1997 Buick Riviera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Riviera › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Buick Riviera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
43 complaints3 involved a crash5 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Seat belts
I have a 1997 buick riviera that has a security light problem. I try to crank the car and sometimes it will crank other times it wont. I am a young male that normally travels back and forth to work but some morning's all I can do IS pray. It never really bothered me before I have been told that I…
I have a 1997 buick riviera that has a security light problem. I try to crank the car and sometimes it will crank other times it wont. I am a young male that normally travels back and forth to work but some morning's all I can do IS pray. It never really bothered me before I have been told that I have the patience of a slug. But today I was pulled over because the brake light in my window was out long story short. I asked the officer if I could leave the car running because of the security problem while he checked my paper work insurance registration etc. He stated for both of our mind states it would best if I turned off the motor. I did as I was asked the officer returned to the car to deliver my drivers license insurance etc. He gave me a warning to get the light replaced then left mean while for the next hour and a half. He returned around 45 minutes later. I am on the side of the highway I tried cleaning the key with a dry rag letting the key set in the ignition until the light turned off. I even unplugged the negative side of the battery cable to let the computer reset its self. I went to gm and had a key made for the car because my first key had the rubber tip removed. So I figured I would get a new key made for the car as well as a new key pad everything worked fine for a day or two. I called gm the manager asked me to come back in and stated that maybe the key was under cut because they had just purchased a new key cutting machine and were still working out the bugs. The car started fine security light came on while I was driving and I just did not let it bother me for a while. Now im informing you guys because my other car was totaled by a hit and run driver while it was on the side of the road about two weeks ago I left it to put air in the spare tire. I hope that we can come to a solution to this problem before its to late for me or anyone else. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick riviera. The contact stated the vehicle was parked when he noticed there was a puddle of oil on the engine due to an oil leak from the valve covers. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling) but did not confirm if the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 buick riviera. The contact stated the vehicle was parked when he noticed there was a puddle of oil on the engine due to an oil leak from the valve covers. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 08v118000 (engine and engine cooling) but did not confirm if the vehicle was included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.
- Electrical system
On the night of august 11, 2009 my car caught on fire. my husband was driving home form the grocery store one night, as he was driving down the street when he smelled a burning smell coming from the car, he immediately pulled over to see were it was coming from. When he got out of the car he seen…
On the night of august 11, 2009 my car caught on fire. my husband was driving home form the grocery store one night, as he was driving down the street when he smelled a burning smell coming from the car, he immediately pulled over to see were it was coming from. When he got out of the car he seen a cloud of smoke coming from the bottom of the vehicle, he lifted up the hood in saw flames coming from passengers side of the car under the hood, he went into the facilities to were he pulled over and got a fire extinguisher, but the fire was to big to but out, so he called 911 immediately. the car IS at a total lost. The car a week ago before it happen had a very strong gasoline smell coming from the car, but after 1 to 2 days the smell went a way, it was check for gas and oil leaks but there wasn't any. Me and my family was very terrified and upset because, this fire could have cause death. There was a recall on the 19996 buick rivera for the fuel injection system. When researched this car after the incident. There was similar case to mines. I really hope no one else will be put in my situation. *Tr
- Steering
Steering column/wheel started a little wiggle room, (wouldn't lock into place after adjusting position). within about a month or so it was not drivable. it would not stay in a fixed position at all. in september 2006 we took it in to be repaired. they had to find and rebuild another steering…
Steering column/wheel started a little wiggle room, (wouldn't lock into place after adjusting position). within about a month or so it was not drivable. it would not stay in a fixed position at all. in september 2006 we took it in to be repaired. they had to find and rebuild another steering column. it cost us almost $1000 dollars, plus the cost of a rental for about ten (10) days. The biggest reason I'm writing this now IS because, it has broken again. (It IS the same exact thing as before). I am wanting to know if this has happened to anybody else or IS it an isolated thing ?. also, have there been any complaints concerning the motor mount bolts breaking (the heads shearing off) ?. If not for the above listed items this has been one of the most wonderful vehicles I've ever owned. thank you for any information that you can give me. kelly gardner *tr
- Electrical system
This morning I tried to start the car to get my kids to school, I turn the key but the engine didn't start, immediately a big loud explosion (the car never started), then smoke came out from under the hood, I got out to open the hood and fire was coming out of the engine right next dashboard near the driver side.....the fire department had to come to get the fire out. *Tr
- Unknown or other
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick riviera. the contact noticed small flames erupting from underneath the vehicle. smoke immediately appeared from the front end of the vehicle, followed by flames under the hood. the failure occurred without warning. the fire department was called to the scene and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 buick riviera. the contact noticed small flames erupting from underneath the vehicle. smoke immediately appeared from the front end of the vehicle, followed by flames under the hood. the failure occurred without warning. the fire department was called to the scene and a report was filed. there were no personal injuries or property damage. the vehicle was completely destroyed. the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. the insurance company and manufacturer were notified of the failure. the mileages were unknown.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Gm has recalled 1997-2002 pontiac grand prix and buick regals wit the 3.8 liter supercharged V-6 engines for oil leaking and burning on the exhaust manifold causing some 267 known fires. I have a 1997 buick riviera 3.8 liter supercharged engine which has begun doing the same thing recently. I have…
Gm has recalled 1997-2002 pontiac grand prix and buick regals wit the 3.8 liter supercharged V-6 engines for oil leaking and burning on the exhaust manifold causing some 267 known fires. I have a 1997 buick riviera 3.8 liter supercharged engine which has begun doing the same thing recently. I have not seen the riviera included in any web search but I am sure gm IS trying to get by without repairing as many 3.8 supercharged as possible. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle - 1997 buick riveria 3.8 l supercharged engine -- oil leak from front valve cover gasket -- recall just released for 1997-2003 buick regal and grand prix but left the riveria out of the recall list for the exact same engine --- I replaced the gasket myself (very expensive gasket) - 11/05 -- and feel that gm should at least reimburse me for the gasket ---. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Power steering rack failure while driving. *ak
- Structure › Body
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 buick riviera. The paint IS beginning to peel off from the hood of the car. she contacted gm , and they checked for open recalls, and they wanted her to file a complaint. *ak
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
Dt: consumer states that when security light IS on the vehicle will not start. consumer has to wait 2-3 minutes, sometimes longer, and the vehicle will start.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1997 buick rivera ... Driving down highway-hole worn into high pressure freon discharge hose-freon sprayed throughout engine compartment and onto drive belts-belt broke and wrapped around harmonic balancer - broke teeth and crank sensor- engine died immediately-loss of power steering, braking…
1997 buick rivera ... Driving down highway-hole worn into high pressure freon discharge hose-freon sprayed throughout engine compartment and onto drive belts-belt broke and wrapped around harmonic balancer - broke teeth and crank sensor- engine died immediately-loss of power steering, braking, etc., dead car hard to control - towed to gm dealer - dealer replaced all parts ($900.00) - gm mechanics and service manager all agreed to buick design flaw - steel manifold for freon hoses IS formed in such a way to cause freon hoses to rub against each other and eventually wear a hole into freon hose. - I kept part - called dealer to complain- they referred me to buick customer service- they said they could do nothing as no recalls nor service bulletins had been issued on the matter - I asked for information as to how many of these incidents had occurred - or how many of this freon manifold replacements have been sold - or if there had been a redesign to correct this part - they would furnish me with none of this requested information.*ak
- Structure › Body
We have a '97 riviera with paint problems...if the paint becomes chipped or scratched, temperature changes cause the paint to shrink and expand (moreso when the weather turns colder) and unless I break the sheets of peeling paint off, it keeps spreading. this exposes the gray metal sealer. I'D be glad to send you a sample of the paint (champainge pearl) while supplies last. *jb
- Wheels
While pulling out of a parking space the front passenger wheel completely disengaged. *jb *sc
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Jack for my 1997 buick riviera collapsed when I tried to change tire. Fortunately, I had not removed the flat tire yet and was not injured. This was the first time I had ever used the jack since the car was new. I still have the defective jack. I also own a 1995 buick riviera and its jack IS much…
Jack for my 1997 buick riviera collapsed when I tried to change tire. Fortunately, I had not removed the flat tire yet and was not injured. This was the first time I had ever used the jack since the car was new. I still have the defective jack. I also own a 1995 buick riviera and its jack IS much sturdier and has never been a problem. I showed the broken jack to my auto mechanic. He said the jack was unsafe and never should have been part of the equipment for the car. He said the jack was too small and lightweight for the buick riviera. I could have been seriously injured if I had been under the car or attempting to replace the flat tire when the jack collapsed.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
The sending unit failed three times. the first time at 44,000 miles, second time at 67,000 miles, and third time at 80,000 miles. the unit was replaced. Consumer did not know how much gas was actually in the vehicle. *Ak the sending unit had bare and melted components. *tc
- Structure
Paint IS peeling in several different areas ranging from the front hood to the back sides.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
When turning the steering wheel to the left, the power steering went out and the steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. please provide any additional information. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1997 buick riviera with 3800 engine has a plastic intake manifold that degrades and leaks coolant into the engine and causes hydrolock, thereby rendering the vehicle useless. this can happen anywhere at anytime and leave you stranded and IS an ongoing problem with this engine type. gm issued a…
1997 buick riviera with 3800 engine has a plastic intake manifold that degrades and leaks coolant into the engine and causes hydrolock, thereby rendering the vehicle useless. this can happen anywhere at anytime and leave you stranded and IS an ongoing problem with this engine type. gm issued a service bulletin on this problem in july of 2001 (tsb 01-06-01-007a) and the dealership service people that I have talked to have indicated that this IS a known and ongoing problem with this type of engine. I have contacted the customer assistance folks at gm and I am having no satisfaction with them whatsoever. they claim that the age of the vehicle and the fact that there IS no service record on file with a dealer play a big part in how they look at each individual case. I have done some research on this problem and have discovered that this IS a larger problem than gm would want to admit to, see website www.gm-v6lemons.com. I feel that a recall should have been issued on this problem and if enough people take their complaints to th nhtsa then maybe something can be done. *La
- Steering
Consumer noticed steering wheel would not turn left or right while traveling over puddles. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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. My husband who had heard the back fire from inside the house, opened the hood, and the fire was already blazing. We tried to put the fire out but ended up calling the fire department. The care was completely destroyed. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
The consumer says that the vehicle began to not start, except after turning the key to start, then wait exactly 3 minutes and it would start each time with no failures. all the power worked except no start or noise and no crank without security read out by the speedometer. the consumer had taken…
The consumer says that the vehicle began to not start, except after turning the key to start, then wait exactly 3 minutes and it would start each time with no failures. all the power worked except no start or noise and no crank without security read out by the speedometer. the consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer without out failure and they stated that they started the vehicle 25-30 times with out failure. the dealer removed the dash in order to repair, and it now has a rattle in the dash. *scc
- Air bags
Consumer states that while driving at 35 mph on gravel road and no warning the air bag inadvertently deploy causing the consumer to pull over. Dealer notified. mr consumer also stated that the dealer refused to fix defect due to the miles on the vehicle. Ph 09-dec-2002
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Vehicle IS subject to having difficulty restarting once it has been shut off. the owner would have to wait several minutes or longer before the vehicle would restart. was told by dealership that the problem IS the computer and they can not replace it. nlm
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.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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
- 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.
- 6088811Some vehicles may exhibit a popping type noise heard in the passenger compartment.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 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.
- 601771Information on ABS and / or traction light on with codes and / or erratic engine idle or mil on.
Every Buick Riviera model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.