1981 Buick Riviera
Only 0 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 0 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1995 | 130 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 43 |
| 1998 | 29 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
No complaint components on file for this model year.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 B
Campaign 81V073000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
- Verify recall 81V073000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Buick Riviera reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
How many recalls does the 1981 Buick Riviera have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.