1999 Buick Riviera

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Tires2
2. Steering2
3. Vehicle speed control2
4. Equipment1
5. Electrical system1
6. Unknown or other1
7. Service brakes, hydraulic1
8. Engine1
9. Engine and engine cooling1

Latest complaints

• Sep 4, 2016OK130,000 mi
  Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
  Well for starters the car has 131,000 miles on it and clean interior. But....the drivers side power seat incline doesn't work, the blend box or an actuator IS bad, the cruise control doesn't work, and the ac compressor IS locked up. But.... The worst part IS the oil leak coming from the front valve…

  Well for starters the car has 131,000 miles on it and clean interior. But....the drivers side power seat incline doesn't work, the blend box or an actuator IS bad, the cruise control doesn't work, and the ac compressor IS locked up. But.... The worst part IS the oil leak coming from the front valve cover. It IS spilling out on my exhaust manifold and smokes badly. I just read gm has a recall on all the L67 3.8L supercharged motors in grand prix and regals amongst other models with the 3.8L but not the rivieras. Can the riv get some love too. I like the car but all these problems and a highway shudder at 65-73.....👎👎😢😢👎👎👎😩😩😩😩😩

• May 15, 2008AR
  Tires

  While driving our 1999 buick rivera, I noticed what felt like an out of round tire. As soon as I arrived home, I checked out the tire. It was located at psr. I found evidence of tread separation in the form of a bulge in the tread. I also examined the dsr tire and found the same thing. *tr

• May 15, 2008AR
  Tires

  While driving our 1999 buick rivera, I noticed what felt like an out of round tire. as soon as I arrived home, I checked out the tire. it was located at psr. I found evidence of tread separation in the form of a bulge in the tread. I also examined the dsr tire and found the same thing. *tr

• Oct 20, 2003FL65,000 miCrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control

  While driving 70 mph with the cruise control engaged, gas pedal descended to the floor, causing the vehicle to surge to 120 mph. When attempting to brake vehicle vibrated violently which burned the brake pads. Vehicle continued to drive at 120 mph for half a mile before driver was able to shut off the engine. *Ak

• Sep 29, 2003PA46,741 mi
  Steering

  I needed to replaced the inlet and outlet hoses for the steering of my 1999 buick rivieria. I had it in the shop to take care of trak off light and the mechanic advise me to have it done because they had a bullentin referring about it

• Jan 2, 2003NJ50 mi
  Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Steering

  Consumer stated that while driving at 45mph the steering wheel would start to shake. Ts dealer claimed this was normal. alarm system goes off and locked doors. transmitter replaced. Hesitation on acceleration at 35-40 mph. dealer reported normal. rubbing noise when backing up. no problem found. *tt

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Engine compartment fire

  EA07008Opened Jun 12, 2007Closed May 1, 2008Recall 09V116000
  By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged…

  By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series II V6 engine.the recalled regal GS vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it IS possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles IS low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.

• Engine compartment fires

  EA02030Opened Oct 22, 2002Closed Mar 9, 2004Recall 04V090000
  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
• 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
• 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.
• 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
• 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
• 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.
• 10026686GMC: harsh ride or line installation concern with delco shock kit. Concerns with connecting the lines to the shocks and the air compressor. Concern of harsh ride after installation.
• 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.
• 10009950Engine intake manifold coolant leak.
• 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.
• 6088892Customers may comment that a squeak, squawk or creak noise from front strut assembly.
• 6088866Experiencing clunk, rattle 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.
• 629375Subject regarding whine noise in park or neutral, service engine soon or service vehicle soon lamp illumination.
• 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
• 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.

Every Buick Riviera model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.