1996 Buick Park Avenue: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Buick Park Avenue: 3 recalls, 59 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #95V204000 · 1995 · 32,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V044000 · 1996 · 15,122 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V116000 · 1996 · 275,811 vehicles
What's wrong: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (10): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (2).
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (4).
- Engine & cooling (9): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), stalls / loses power (2), leaks (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (6): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2), noise or vibration (2).
The 1996 Buick Park Avenue has 59 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 Park Avenue model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 81). Complaints peaked in 2005 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 99,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (117 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (219 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Buick Park Avenue have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Buick Park Avenue. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Park Avenue problems?
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (10), electrical (9), engine & cooling (9).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Park Avenue get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Buick Park Avenue repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.