 recall and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Buick Park Avenue recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock

NHTSA campaign 02V328000 · reported December 9, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 43,980 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the emergency trunk release handle may be installed or forced out of the proper position.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system7
Engine6
Engine and engine cooling4
Air bags2
Seats2
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Tires2
Unknown or other2
Visibility2
Exterior lighting1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 29, 2024 · Structure
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…

Mar 25, 2021 · Engine
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.

Nov 7, 2017 · Engine · 150,000 miles
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…

Jun 14, 2017 · Electrical system · 107,000 miles · fire reported
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…

Sep 17, 2015 · Air bags · 130,000 miles · crash reported
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…

Park Avenue model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	3	81	3	7
2001	2	57	3	6
2002	1	32	3	4
2003	1	33	1	0
2004	0	12	0	2
2005	0	8	0	0

Across all years, the 2000 Park Avenue has the most complaints (81). All Buick Park Avenue years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue, the most recent reported on December 9, 2002 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, lock). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Buick Park Avenue?: Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (7 complaints), followed by engine (6).
How many 2002 Buick Park Avenue complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 32 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 29, 2024.