1997 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
- 43
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 43 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
23% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Power steering rack failure while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-11
Steering wheel control arm bolt came loose, causing the vehicle to face the right wheel, and lost control and went into ditch. Consumer has asked dealer to replace vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-04-09
Service brakes
16% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
As I turned the switch on, the car back fired and then smoke started coming in the car and it was smoking from under the hood. The car was parked in the driveway, I immediately got out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-20
Electrical system
14% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and module.
Show complaint excerpts
1997 Buick rivera. Consumer was driving onto the turnpike upon stopping at the toll plaza he noticed smoke and smelled plastic burning. Consumer pulled over and the vehicle burst into flames. *mc Ohio traffic crash report.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-21
Power train
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 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 1997 Buick Riviera?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Riviera have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.