1998 Buick Riviera Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%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 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Buick Riviera, 10% 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.
“Vehicle was not able to shift properly due to gears grinding in transmission. Engine was super charged, but not transmission. At transmission center, consumer was informed bearings were failing and caused the grinding.”
NHTSA complaint #8005787, filed 2002-03“Upon stopping vehicle has to press brakes down hard to hold vehicle in place. Vehicle jumps if brakes are not held down firmly. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8000828, filed 2001-12Related 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 1998 Buick Riviera
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
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 30, 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