1998 Buick Riviera
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.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 29 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
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-03
While driving at any speed and with no warning power steering fluid is leaking fluid, making it hard to turn steering wheel. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-11
Engine
4 of 29 total reports mention: engine.
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, 2016-02-05
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, 2015-10-27
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.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Buick Riviera — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.