1987 Buick Riviera Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Buick Riviera (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Riviera. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and brakes (1). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system3 60%
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Brakes1 20%
- Steering1 20%
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Buick Riviera version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riviera FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V078000May 10, 1988Steering › Hydraulic power assist › PumpCovers: Buick Riviera 1986–1987, Oldsmobile Toronado 1986–1987
Insufficient clearance between the power steering pump pressure hose assembly and the transmission governor/speed sensor connector could cause abrasion of the hose.
Recall details for the 1987 Buick Riviera → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA88036Rear disc brakesClosed · Jul 22, 1988
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Buick Riviera.
Other model years of the Buick Riviera
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | 55,870 | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 29 | 161,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 43 | 94,386 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 44 | 116,250 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 130 | 75,100 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 5 | 1,200 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 12 | 172,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 8 | 200,000 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 16 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 9 | 147,000 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Riviera model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Buick Riviera have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1987 Buick Riviera as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Buick Riviera is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1987 Buick Riviera been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Buick Riviera get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Buick Riviera (Riviera, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.