Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Buick Riviera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Buick Riviera. While driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The traction control warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 7/1/15
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Buick Riviera. The contact stated while driving, the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred seven times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to detect a failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,678. The consumer stated on several occasions, he experienced sudden loss of power while in traffic. On each occasion, there was a loss power brakes. In April 2013, there were four instances where the vehicle turned off and the brakes and power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A year later, the same issue occurred again. The dealer was unable to find a problem.
The info above is approx. Your recall of GM cars with re: to ignition problems May not be broad enough. I traded in my 95 Riviera in April of 2007 after plowing $1500 into and still no satisfactory repair on why it was stalling. The last stall was in a three way intersection in chicago. Each time it stalled I lost power steering. I don't recall if the dealer looked at ignition issues. I do recall that they were at one point focused on the carburetor. It was being serviced by a dealer in schaumberg, ill. Sorry I don't have better recall of details. Once I traded the car, I tossed the documentation. The last stall was scary and the reason I traded the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Buick Riviera. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power control module needed to be replaced and that the vehicle was not part of any recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 110,000. Updated 10/24/12 the consumer stated the vehicle often stalled when coasting down hill or to a stop. Updated 11/13/2012
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was overheating and the warning light indicating the coolant needed to be replaced was illuminated. The coolant was replaced, but the problem continued. An independent repair shop determined there was a leak into upper plenum and upper manifold. The gaskets were replaced and the manifold was cleaned. The problem returned a year later, the mechanic determined the same problem occurred. The same repairs were made as well as valves and adapters were replaced. The problem returned and the vehicle was taken to the same repair shop.
Plastic radior tank cracks. This seems to be an issue with GM vehicles in general. I have talked with several people that have experienced the same problem. Crack seems to start at mounting bolt for radior. I have always owned GM vehicles and currently own 3 however, at the cost of $400.00+ to replace my plastic radior, I May have to reconsider my future purchases.
I was told that the intake manifold failed as well as the lower intake(plenum). (3.8l v6) the work was performed by a Firestone retail store in myrtle beach, sc. Has anyone else had this problem and what were the repair costs? I sure am curious. As far as paint, I had the car painted for $1000.00.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Buick Riviera. At 50 MPH the vehicle shut off completely and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, but the stalling could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 04/12/07.
This is an intermittent issue and has been occurring at different times since purchase in 1999. While driving engine stalls and I lose power steering control. Experiencing long cranks before engine will start. However, engine eventually restarts but engine stalls again several times before car will run without incident for a brief period. Have had numerous repairs done on this car regarding this issue such as ignition module. Had repairs done in October 2013 where crank shaft position sensor, mass air flow sensor, cylinder and key were replaced. In April 2014 began experiencing same issue again.
While driving 25-50mpr, without warning, the engine shuts down, causing power steering loss, and the interior locks open and close rappidly. Only after coasting off the highway coming to a stop, putting the car in "park" turning off the ignition, and waiting a couple of minutes will the car restart. Dealer could not duplicate! Need a resolution, because the family refuses to enter the car.
Engine complaints in other Riviera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Buick Riviera?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Buick Riviera, 20% of the model year's 130 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Buick Riviera engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Buick Riviera, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Buick Riviera engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.