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2002 Buick Park Avenue Problems: 1 Known Issue

2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Buick Park Avenue has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Park Avenue 3800 V6 Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket Leak ($400-$1,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Park Avenue Engine1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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ALL YEARS20052004200320022001200019991998199719961995

On the 1995-2005 Buick Park Avenue, the 3800 Series II (and early III) V6 in Park Avenue, LeSabre, Riviera, Regal, Lucerne — and shared Pontiac Bonneville/Grand Prix, Olds 88/LSS, Chevy Monte Carlo/Impala — suffers infamous lower intake manifold gasket failure. Plastic intake material softens under coolant exposure (especially Dex-Cool); gasket erodes and leaks coolant into the lifter valley, mixing with oil. Catastrophic if undetected.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave

Common Symptoms

  • coolant loss with no external leak
  • milky oil
  • overheating
  • sweet smell from exhaust
  • rough idle

How to Fix

Replace LIM gasket with updated Fel-Pro MS98003T (improved metal-reinforced design) — $400-$800 at independent. Replace upper intake plenum at the same time if cracked. Drain Dex-Cool and refill with Zerex G-05 or compatible HOAT. Inspect oil for coolant contamination at every change; milky oil means immediate teardown.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,200

Research This Issue

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NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

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

Campaign #02V32800009/12/2002

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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.

Campaign #00V34600030/10/2000

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Other Buick Models

Buick Encore25Buick Cascada22Buick Regal13Buick Enclave13Buick Envision12Buick Encore GX12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Park Avenue problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Buick Park Avenue has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Park Avenue 3800 V6 Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket Leak. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Park Avenue reliable?

The 2002 Buick Park Avenue has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Park Avenue 3800 V6 Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Park Avenue problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Park Avenue issues range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Park Avenue 3800 V6 Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket Leak, typically costs $400-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1995-2005 Buick Park Avenue Park Avenue 3800 V6 Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket Leak?

The 3800 Series II (and early III) V6 in Park Avenue, LeSabre, Riviera, Regal, Lucerne — and shared Pontiac Bonneville/Grand Prix, Olds 88/LSS, Chevy Monte Carlo/Impala — suffers infamous lower intake manifold gasket failure. Plastic intake material softens under coolant exposure… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.