1996 Buick Riviera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Riviera › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Buick Riviera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Buick Riviera. Newest first.
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair IS made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor IS damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection" and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Owner complaints
44 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I smelled gas. I opened the hood, removed the engine cover & fuel was spraying from the plastic fuel line, the size of a pinhole. I contacted the dealer to order a new fuel line and was told the fuel line part #25648136 IS discontinued, as soon as I find one left somewhere, I will be taking to an…
I smelled gas. I opened the hood, removed the engine cover & fuel was spraying from the plastic fuel line, the size of a pinhole. I contacted the dealer to order a new fuel line and was told the fuel line part #25648136 IS discontinued, as soon as I find one left somewhere, I will be taking to an independent repair shop for repair. There are no recalls listed on this? A dangerous situation. I went into various auto forums on the internet & noticed that several other people were having the same problem. A pinhole leak in the plastic fuel line. This IS the second time I have replaced this line in the 4 years I have owned this car with 60000 miles between the last time this happened and now. Gm needs to offer a redesigned replacement part that doesn't leak. *tr
- Service brakes · Steering
Could not get first incident date entered. this IS current time started in 2013. have had repaired 5 times and needs again. when driving on freeway above 60 miles per hour and have to brake heavily it will start to shake and shimmy steering column fixed 2 times this year, as it loosens up and you can move it up to two inches back and forth. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor. The contact noticed that the fuel tank was fractured from excessive corrosion causing fuel to leak. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor. The contact noticed that the fuel tank was fractured from excessive corrosion causing fuel to leak. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000. updated 8//1/14*cn the consumer stated the tank was plastic with a metal ring bonded to the tank, with a metal lock ring that held the fuel pump in place. Both metal rings were completely rusted, to the point they were crumbling and flaking. Updated 08/26/14
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. The contact stated that the front driver side seat belt failed. The contact stated that he attempted to put the seat belt on but it failed to connect. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they did not provide the cause of failure, just…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. The contact stated that the front driver side seat belt failed. The contact stated that he attempted to put the seat belt on but it failed to connect. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they did not provide the cause of failure, just the replacement part number. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the part was no longer available. The failure mileage was 76,000. The vin was not available.
- Seat belts · Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Seat belt failure: the seat belt fastener(clasp/hook) on my 1996 buick riviera vin # [xxx] has failed. insertion of the male end of the belt into the female fastener fails to result in the unit locking. buick states they have no recall on this issue or any responsibility to repair it. the…
Seat belt failure: the seat belt fastener(clasp/hook) on my 1996 buick riviera vin # [xxx] has failed. insertion of the male end of the belt into the female fastener fails to result in the unit locking. buick states they have no recall on this issue or any responsibility to repair it. the rear passenger seat belt (left side, i.e. Behind driver) fails to retract the belt or snug it up after the belt IS fastened. this results in more than a foot of slack belt and thus affords little protection to a passenger in the event of accident. although there IS a buick recall on precisely this problem for this make and model car (gm 00023, dated 15 november 2000, in response to a 28 february 2000 nhtsa recall order, number 00v057000) buick tells me it does not cover my vehicles vin number and IS also not their responsibility to repair. since both issues clearly involve safety issues, I thought the nhtsa would be interested. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. while driving approximately 45 mph the engine started hesitating. he pulled over to the side of the road, and noticed an engine compartment fire. the fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to a…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. while driving approximately 45 mph the engine started hesitating. he pulled over to the side of the road, and noticed an engine compartment fire. the fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to a salvage center. the vehicle was completely destroyed . the cause of failure has not been determined at this time. Although he experienced an identical failure, he vehicle identification number was excluded from recall campaign ID number 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel) . the failure and current mileages were 140,000.
- Fuel system, other
While driving I noticed a smell of gas. I stopped & was at a truck stop. I checked under the gas tank vehicle & spotted no gas dripping from the tank. Then I went around to front of the vehicle & saw no gas leaking. Then several days later, I drove to fresno, parked the car & told my daughter that…
While driving I noticed a smell of gas. I stopped & was at a truck stop. I checked under the gas tank vehicle & spotted no gas dripping from the tank. Then I went around to front of the vehicle & saw no gas leaking. Then several days later, I drove to fresno, parked the car & told my daughter that I smelled gas. I opened the hood, removed the engine cover & fuel was spraying from the plastic fuel line, the size of a pinhole. I placed some tape on it & drove it home. I contacted the dealer & ordered a new fuel line. I will be taking into the buick dealership for repair. There are no recalls listed on this???? A dangerous situation. I went into various auto forums on the internet & noticed that several other people were having the same problem. A pinhole leak in the plastic fuel line. this being on the 1995 - 1999 buick riviera's ( 3.8 l ) V6. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel smell when tank IS full. Removed access cover for fuel pump module found well for module filled with dirt over top of module. Clean out dirt found metal ring to hold module in rotted off tank there was nothing holding fuel pump module in tank if car rolled over. Fuel can run out looks like a bad hazard. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick riviera. the contact IS experiencing a fuel and a water leak. the dealer stated that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 150,000. updated 04-08-08 *bf
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor of fuel in the vehicle. the contact took the shroud off of the engine and determined the plastic fuel line had a hole. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where the fuel line was replaced with a high pressure hose. updated 3/22/2006 -…
Dt*: the contact stated there was an odor of fuel in the vehicle. the contact took the shroud off of the engine and determined the plastic fuel line had a hole. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where the fuel line was replaced with a high pressure hose. updated 3/22/2006 - the vehicle stalled while driving and that when the consumer open the hood and say the mist of fuel being sprayed onto the hot engine. the rubber fuel line was replaced with a high pressure rubber line at and independent shop. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in nhtsa recall 00v057000. 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. Dealer indicated to the consumer that recall applied only for the year 1995 .*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The drivers' side seat belt buckle will not latch and must be replaced. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving the vehicle shut off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the problem. please provide any additional information. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Electrical (?)--the engine dies while driving at highway speeds. the engine will not restart when shifted to neutral while still rolling but does restart when the brake IS applied! this has happened seven times during the past 9 months and IS happening with more frequency--4 times this month! the buick service dept. Has not been able to recreate the problem and cannot determine the source of the problem. *la
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
I have a buick rivera 1996, and the air bag on the driver side has exploded once, and now the light IS on again. there IS a leak of water in the back seat on the floor on the passenger side, and now the air bag light, the traction light are one again. I know there were buick's recalled because of…
I have a buick rivera 1996, and the air bag on the driver side has exploded once, and now the light IS on again. there IS a leak of water in the back seat on the floor on the passenger side, and now the air bag light, the traction light are one again. I know there were buick's recalled because of driver side airbags exploding, however, when I called gm they said not on the rivera. now, all of these are buick cars, and I am having the same problem with this. this has put my life and that of my passangers in danger, because if that airbag deployed while I was driving on the interstate, we would have been killed or badly hurt. I would like something done about this. it has caused me constant mental stress just worrying about this thing deploying again. please help me. I am a professional business woman and I am 41 years of age. I would like general motors to repair the problem on my car. please contact me.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Traction light stays on with cause unknown. the owner was told by the dealership that he probably ran through some water. please describe details.*jb
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at estimated speeds of 40-45 mph, both driver and passenger air bags deployed without an impact or running over debris in road. please describe details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Traction light came on and stayed on, which could indicate a problem with engine or brakes per owner's manual. Contacted dealer.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While in reverse and applying brakes pedal dropped to the floorboard. Owner discovered brake fluid pouring from brake line. brake line was rusted, which caused a hole in line. Dealer not notified.*ak *jg
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Traction control indicator illuminated. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Dealer stated when traction control light was on, the anti-lock brake system was not working*ak consumer was concerned the ABS light did not illuminate to indicate there was a malfunction with the anti-lock brake system. *tt *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Modulator affects ABS and traction control, can cause wheel lock-up and steering problems. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
This vehicle was not included in recall# 95v20400 electric system: anti-theft due to vin although it dealt wit same problem. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Water pump failed with only 50100 miles on the vehicle. vehicle has been maintained to buick's recommendations.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Since purchase of this vehicle, it has been in for brakes on five different occasions, brakes seem to wear prematurely. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some…
Ea02-030 IS closed with gmea02-030 IS closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- 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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 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.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 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.
- 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).
- 54062Comments on insufficient range of the keyless entry system.
- 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).
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
Every Buick Riviera model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.