1987 Buick Riviera
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 5 complaints
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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake fluid is leaking the computer is saying something with the electrical system . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-02
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Steering
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
'cold power steering'.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25
Service brakes
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-08-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-27 Stalling
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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.
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I
1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
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I
1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V078000 · Steering
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Buick Riviera?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.