Buick Riviera Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 307 consumer complaints across the 11 model years of the Buick Riviera (1987–1999) that have at least 5 complaints. 1995 has the most, with 130. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (51 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
Best and worst Riviera years →
All Riviera model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | 55,870 | 0 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 29 | 161,000 | 0 | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 43 | 94,386 | 0 | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 44 | 116,250 | 2 | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 130 | 75,100 | 1 | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 5 | 1,200 | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 12 | 172,000 | 2 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 8 | 200,000 | 1 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 16 | 100,000 | 4 | 0 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 9 | 147,000 | 2 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | — | 1 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes51 18%
- Engine cooling43 15%
- Electrical system40 14%
- Steering39 14%
- Transmission and drivetrain34 12%
- Seat belts34 12%
- Fuel system21 7.4%
- Air bags20 7.1%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1997: “Vehicle - 1997 Buick riveria 3.8 l supercharged engine -- oil leak from front valve cover gasket -- recall just released for 1997-2003 Buick regal and grand prix but left the riveria out of the recall list for the exact same engine --- I replaced the gasket myself (very expensive gasket) - 11/05 -- and feel that GM should at least reimburse me for the gasket ---.”
NHTSA complaint #10221447, filed 2008-03, 150,000 miles1998: “About two months ago, when fueling my vehicle, I noticed a puddle of gasoline in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, inline with the fuel filler door. I had noted the check engine light subsequently came on and code 0440 (or a variant of that, I cannot recall with 100% certainty. When I had some free time, I started investigating the emissions code and decided to check the fuel system from the rear of the vehicle working forward. While looking at the fuel filler neck, I noted a glint of fresh steel behind the tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10908573, filed 2016-09, 161,000 miles1995: “1. The steering column support bracket attaching bolts were under torqued during assembly. My vehicle has wiring problems and starting problems that come and go. Inadequate torque can cause these bolts to vibrate loosen or fall out resulting in loss of steering control support bracket attaching bolts to the correct specifications. There is a recall for 1995 buicks but not including my Buick.”
NHTSA complaint #10252114, filed 2008-12, 75,544 milesOther Buick models
3,720 complaintsBuick Regal
3,247 complaintsBuick Enclave
2,507 complaintsBuick Lacrosse
2,124 complaintsBuick Century
1,812 complaintsBuick Park Avenue
1,366 complaintsBuick Rendezvous
1,237 complaintsBuick Lucerne
943 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology