Most common 1999 Buick Riviera problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Riviera complaints by model year
Best Riviera years: 1999, 1998. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1999 Buick Riviera:
Engine compartment fire
By letter dated March 12, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by NHTSA recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 Buick regal gs and Pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of GM's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from August 1996…
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
1999 Buick Riviera engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Buick Riviera a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Riviera rates better than average: 80% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Riviera at the same age. It is one of the best Riviera years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Buick Riviera?
The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Buick Riviera have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Buick Riviera. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Riviera?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999 and 1998. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Buick Riviera years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Buick Riviera problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.