1989 Buick Riviera Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Buick Riviera, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1989 Buick Riviera. On november 7, 2007, the brakes failed after the vehicle was started. The contact stated that the check ABS light had been illuminating intermittently for a couple of weeks prior to the failure. When he checked the brake fluid, it was leveled; however, after driving the vehicle for a while, the fluid filled up as if there was a back up somewhere. As a result, the contact would have to remove some of the brake fluid. The dealer and general motors have not been notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208428, filed 2007-11, 147,000 miles“When applyng the brakes at 35 to 40 MPH, pedal goes to the floor and vehicle will not stop. Dealer cut rotors down beyond size required by state. The rotors need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #847954, filed 1999-09Related recalls
- 89V055000Apr 5, 1989One or both abs hydraulic unit mounting bolts may not be properly seated and could loosen.Covers: Buick Riviera 1989, Cadillac Seville 1989, Oldsmobile Toronado 1989 +1 more
- 89V056000Apr 5, 1989Left front brake pipe may contact the cruise control servo bracket.Covers: Buick Riviera 1989, Reatta 1989, Oldsmobile Toronado 1989
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1998 | 6 | 21% |
| 1997 | 5 | 12% |
| 1996 | 8 | 18% |
| 1995 | 14 | 11% |
| 1993 | 2 | 40% |
| 1992 | 2 | 17% |
| 1991 | 5 | 63% |
| 1990 | 4 | 25% |
| 1989 | 3 | 33% |
| 1987 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1989 Buick Riviera
3 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Buick Riviera
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology