MYRModel Year Report

1996 Buick Riviera

○ Not enough data
1996 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:18.913Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
44
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

20% of complaints

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 1989: 9 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 12 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1995: 130 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1996 44 1997: 43 complaints 1998: 29 complaints 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 1989: 9 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 12 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1995: 130 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1996 44 1997: 43 complaints 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 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 44 1997: 43 complaints 1997 1998: 29 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000

1996: 44 complaints

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

20% · 9 reports

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-28

Service brakes

18% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seat belts

18% · 8 reports

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, 2013-01-14

Power train

16% · 7 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Fuel system, gasoline

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and injectors.

FIRE
Show 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, 2009-11-09

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, 2014-05-29

Top of the gas tank split, resulting in a large gas spill, almost causing a fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-15

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1995-09-22Electrical system95V204000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1996-07-08Fuel system, gasoline96V116000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1999-09-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-02-22 Rear seat belt retractor
  4. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V204000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 96V116000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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