1996 Buick Riviera
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
3800 SERIES II SUPER CHARGED ENGINE; WHILE DRIVING HEARD CLANKING ENGINE DROPPED DEAD ON HIGHWAY COAST TO STOP. DEALER WILL NOT OPEN ENGINE, JUST REPLACE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951128
18% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
18% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE SEAT BELT ON BUT IT FAILED TO CONNECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130114
16% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, WHICH COULD INDICATE A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE OR BRAKES PER OWNER'S MANUAL. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020909
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091109
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED FROM EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140529
TOP OF THE GAS TANK SPLIT, RESULTING IN A LARGE GAS SPILL, ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960515
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Campaign 95V204000 — check if this car was fixed
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Campaign 96V116000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V204000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Buick Riviera?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 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.