2002 Buick Park Avenue

Introduction:

The 2002 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan powered by a standard 3.8L V6 engine with 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It features a 4-speed automatic transmission and is praised for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and strong performance for its class. However, it has some drawbacks like its outdated design, limited cargo space, and high fuel consumption.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Symptoms: Engine knocking, loss of power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure:
  • Symptoms: Erratic oil pressure readings, engine oil light
  • Solution: Replace oil pressure sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh or Delayed Shifting:
  • Symptoms: Difficult or delayed gear changes, slipping
  • Solution: Flush transmission fluid, replace solenoid pack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Leakage:
  • Symptoms: Fluid leaking from transmission, low fluid levels
  • Solution: Replace transmission seals or pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Struts/Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Symptoms: Poor ride quality, bouncy or unstable handling
  • Solution: Replace struts or shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear:
  • Symptoms: Clunking noises, vibration, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Symptoms: Dead battery after prolonged parking
  • Solution: Replace battery, check for parasitic drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical problems, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Symptoms: Headlights not working, intermittent operation
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Symptoms: Inability to open doors remotely or with the key
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Plastic Trim Fading:
  • Symptoms: Faded or discolored plastic trim
  • Solution: Replace plastic trim
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure:
  • Symptoms: Windows stuck or slow to move
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Malfunction:
  • Symptoms: Seat heaters not working or heating unevenly
  • Solution: Replace seat heater element or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

Overall, the 2002 Buick Park Avenue has some reliability issues, particularly with its engine and transmission. The most severe and expensive problems include timing chain failure and transmission failure. Other issues, such as electrical problems and exterior flaws, are less common and less costly to repair. Owners considering this vehicle should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their decision-making process.