1985 Buick Riviera
Only 2 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 2 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
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 2 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE SUFFERED DISABLING FIRE DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE APPEARED TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, CARBURATOR WAS STILL WET WITH FUEL RESIDUE. ( OHIO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT) *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020314
WHILE DRIVING, FIRE DEVELOPED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY ENGINE RELATED. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20010828
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE SUFFERED DISABLING FIRE DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE APPEARED TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, CARBURATOR WAS STILL WET WITH FUEL RESIDUE. ( OHIO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT) *JG
NHTSA ODI report, 20020314
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR DISC BRAKES
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
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).
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Campaign 89V102000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V102000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 Buick Riviera reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Buick Riviera?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Buick Riviera have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.