Buick Riviera Problems by Year
NHTSA has 252 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file for the Buick Riviera, across 6 model years (1995–2000). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (130). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Buick Riviera years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Riviera year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 Riviera: 130 complaints, 1 recall
- 1996 Riviera: 44 complaints, 2 recalls
- 1997 Riviera: 43 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Buick Riviera problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 38 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 36 | 5 | 2 |
| Electrical System | 32 | 5 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 32 | 5 | 2 |
| Power Train | 31 | 4 | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 31 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 11 | 3 | 5 |
| Engine | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Seats | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Suspension | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Buick Riviera model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Riviera | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 1999 Riviera | 6 | 0 | — | Steering | |
| 1998 Riviera | 29 | 0 | — | Steering | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1997 Riviera | 43 | 0 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 Riviera | 44 | 2 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1995 Riviera | 130 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Buick: all Buick models · Buick VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Riviera years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (130) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Riviera year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Buick Riviera?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 38 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Buick Riviera have?
3 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.