MYRModel Year Report

1998 Buick Riviera

○ Not enough data
1998 Buick Riviera
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:20:15.858Z

Only 29 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 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Buick Riviera Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 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 1998: 29 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2000
1998: 29 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

Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

STEERING

7 of 29 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN MAKING TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER DETAILS. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20031003

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING FLUID, MAKING IT HARD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020911

ENGINE

4 of 29 total reports mention: engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160205

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL DRIPPING NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151027

POWER TRAIN

3 of 29 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021022 — EA (closed 20040309)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Buick Riviera?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.