Research · Large Cars
2004 Buick Park AvenueRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2004 Buick Park Avenue. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (3) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
12
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2005 – Aug 2023
- Exterior lighting3
- Electrical system3
- Wheels2
- Visibility/wiper1
- Air bags1
- Structure1
- Equipment adaptive/mobility1
- Engine1
- Visibility1
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 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
3 reports
“Head lights automatically shut off while driving at night: 1) The vehicle senses it is after dusk and automatically turns on headlights while starting the engine (Manual head light switch is in off position). 2) Driver therefore doesn't use manual switch to turn on head lights and proceeds to drive. 3) Approximately 10 minutes later, while driving in the dark, the vehicle automatically turns off the head lights resulting in a dangerous dark situation where driver can not see nor can the vehicle be seen by others. 4) The surprised driver must pull on the manual head light switch to regain head lights. 5) This may potentially happen any and every time the car is started after dusk, especially by a driver not familiar with the vehicle or issue.”
Electrical system
3 reports2 fires
“DRIVER SIDE HEATED REAR VIEW MIRROR LOST CLARITY AND THE VIEW IS MINIMAL WITH NO VISION WHEN IT IS DARK. THIS IS FORTH BUICK PARK AVE TO DO THIS . 1997. 2000 2003 2004 DEALER WANTS $545.00 FOR THE GLASS ALONE.”
Wheels
2 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PARK AVENUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN FLUID LEAKING FROM THE WHEELS INTERMITTENTLY. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A TIRE SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 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 31, 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 | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Park Avenue Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 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 2004 Buick Park Avenue as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 1041
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.
2004 Park Avenue questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Park Avenue have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.
What are the most common 2004 Buick Park Avenue problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (3), electrical system (3), wheels (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Buick Park Avenue get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Buick Park Avenue at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026