1986 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: 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, 19970929
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE IS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961227
SAFETY TIMELINE
STALLING
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.
Campaign 88V078000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR DISC BRAKES
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
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
1986 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V078000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.