MYRModel Year Report

1988 Buick Riviera

○ Not enough data
1988 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:55.600Z

Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 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 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 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 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 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

1988: 1 complaint

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 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Structure

1 of 1 total report mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

I was chnaging my own oil when I noticed a part of the unibody sub-frame near the steering control arm was almost completely rusted through.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-23

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1988-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 1991-08-30 Rear disc brakes
  2. I
    1989-03-06CClosed 1990-01-16 Throttle non-return
  3. 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

1988 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Buick Riviera?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Riviera have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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