1989 Buick Riviera
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: structure.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED VEHICLE SURGED AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950104
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF THE MOTOR MODULE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM IS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990803
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 BUICK RIVIERA. ON NOVEMBER 7, 2007, THE BRAKES FAILED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071108
SAFETY TIMELINE
LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Remedy: REPLACE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 89V056000 — check if this car was fixed
ONE OR BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Remedy: REPLACE BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.
Campaign 89V055000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V056000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V055000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Buick Riviera?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Buick Riviera have?
3 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.