1995 Buick Riviera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Riviera › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Buick Riviera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1995 Buick Riviera. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract. a retainer could separate from a rear seat shoulder belt retractor which results in the retractor return spring becoming disengaged.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In a crash, an occupant may receive more severe injuries if there IS excessive slack in the shoulder belt.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect both rear shoulder belt retractors for correct function and install a spring cover retaining strap to each retractor. if a retractor does not function correctly, it will be replaced.
Owner complaints
130 complaints7 involved a crash4 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. While driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The traction control warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. the vehicle was inspected by an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. While driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The traction control warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000. updated 7/1/15*cn
- Engine · Structure › Body
Foul smell then parked and went inside mall came back car had been on fire. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated while driving, the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred seven times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to detect a failure. The approximate…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated while driving, the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred seven times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to detect a failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,678. the consumer stated on several occasions, he experienced sudden loss of power while in traffic. On each occasion, there was a loss power brakes. In april 2013, there were four instances where the vehicle turned off and the brakes and power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A year later, the same issue occurred again. The dealer was unable to find a problem.
- Engine and engine cooling
This IS an intermittent issue and has been occurring at different times since purchase in 1999. while driving engine stalls and I lose power steering control. experiencing long cranks before engine will start. however, engine eventually restarts but engine stalls again several times before car…
This IS an intermittent issue and has been occurring at different times since purchase in 1999. while driving engine stalls and I lose power steering control. experiencing long cranks before engine will start. however, engine eventually restarts but engine stalls again several times before car will run without incident for a brief period. have had numerous repairs done on this car regarding this issue such as ignition module. had repairs done in october 2013 where crank shaft position sensor, mass air flow sensor, cylinder and key were replaced. in april 2014 began experiencing same issue again. *tr
- Engine
The info above IS approx. your recall of gm cars with re: to ignition problems may not be broad enough. I traded in my 95 riviera in april of 2007 after plowing $1500 into and still no satisfactory repair on why it was stalling. the last stall was in a three way intersection in chicago. each…
The info above IS approx. your recall of gm cars with re: to ignition problems may not be broad enough. I traded in my 95 riviera in april of 2007 after plowing $1500 into and still no satisfactory repair on why it was stalling. the last stall was in a three way intersection in chicago. each time it stalled I lost power steering. I don't recall if the dealer looked at ignition issues. I do recall that they were at one point focused on the carburetor. it was being serviced by a dealer in schaumberg, ill. sorry I don't have better recall of details. Once I traded the car, I tossed the documentation. the last stall was scary and the reason I traded the car. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Power train
While driving, began to smell odor of fuel in the cabin. Pulled to side of road, opened hood to witness fuel supply line to rear fuel injector rail leaking on to top of engine. Fuel continued to leak onto engine even after I shut off the car. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power control module needed to be replaced and that the vehicle was not part of any recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 110,000. updated 10/24/12 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle often stalled when coasting down hill or to a stop. Updated 11/13/2012 *js
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. While driving approximately 25 mph the contact smelled fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the fuel line was leaking. The dealer stated that the flex fuel line needed to be replaced.the current and failure mileages were 109000.
- Steering
1. The steering column support bracket attaching bolts were under torqued during assembly. my vehicle has wiring problems and starting problems that come and go. inadequate torque can cause these bolts to vibrate loosen or fall out resulting in loss of steering control support bracket attaching bolts to the correct specifications. there IS a recall for 1995 buicks but not including my buick. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. at 50 mph the vehicle shut off completely and had to be restarted. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, but the stalling could not be duplicated. the failure mileage was 55,000.*ak updated 04/12/07. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was overheating and the warning light indicating the coolant needed to be replaced was illuminated. the coolant was replaced, but the problem continued. an independent repair shop determined there was a leak into upper plenum and upper manifold. the gaskets…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was overheating and the warning light indicating the coolant needed to be replaced was illuminated. the coolant was replaced, but the problem continued. an independent repair shop determined there was a leak into upper plenum and upper manifold. the gaskets were replaced and the manifold was cleaned. the problem returned a year later, the mechanic determined the same problem occurred. the same repairs were made as well as valves and adapters were replaced. the problem returned and the vehicle was taken to the same repair shop.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Four years ago I filed a report of what I considered a dangerous part failure on our 1995 buick riviera, in that a fuel line had developed a pin hole and gas was spraying out over the engine. I also wrote a lette to general motors regarding this problem but I never heard back from anyone. this…
Four years ago I filed a report of what I considered a dangerous part failure on our 1995 buick riviera, in that a fuel line had developed a pin hole and gas was spraying out over the engine. I also wrote a lette to general motors regarding this problem but I never heard back from anyone. this week we again smelled gas when driving the vehicle and discovered that the fuel line which was replaced in 4/02 had again failed and gas was spraying out into into the engine compartment. the cost of repair then was aprx $90 and I would expect it to be more than that now, to repair something which considering the safety aspect should have been subject to a factory recall and replaced with a heavy duty line. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
Dt: contact was going to buy a car from falls chrysler jeep and dodge. It was a 1995 buick riviera. He crawled up under the car and saw the whole arm that coe out from the sub frame that hold the wheel on was rusted through paper thin. He did not buy the vehicle but later called to tell them…
Dt: contact was going to buy a car from falls chrysler jeep and dodge. It was a 1995 buick riviera. He crawled up under the car and saw the whole arm that coe out from the sub frame that hold the wheel on was rusted through paper thin. He did not buy the vehicle but later called to tell them about the rust he noticed ,and they told him they had sold the vehicle to someone, and they had signed three different papers. He did not care if the car broke down after it lef tthe lot. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While driving could smell strong fuel odor. opened hood, and found plastic fuel line spraying fuel over engine. shut engine off and fuel continued to spray. my brother will repair and save old parts. *ak
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle IS experiencing problems with the driver side seat belt. The seat belt will not support the driver. Owner has contacted the dealer, but the problem still exist. *nm on 5/32004 consumer was hit on the driver's side by a 18 wheeler. They replaced the seat belt with a new one and the same…
Vehicle IS experiencing problems with the driver side seat belt. The seat belt will not support the driver. Owner has contacted the dealer, but the problem still exist. *nm on 5/32004 consumer was hit on the driver's side by a 18 wheeler. They replaced the seat belt with a new one and the same problem still occurred. the consumer believes the design of this gm belt IS defective because it does not provide protection during side impact accidents. the consumer believes all buick riviera's need to be recalled and replaced with belts that will work and give protection . *bf *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
The rear seat belts failed to retract as well as the right side. The rear seats were rarely used. This failure was due to the defect described in recall 00v057000 rear shoulder belts but the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Nar 03-27-2003 mr engine coolant consumption or coolant leak inspect for material degradation/ replace intake manifolds. 1995-97 buick riviera, 1995-98- buick lesabre, park avenue, 1996-98 buick regal, 1998 chev lumina, monte carlo, 1995-98 oldsmobile 98, 1998 oldsmobile intrigue, 1995-98 pontiac bonneville, 1997-98 pontiac grand prix. *cb
- Engine and engine cooling
Plastic radior tank cracks. this seems to be an issue with gm vehicles in general. I have talked with several people that have experienced the same problem. crack seems to start at mounting bolt for radior. I have always owned gm vehicles and currently own 3 however, at the cost of $400.00+ to replace my plastic radior, I may have to reconsider my future purchases.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving at 25-50 mph engine automatically shuts down. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
I was told that the intake manifold failed as well as the lower intake(plenum). (3.8L V6) the work was performed by a firestone retail store in myrtle beach, sc. Has anyone else had this problem and what were the repair costs? I sure am curious. As far as paint, I had the car painted for $1000.00.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Problems with power steering failure at low rpm's. pump was replaced without resolve of issue. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
A gasoline odor entered the passenger cabin. the consumer assessed the problem, and found the fuel line had a leak and was spraying gasoline onto the engine. *ak *jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving vehicle lost power steering. This made steering wheel hard to turn. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brakes have a tendency to momentarily delay in stopping. noticed this problem numerous times upon leaving parking lots at slow speeds (5 - 10 mph). problem seems to occur when barely accelerating & then applying brake to stop. can feel brakes lock up under brake pedal. hasn't created an…
Brakes have a tendency to momentarily delay in stopping. noticed this problem numerous times upon leaving parking lots at slow speeds (5 - 10 mph). problem seems to occur when barely accelerating & then applying brake to stop. can feel brakes lock up under brake pedal. hasn't created an accident yet, but have had difficulty in the winter time. never had any lights or warning problems with the ABS or traction control. have also noticed problem in the front wheels while manuevering tires from left to right. feels like tires popping against the wheel well (example only). took vehicle into dealership to have looked at several times. they say it's the traction control & that it's normal. brakes seem to pulsate. replacement on rotors & brakes. *la
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Driver's side air bag deflated due to an electrical short. In addition, horn failed and cruise control malfunctioned. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear seat belt retractor
In its letter dated february 25, 2000 to nhtsa, general motors stated that it will conduct a safety recall of 85,253 model year 1995 buick riviera and oldsmobile aurora vehicles for the defect in the outboard rear seat belt retractor assemblies.
- Rear seat belt retractor
Complaints generally stated that one or both outboard rear seat belts do not retract at all and are useless.it IS evident that the seat belts do not provide any tension and have excess slack.the retractor assembly has a plastic cover next to the retractor return spring.according to general motors (gm), heat may…
Complaints generally stated that one or both outboard rear seat belts do not retract at all and are useless.it IS evident that the seat belts do not provide any tension and have excess slack.the retractor assembly has a plastic cover next to the retractor return spring.according to general motors (gm), heat may soften, warp and deflect the plastic spring cover allowing the return spring to disengage through and jam in the spring cover access hole rendering the return spring nonfunctional.to elimanate the problem, gm changed the spring cover material and access hole at the beginning of production of model year (my) 1996 buick riviera and oldsmobile aurora vehicles.both complaints and warranty claims have declined significantly from my 1995 subject vehicles to my 1996 vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012688Floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10001285Floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment. Update
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 6089947A condition with the front seat back and / or seat cushion heat element IS non-functioning.
- 6088903Conditions with floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment.
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 618097Vehicles may experience shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads. Updated gm voicemail message.
- 617618Some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the rear seat shoulder belts do not retract due to the retractor return spring becoming disengaged from the spool shaft. *Tt-
- 616383Some vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the rear seat shoulder belts do not retract due to the retractor return spring becoming disengaged from the spool shaft.
- 616373General motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the rear seat shoulder belts do not retract due to the retractor return spring becoming disengaged from the spool shaft.
- 608376This bulletin addresses concerns of steering vibration / shudder / moan during parking maneuvers on dry pavement.
- 603826Experiencing shake / vibration in steering wheel, floor, seat at highway speeds on smooth roads.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 601769Information on growling noise in transaxle during first four minutes after start up.
- 601408Concerns of noise/vibration/growl from front of vehicle on right turns or hard acceleration.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 53021Information based on engine idle surge, or mil (malfunction indicator lamp) illuminated with dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p0131, p0171 or 44 set.
- 53015When brakes are depressed force or engine load may affect and cause various noises.
- 52605Wavy or dimpling appearance in roof panel running front to back or excessive rain noise (replace cardboard roof insulator adhesive).
- 52567Driveline vibration over 37 mph (replace prom).
Every Buick Riviera model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.