1998 Buick Riviera Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 24%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Buick Riviera, 24% of the 29 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.
“Steering wheel tilt is hard to unlock. Steering wheel has movement when locked in place. First time it happened, it broke and you could not keep wheel in the set position. This causes the steering wheel to move when applying the brakes or turning corners. It was found that the lock pin was broken inside column. This was repaired back in sep. 2003. Has started to do it for a second time.”
NHTSA complaint #10086893, filed 2004-08“Steering wheel has developed a very significant wobble which exists regardless of what tilt position it is in. The wobble is diagonal, from northeast to southwest in direction, and the apparent pivot point of the wobble is just behind instrument panel level. Had car at dealer for other work, and they commented on it too. Did not call it a safety issue though... Wanted $120 to fix it. I declined at the time, since they didn't think there was a safety concern. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205663, filed 2007-10“Rack and pinion failure as well as the steering locking up when making left hand turns. The consumer believed the problem was related to the recall of other GM models, but the vehicle was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10053895, filed 2004-01“When trying to blow horn it blows intermittently. Horn has been fixed twice, but problem still exists. Contacted dealer. Dealer found loose horn connections. Whining noise present when turning steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #895211, filed 2001-08Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Buick Riviera
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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