US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Buick Riviera recalls and complaints by year

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Buick Riviera, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 39
Total Complaints 439
Years Covered 1966–1999

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Buick Riviera, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Brakes

7 campaigns · Years: 1970, 1976–1977, 1979, 1989–1990

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 4 more notices in this theme

Other

7 campaigns · Years: 1970–1971, 1973, 1975, 1984–1985

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 4 more notices in this theme

Steering and suspension

6 campaigns · Years: 1972, 1974, 1981, 1986–1987, 1992

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 3 more notices in this theme

Fuel and emissions

3 campaigns · Years: 1966, 1982, 1996

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system
  • 82V012000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system
  • 76V160000 · Fuel system, gasoline: Carburetor system

Seats and restraints

3 campaigns · Years: 1990–1993, 1995

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):

Visibility and lighting

3 campaigns · Years: 1977, 1979, 1983

These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).

Official notices (evidence):

Electrical

1 campaign · Years: 1996

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Engine and cooling

1 campaign · Years: 1978

These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Buick Riviera in NHTSA complaint data are Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
1999 0 12 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Tires, Engine and engine cooling.
1998 0 43 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission.
1997 0 48 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Steering:rack and pinion, Steering.
1996 2 69 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
1995 1 177 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:retractor, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Power train:automatic transmission.
1993 1 9 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery, Interior lighting.
1992 2 17 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Vehicle speed control, Exterior lighting.
1991 1 16 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Vehicle speed control.
1990 4 16 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Electrical system.
1989 2 10 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash.
1988 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Structure:frame and members.
1987 1 8 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system, Electrical system:ignition.
1986 1 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator.
1985 1 7 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Fuel system, gasoline.
1984 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1983 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission.
1982 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front.
1981 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1979 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1978 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1977 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1976 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1975 3 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1974 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1973 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt.
1972 3 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1971 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1970 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1969 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline.
1966 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Seat belts , Service brakes and Steering

Show recall evidence by year

1996

  • Electrical system: Control module: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V204000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 mee
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V116000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

1995

  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (00V057000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

1993

  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front outer shoulder belt web sew stop can become stuck in the retractor. The belt can be difficult to pull out of the retractor and some occupants may not be able to fasten the belt.

1992

  • Steering: Rack and pinion: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V157000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The intermediate shaft to steering rack lower coupling pinch bolt may be missing.
  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front outer shoulder belt web sew stop can become stuck in the retractor. The belt can be difficult to pull out of the retractor and some occupants may not be able to fasten the belt.

1991

  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front outer shoulder belt web sew stop can become stuck in the retractor. The belt can be difficult to pull out of the retractor and some occupants may not be able to fasten the belt.

1990

  • Seat belts: Retractor: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V028000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Misaligned rear seat safety belt shoulder retractor assemblies could cause pendulum interference, causing the belt to remain in locked position or to travel freely without locking.
  • Power train: Floor shift: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V164000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Transaxle shift control cable may disengage from the from the floor shift control with loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Lamp: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V158000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Brake indicator light may not light when ignition is in the "on" position, the parking brake is applied, and the shift selector is in the park or neutral gear range.
  • Seat belts: Webbing: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front outer shoulder belt web sew stop can become stuck in the retractor. The belt can be difficult to pull out of the retractor and some occupants may not be able to fasten the belt.

1989

  • Service brakes, air: Antilock: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: One or both abs hydraulic unit mounting bolts may not be properly seated and could loosen.
  • Service brakes, air: Antilock: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V056000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Left front brake pipe may contact the cruise control servo bracket.

1987

  • Steering: Pump: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V078000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Insufficient clearance between the power steering pump pressure hose assembly and the transmission governor/speed sensor connector could cause abrasion of the hose.

1986

  • Steering: Pump: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V078000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Insufficient clearance between the power steering pump pressure hose assembly and the transmission governor/speed sensor connector could cause abrasion of the hose.

1985

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V102000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

1984

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V102000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

1983

  • Visibility: Motor: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V110000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: During windshield wiper operation, the noise suppresion capacitor in the wiper motor relay may overheat.

1982

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V012000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

1981

  • Suspension: Upper arm: Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V073000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The front left upper control arm nuts may not have been securely tightened. The nuts may loosen and come off and with continued driving the control arm front bolt may work its way out of position or become displaced.

1979

  • Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (79V002000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The involved vehicles may have been assembled with clear lamp bulbs instead of the correct amber colored bulbs. As a result, these vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment", which requires that the front side mar
  • Parking brake: Conventional: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (79V069000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 105, "Hydraulic brake systems". An incorrect parking brake adjusting spring was installed on certain vehicles. This may cause interference when attempting to apply the parking brakes.

1978

  • Engine and engine cooling: Fan: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (78V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments woul

1977

1976

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Differential proportional valve: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.

1975

1974

1973

1972

  • Steering: Gear box (other than rack and pinion): Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Steering: Linkages: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Structure: Underbody shields: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (73V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown int

1971

  • Wheels: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Structure: Underbody shields: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (73V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown int

1970

1966

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov