1985 Buick Riviera

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1985 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:26:35.962Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Riviera Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaints 1989: 9 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 12 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1995: 130 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 43 complaints 1997 1998: 29 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1985: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19821
19831
19840
19852
19862
19875
19881
19899
199016
19918
199212
19935
1995130
199644
199743
199829
19996
20000

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 2 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

FIRE
Show 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

I 19880722 — EA (closed 19910830)

REAR DISC BRAKES

I 19890306 — C (closed 19900116)

THROTTLE NON-RETURN

R 19890720 — vehicle speed control

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

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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.