MYRModel Year Report

1986 Buick Riviera

○ Not enough data
1986 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:32.291Z

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
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1986 2 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1989: 9 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 12 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1995: 130 complaints 1995 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 43 complaints 1998: 29 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 0 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1986 2 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 12 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1995: 130 complaints 1995 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 43 complaints 1997 1998: 29 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1986 2 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1990: 16 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 12 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1995: 130 complaints 1995 1996: 44 complaints 1996 1997: 43 complaints 1997 1998: 29 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1986: 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.

Electrical system

2 of 2 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

Voltage converter for the dash and shifting indicators failed. Dash and shifting indicators are dependent on voltage converter.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-29

The electrical system in the vehicle is draining the battery and could cause a fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-27

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
  2. R
    1988-06-30Steering88V078000 Insufficient clearance between the power steering pump pressure hose assembly and the transmission governor/speed sensor connector could cause abrasion of the hose.

    Remedy: Replace the power steering pump pressure hose.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
  4. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  5. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V078000 · Steering
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Buick Riviera?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Riviera have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.