1998 Buick Riviera
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Riviera › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Buick Riviera. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
29 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
About two months ago, when fueling my vehicle, I noticed a puddle of gasoline in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, inline with the fuel filler door. I had noted the check engine light subsequently came on and code 0440 (or a variant of that, I cannot recall with 100% certainty. when I had some…
About two months ago, when fueling my vehicle, I noticed a puddle of gasoline in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, inline with the fuel filler door. I had noted the check engine light subsequently came on and code 0440 (or a variant of that, I cannot recall with 100% certainty. when I had some free time, I started investigating the emissions code and decided to check the fuel system from the rear of the vehicle working forward. while looking at the fuel filler neck, I noted a glint of fresh steel behind the tire. upon removing the tire, I noted a hole in the filler neck the size of a us quarter. since it's a fuel system component, I investigated whether I could get a replacement part (to no avail). my field expedient fix was to wrap the fuel filler intake steel pipe with a copious amount of duct tape as a temporary fix until I could see if a junkyard would yield a new pipe. no such luck in find a part that didn't have a hole of sorts (see enclosed photo's of 'replacement' offerings. my investigation led me to conclude the wear in the pipe was caused by wheel hop, primarily when rolling over speed bumps at a speed higher than recommended, causing the rear wheel to "hop upwards" and come in contact with the pipe. given the amount of speed bumps in residential neighborhood, the likelihood of this happening IS consistent the location of the damage and the inner edge of the left rear wheel. I've enclosed pictures of a 'replacement' pipe that will have to be epoxied to contain vapors and prevent fuel spillage unless a pristine pipe IS found. given the emissions issue along with fuel spillage when fueling the vehicle, there's a high likelyhood of further damage and possible fire hazard. I'D recommend a metal shield be retrofitted to prevent contact from the left tire and the fuel filler neck
- Engine
It started out as a small oil leak, but I recently noticed the leak has expanded significantly. it's difficult to pinpoint the leak, but an oil pan under the car shows significant puddling of oil. a sealer/conditioner doesn't appear to have been affected. while online, I noted that the 3800cc…
It started out as a small oil leak, but I recently noticed the leak has expanded significantly. it's difficult to pinpoint the leak, but an oil pan under the car shows significant puddling of oil. a sealer/conditioner doesn't appear to have been affected. while online, I noted that the 3800cc 3.8L engine seems notorious for this problem, and other models of gm cars appear to be subject to a recall. not so the buick, which to me, has the same engine. given that IS IS known now, I'm concerned that this low production vehicle was left out of the recall and should be included. puddle of oil photo enclosed. this condition IS most noticeable while the vehicle IS stationary.
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed engine oil on the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed engine oil on the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,513. updated 04/29/16*lj *tr
- Engine
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. The contact was a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. updated 04/07/16*lj *js
- Engine
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. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
I started my car, 98 buick riviera, and turned the seat heater on. I came back 5 minutes later and started driving my car to work. About 4 minutes after I left my house I started smelling smoke like something was burning but I was very near my work so I just kept going. At work when I stepped out…
I started my car, 98 buick riviera, and turned the seat heater on. I came back 5 minutes later and started driving my car to work. About 4 minutes after I left my house I started smelling smoke like something was burning but I was very near my work so I just kept going. At work when I stepped out of my car I noticed that there was a small fire on my seat and that my leather coat was burning. I put out the fire and discontinued the use of my seat heater. *tr
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering wheel has developed a very significant "wobble" which exists regardless of what tilt position it IS in. the wobble IS diagonal, from northeast to southwest in direction, and the apparent pivot point of the wobble IS just behind instrument panel level. had car at dealer for other work…
Steering wheel has developed a very significant "wobble" which exists regardless of what tilt position it IS in. the wobble IS diagonal, from northeast to southwest in direction, and the apparent pivot point of the wobble IS just behind instrument panel level. had car at dealer for other work, and they commented on it too. did not call it a safety issue though... wanted $120 to fix it. I declined at the time, since they didn't think there was a safety concern. I would tend to differ with their opinion though, and feel they should repair this at no charge due to it being the steering mechanism involved. I've heard this complaint from many other 95-99 riviera owners, and it seems to be epidemic among these cars. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle continued to accelerate and would not stop when the contact depressed the brake pedal with both feet. he drove on the shoulder and had to place the vehicle in neutral for it to stop. the contact opened the hood noticed…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle continued to accelerate and would not stop when the contact depressed the brake pedal with both feet. he drove on the shoulder and had to place the vehicle in neutral for it to stop. the contact opened the hood noticed that the plastic shield separated that covers the motor. he was able to tape the shield back and drove the vehicle to his residence. the dealer stated that the supercharger waste gate valve separated and needed to be repaired. the manufacturer advised him to get an evaluation from the dealer. the dealer decided to reduce the labor cost to $223.43. the current mileage was 57,728 and failure mileage was 57,617. updated 12/12/07
- Seat belts › Front
Drivers seat belt stitching coming apart and will not hold in a accident. Thread used either rotted or defective. armstrong service dept sent me to a auto upholstery shop to have it repaired, they refused to do it stating that it was against the law for them to work on it and to return to the…
Drivers seat belt stitching coming apart and will not hold in a accident. Thread used either rotted or defective. armstrong service dept sent me to a auto upholstery shop to have it repaired, they refused to do it stating that it was against the law for them to work on it and to return to the dealership. the dealership said that they could order a new seat belt assembly and I would have to pay for it myself as the original warranty was not in effect. I stated that I bought a high quality vehicle from them and this IS my 4TH buick, as I have always owned a buick product because of their reputation and customer service. I explained to them the vehicle has only 55,594 miles and the seat belts should not fall apart as I purchased a high quality product and they should replace the defective seat belt. the service person mentioned to me to contact buick customer service and get a case number 1-416031739. Their answer was that I should have purchased a extended warranty, but they would partially help pay for the new seat belt but did not mention any amount. I feel that this IS unfair as I paid for quality and this should not be a issue. Buick should replace the defective part and I should not be charged for it. *nm
- Steering › Column
Steering wheel tilt IS hard to unlock. Steering wheel has movement when locked in place. First time it happened, it broke and you could not keep wheel in the set position. This causes the steering wheel to move when applying the brakes or turning corners. It was found that the lock pin was broken inside column. This was repaired back in sep. 2003. has started to do it for a second time. *jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion failure as well as the steering locking up when making left hand turns.*mr the consumer believed the problem was related to the recall of other gm models, but the vehicle was not included in the recall. *cb *jb
- Electrical system › Horn
Intermittently horn became inoperable, obstructing the driver's safety. dealer could not find cause of the problem.*ak
- Steering
When making turns the steering wheel locked causing the driver to lose control. The dealership has been contacted. Please provide any other details. *nlm
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
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
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
While at a complete stop vehicle will surge forward. Dealer has been notified. Problem has reoccurred. Dealer unable to solve problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Seats · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing · Tires · Visibility › Windshield
The vehicle experienced wind noise on right and left front windows.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle was not able to shift properly due to gears grinding in transmission. Engine was super charged, but not transmission. At transmission center, consumer was informed bearings were failing and caused the grinding. *ak *yh
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Upon stopping vehicle has to press brakes down hard to hold vehicle in place. Vehicle jumps if brakes are not held down firmly. Please provide any further information. *Ak
- Electrical system › Horn · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Parking brake
Consumer states horn IS inoperable at times, on one occasion he had to hit the horn pad six times before the horn would sound, dealer has repaired/replaced parts on four separate occasions. fuel gauge sending unit failed. emergency brake needed adjusted, the pedal was not returning all the way up when it was released. *slc
- Electrical system › Horn · Steering
When trying to blow horn it blows intermittently. Horn has been fixed twice, but problem still exists. contacted dealer. *Ak dealer found loose horn connections. whining noise present when turning steering wheel. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer was traveling about 30mph and all four tires' tread separated, and vehicle veered into median strip.*ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Vehicle was rearended while at a standstill. driver's seat collapsed backwards due to back breaking. bottom of tracks was twisted. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While vehicle IS stopped in gear extreme vibrations occurs. dealer can not correct problem. please give any further information. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
PE00 020; was traveling about 40mhp on the highway vehicle threw him sideways and he hits some bushes vehicle was damaged.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Rotors on disc brakes are rusting and warping causing improper brake action and caused one near accident incident where my wife was unable to bring the vehicle to a complete stop before bumping the car in front of her. The rotors have been replaced 3 times in the first 15,000 miles. Buick has…
Rotors on disc brakes are rusting and warping causing improper brake action and caused one near accident incident where my wife was unable to bring the vehicle to a complete stop before bumping the car in front of her. The rotors have been replaced 3 times in the first 15,000 miles. Buick has stated the problem IS "cosmetic" and not covered under the warranty. The allege that we have not driven the car enough and we live to near to the ocean. Buick's customer service department has been contacted multiple times. The latest included a 3 way conversation with the dealer and technical support stafff. They stated that the dealer has another woman who IS experiencing the same problem. The technical staff stated they have no solution. They expect the rotors to fail approximately every 3 - 4 months. They have directed me to the florida "lemon law' for resolution. I believe there IS a serious safety issue with this vehicle when exposed to salt air. Just as in the firestone case, the data must be isolated to reflect the number of failures of rotor assemblies located in close proximity to salt water. Brake rotors should not fail every 3 - 4 months in normal usage. They have admitted that they are aware of the problem and intend to do nothing about it. Does this sound familiar.*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.
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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 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).
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012688Floor pan corrosion perforation in battery compartment.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10004412Automatic transmission poor acceleration, performance.
- 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.
- 6088866Experiencing clunk, rattle or metal to metal noise from front of vehicle.
- 6088815Experiencing clunk, ratthe or metal to metal noise from front of vehicle.
- 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
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 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.
- 603833Experiencing a rattle noise from rear of vehicle.
- 603828Some customers may comment the radio clock gains an excessive amount of time.
Every Buick Riviera model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.