1997 Buick Riviera Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 14%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Buick Riviera, 14% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“This morning I tried to start the car to get my kids to school, I turn the key but the engine didn't start, immediately a big loud explosion (the car never started), then smoke came out from under the hood, I got out to open the hood and fire was coming out of the engine right next dashboard near the driver side.....the fire department had to come to get the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #10252095, filed 2008-12, 106,000 miles“I have a 1997 Buick Riviera that has a security light problem. I try to crank the car and sometimes it will crank other times it wont. I am a young male that normally travels back and forth to work but some morning's all I can do is pray. It never really bothered me before I have been told that I have the patience of a slug. But today I was pulled over because the brake light in my window was out long story short. I asked the officer if I could leave the car running because of the security problem while he checked my paper work insurance registration etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441133, filed 2011-12“On the night of august 11, 2009 my car caught on fire. My husband was driving home form the grocery store one night, as he was driving down the street when he smelled a burning smell coming from the car, he immediately pulled over to see were it was coming from. When he got out of the car he seen a cloud of smoke coming from the bottom of the vehicle, he lifted up the hood in saw flames coming from passengers side of the car under the hood, he went into the facilities to were he pulled over and got a fire extinguisher, but the fire was to big to but out, so he called 911 immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280631, filed 2009-08“1997 Buick rivera. Consumer was driving onto the turnpike upon stopping at the toll plaza he noticed smoke and smelled plastic burning. Consumer pulled over and the vehicle burst into flames. Ohio traffic crash report.”
NHTSA complaint #10193186, filed 2007-05“Vehicle is subject to having difficulty restarting once it has been shut off. The owner would have to wait several minutes or longer before the vehicle would restart. Was told by dealership that the problem is the computer and they can not replace it. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8019598, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10012688Dec 1, 2004Floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 6 | 14% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
| 1995 | 17 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
| 1992 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 11% |
| 1987 | 3 | 60% |
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Riviera
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Buick Riviera
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology