1997 Buick Riviera Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 23%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 165,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Buick Riviera, 23% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 165,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Steering column/wheel started a little wiggle room, (wouldn't lock into place after adjusting position). Within about a month or so it was not drivable. It would not stay in a fixed position at all. In september 2006 we took it in to be repaired. They had to find and rebuild another steering column. It cost us almost $1000 dollars, plus the cost of a rental for about ten (10) days. The biggest reason I'm writing this now is because, it has broken again. (it is the same exact thing as before). I am wanting to know if this has happened to anybody else or is it an isolated thing ?. …”
NHTSA complaint #10278474, filed 2009-07, 165,000 miles“While driving and turning to the left, steering wheel will become very stiff and hard to turn. Dealer has been notified and has serviced vehicle before. This will be the 2nd time. Dealer has replaced the steering gear, this stopped the hard steering, however the noise was still there, just recently vehicle failed to steer left and dealer will not replace the steering gear due to vehicle not being purchased new.”
NHTSA complaint #8012340, filed 2002-06“Dt: consumer states that when security light is on the vehicle will not start. Consumer has to wait 2-3 minutes, sometimes longer, and the vehicle will start.”
NHTSA complaint #10125281, filed 2005-06“When turning the steering wheel to the left, the power steering went out and the steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10054192, filed 2004-01“While driving down the road steering was getting harder to turn/ to maneuver vehicle. Cause is unknown. Contacted dealer, they said it was the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #855168, filed 2000-01Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Riviera
6 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 28, 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