1997 Buick Riviera Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Buick Riviera, 7% of the 43 complaints for this model year.
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.
“After stopping at an uncontrolled intersection, my front bumper was into the traffic lane so I backed up about two feet in case a car was coming from my left that I might not see. I shifted back into drive almost immediately so I could proceed across the lanes and complete my left turn. The transmission was slow to engage completely into drive and lurched for a few seconds before it let me accelerate into my left turn. I was almost broadsided on my right as this transmission needed a long pause before engaging from reverse to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #714376, filed 1999-11“Vehicle started making noises under the hood. Also, when putting in reverse the rpms would move, but the vehicle would not. Dealer said vehicle needed new transmission..”
NHTSA complaint #858660, filed 2000-03Related service bulletins
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Riviera
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
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 29, 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