- The problem
- During windshield wiper operation, the noise suppresion capacitor in the wiper motor relay may overheat.
- The fix
- The dealer will modify the windshield wiper motor delay relay by removing the noise suppresion capacitor. This will be done free of charge.
Vehicle safety record
1983 Buick Riviera Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1983 Buick Riviera with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 1982 for the motor. For comparison, the 1982 has 1 and the 1984 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Riviera year, for its age
#54 most complained-about 1983 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1983 Buick Riviera problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1983 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
Be the first Riviera owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1983 Buick Riviera
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH
Buick Riviera: every year compared
All Riviera years1983 Buick Riviera vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Buick Riviera | 1 | 1 | B | |
| 1983 Buick Regal | 4 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1983 Buick Electra | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1983 Buick Century | 1 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1983 Buick Lesabre | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1983 Buick Skyhawk | 1 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1983 Buick Skylark | 1 | 1 | A | 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 1983 Buick Riviera
Does the 1983 Buick Riviera have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1983 Buick Riviera: motor (November 1982). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1983 Buick Riviera?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 1983 Buick Riviera had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 11, 1995 and the latest on November 11, 1995. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1983 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 1983 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