Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 6 | −80% | — | Engine | Good |
| 1998 | 29 | −35% | — | Steering | Average |
| 1997 | 43 | 1.2× | — | Steering | Average |
| 1996 | 44 | 1.2× | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 130 | 4.0× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Riviera year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Buick Riviera problems
Latest Buick Riviera recalls
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract. A retainer could separate from a rear seat shoulder belt retractor which results in the retractor return spring becoming disengaged.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both rear shoulder belt retractors for correct function and install a spring cover retaining strap to each retractor. If a retractor does not function correctly, it will be replaced.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp May not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Buick Riviera should you avoid?
1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Riviera years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Buick Riviera?
1999 has the fewest complaints compared with other Riviera years at the same age, followed by 1998. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Buick Riviera problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (48), steering (36) and brakes (34). Engine complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Buick Riviera had?
3 recalls across 1995–1999. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Buick Riviera recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.