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Vehicle safety record

1986 Buick Riviera Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1986 Buick Riviera with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (2) and the steering (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1985 has 2 and the 1987 has 5.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Riviera year, for its age

#106 most complained-about 1986 vehicle

Complaints
3
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1986 Buick Riviera problems

Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1986 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

Fuel system

06E04300088,303 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
The risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).

Steering: pump

88V07800065,136 vehicles affected

The problem
Insufficient clearance between the power steering pump pressure hose assembly and the transmission governor/speed sensor connector could cause abrasion of the hose.
The risk
This could result in a fluid leak, with the potential foran underhood fire.
The fix
REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE.

What owners say

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3 complaints about the 1986 Buick Riviera

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical system

Voltage converter for the dash and shifting indicators failed. Dash and shifting indicators are dependent on voltage converter. Without the lights and in the dark it is impossible to determine where the light switch is located or where transmission shifter is positioned. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 523903
Electrical system

The electrical system in the vehicle is draining the battery and could cause a fire. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 806764
Steering

Power steering inoperative, causing excessive physical force to turn wheel. *Sd

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 472519

Buick Riviera: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
199017510BrakesF
19899300Body, doors & structureD
19881100Body, doors & structureA
19875200Electrical systemC
19863200Electrical systemC
19852202Engine & coolingD
19840200-B
19831110Transmission & drivetrainB
19821100SuspensionA
All Riviera years

1986 Buick Riviera vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 1986 Buick Riviera

Does the 1986 Buick Riviera have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1986 Buick Riviera: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); pump (May 1988). 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 1986 Buick Riviera?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (2), steering (1).

How many complaints has the 1986 Buick Riviera had?

3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 6, 1994 and the latest on September 29, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1986 Buick Riviera a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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?
What should I do if my 1986 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

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