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ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.
Research · Large Cars
2001 Buick Park AvenueRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 64 owner complaints for the 2001 Buick Park Avenue. Most complaints involve electrical system (12) and visibility (11). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Dec 2002
Owner complaints
64
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Visibility: windshield wiper
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VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A WIPER SYSTEM MICROPROCESSOR THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO VOLTAGE TRANSIENTS, WHICH CAN CAUSE A "LATCH-UP" CONDITION IN THE SYSTEM CONTROLLER.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
64 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2000 – Feb 2026
- Electrical system12
- Visibility11
- Steering9
- Engine7
- Engine and engine cooling7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Power train6
- Fuel system, gasoline4
- Air bags3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
12 reports1 crash2 fires
“ANY TIME THE THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED THE GAS NEEDLE GOES ON THE WRONG SIDE AND WILL NOT COME BACK IN PLACE UNTIL THE DASH IS REMOVED AND THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED AT A DEALERSHIP AND THIS COST.”
Visibility
11 reports1 fire
“HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, AFTER ABOUT 4 YEARS THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ON THE VEHICLE BECOME FOGGED OVER SO BADLY THAT YOU CANNOT SEE THE ROAD VERY CLEARLY AT NIGHT. THIS IS DUE TO THE AUTO MAKERS USING PLASTIC FOR THE LENS COVER INSTEAD OF USING GLASS ON THE ASSEMBLIES, IF THEY USED GLASS THERE WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM, THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE WINDSHIELD. *TR”
Steering
9 reports
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH AND MAKING TURNS THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED IN MOTION AND SOUND. THERE WAS ALSO DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH DIRECTED THAT THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE AND A POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE TO BE REPLACE. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT THERE HAD BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSE BY WAY THE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURER WHICH ALLOWED FOR THE HOSES TO SOFTEN CREATING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WEAR AND TEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY REPAIR.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl · 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Park Avenue Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 4318
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2001 Park Avenue questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Buick Park Avenue have?
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2001 Buick Park Avenue problems?
Owners filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (12), visibility (11), steering (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2001 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Buick Park Avenue at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026