- The problem
- The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown into the engine compartment. It is possible for one of these stones to lodge between the steering coupling and the frame and cause increased steering effort or interference with steering control of the car when steering wheel is turned to the left.
- The risk
- Increased steering effort or interference with steeringcontrol may lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- The fix
- Inspect and install shield on affected vehicles.
Vehicle safety record
1971 Buick Riviera Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1971 Buick Riviera have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in January 1973 for the underbody shields.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Riviera year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1971 Buick Riviera recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1971 Buick Riviera yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Buick Riviera: every year compared
All Riviera years1971 Buick Riviera vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 0 | 2 | B | |
| 1971 Buick Lesabre | 1 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1971 Buick Buick | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1971 Buick Riviera
Does the 1971 Buick Riviera have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1971 Buick Riviera: underbody shields (January 1973); wheels (January 1972). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1971 Buick Riviera had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1971 Buick Riviera a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Buick Riviera year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Riviera years have the most complaints?
1995 (130), 1996 (44), 1997 (43). See every Buick Riviera year compared.
What should I do if my 1971 Buick Riviera has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data