- The problem
- The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Buick Riviera Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Buick Riviera have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in June 1978 for the fan.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Riviera year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Buick Riviera recalls 1
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 1978 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 years1978 Buick Riviera vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 Buick Riviera | 0 | 1 | A | |
| 1978 Buick Buick | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1978 Buick Regal | 1 | 7 | B | 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 1978 Buick Riviera
Does the 1978 Buick Riviera have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1978 Buick Riviera: fan (June 1978). 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 1978 Buick Riviera had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Buick Riviera a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 84 out of 100 (grade A: far 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 1978 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