MYRModel Year Report

1997 Buick Riviera

○ Not enough data
1997 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:34:09.282Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Riviera Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1988 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 1997 1998: 29 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1997: 43 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.

STEERING 23%

23% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

POWER STEERING RACK FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20070411

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980409

SERVICE BRAKES 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

FIRE
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, 20030920

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and module.

FIRE
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20070621

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021022 — EA (closed 20040309)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.