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Research · Large Cars

2002 Buick Park AvenueRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 44 owner complaints for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue. Most complaints involve electrical system (9) and engine (6). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2002
Owner complaints
44
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Latches

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MAY BE INSTALLED OR FORCED OUT OF THE PROPER POSITION.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Dec 9, 2002NHTSA 02V328000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

44 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2001 – May 2024
  1. Electrical system9
  2. Engine6
  3. Engine and engine cooling5
  4. Visibility5
  5. Air bags3
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  7. Structure2
  8. Steering2
  9. Fuel system, gasoline2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Park Avenue model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199659
1997219
1998246
1999140
200081
200164
200244
200336
200412
20058
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

9 reports3 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2024Electrical system, Structure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11591425

Engine

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2021Electrical system, EngineODI 11404896

Engine and engine cooling

5 reports1 fire
“DROVE 2.5 MILES FROM STORE,PARKED IN DRIVEWAY ,WENT IN HOUSE, 3MINS LATER HEARD EXPLOSION,CAR ENGINE IN FLAMES,BURNED FOR 20 MINS UNTIL FIRE DEPT EXTINGUISHED. *KB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2011Engine and engine coolingFire reportedODI 10437758
All 2002 Park Avenue problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Park Avenue
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172721$3,050423
Park Avenue
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive
162519$4,200468
  • Park Avenue
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    17 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Park Avenue
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg
    16 city · 25 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 4603
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2002 Park Avenue questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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 2002 Buick Park Avenue problems?

Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (9), engine (6), engine and engine cooling (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Buick Park Avenue get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Buick Park Avenue at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026