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Vehicle safety record

1995 Buick Riviera Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 130 complaints about the 1995 Buick Riviera with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (26) and the seats & seat belts (23). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 4 fires, 8 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in February 2000 for the webbing. For comparison, the 1996 has 44.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Riviera year, for its age

#53 most complained-about 1995 vehicle

Complaints
130
Recalls
1
Crashes
6
Fires
4
Injuries
8
Deaths
1

Most common 1995 Buick Riviera problems

Share of all 130 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1995 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

Seat belts: webbing

00V05700085,253 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract. A retainer could separate from a rear seat shoulder belt retractor which results in the retractor return spring becoming disengaged.
The risk
In a crash, an occupant may receive more severe injuries if there is excessive slack in the shoulder belt.
The fix
Dealers will inspect both rear shoulder belt retractors for correct function and install a spring cover retaining strap to each retractor. If a retractor does not function correctly, it will be replaced.

What owners say

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130 complaints about the 1995 Buick Riviera

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. While driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The traction control warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 7/1/15*cn

Filed Incident Electrical system · Traction control system · EngineNHTSA 10713537
Body, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

Foul smell then parked and went inside mall came back car had been on fire. *Tr

Filed Incident Structure · EngineNHTSA 10655145
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated while driving, the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred seven times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to detect a failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,678. The consumer stated on several occasions, he experienced sudden loss of power while in traffic. On each occasion, there was a loss power brakes. In april 2013, there were four instances where the...

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vehicle turned off and the brakes and power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A year later, the same issue occurred again. The dealer was unable to find a problem.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10620930
Engine & cooling

This is an intermittent issue and has been occurring at different times since purchase in 1999. While driving engine stalls and I lose power steering control. Experiencing long cranks before engine will start. However, engine eventually restarts but engine stalls again several times before car will run without incident for a brief period. Have had numerous repairs done on this car regarding this issue such as ignition module. Had repairs done in october 2013 where crank shaft position sensor, mass air flow sensor, cylinder and key were replaced. In april 2014 began experiencing same issue again. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10597796
Engine & cooling

The info above is approx. Your recall of gm cars with re: to ignition problems may not be broad enough. I traded in my 95 riviera in april of 2007 after plowing $1500 into and still no satisfactory repair on why it was stalling. The last stall was in a three way intersection in chicago. Each time it stalled I lost power steering. I don't recall if the dealer looked at ignition issues. I do recall that they were at one point focused on the carburetor. It was being serviced by a dealer in schaumberg, ill. Sorry I don't have better recall of details. Once I traded the car, I tossed the documentation. The last stall was scary and the reason I traded the car. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10569453
Fuel systemTransmission & drivetrain

While driving, began to smell odor of fuel in the cabin. Pulled to side of road, opened hood to witness fuel supply line to rear fuel injector rail leaking on to top of engine. Fuel continued to leak onto engine even after I shut off the car. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Power trainNHTSA 10547659
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power control module needed to be replaced and that the vehicle was not part of any recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 110,000. Updated 10/24/12 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle often stalled when coasting down hill or to a stop. Updated 11/13/2012 *js

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10472587
Fuel system

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. While driving approximately 25 mph the contact smelled fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the fuel line was leaking. The dealer stated that the flex fuel line needed to be replaced.The current and failure mileages were 109000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10282558
Steering

1. The steering column support bracket attaching bolts were under torqued during assembly. My vehicle has wiring problems and starting problems that come and go. Inadequate torque can cause these bolts to vibrate loosen or fall out resulting in loss of steering control support bracket attaching bolts to the correct specifications. There is a recall for 1995 buicks but not including my buick. *Tr

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10252114
Engine & cooling

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 buick riviera. At 50 mph the vehicle shut off completely and had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, but the stalling could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was 55,000.*Ak updated 04/12/07. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10186495
Engine & cooling

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was overheating and the warning light indicating the coolant needed to be replaced was illuminated. The coolant was replaced, but the problem continued. An independent repair shop determined there was a leak into upper plenum and upper manifold. The gaskets were replaced and the manifold was cleaned. The problem returned a year later, the mechanic determined the same problem occurred. The same repairs were made as well as valves and adapters were replaced. The problem returned and the vehicle was taken to the same repair shop.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10171097
Fuel system

Four years ago I filed a report of what I considered a dangerous part failure on our 1995 buick riviera, in that a fuel line had developed a pin hole and gas was spraying out over the engine. I also wrote a lette to general motors regarding this problem but I never heard back from anyone. This week we again smelled gas when driving the vehicle and discovered that the fuel line which was replaced in 4/02 had again failed and gas was spraying out into into the engine compartment. The cost of repair then was...

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aprx $90 and I would expect it to be more than that now, to repair something which considering the safety aspect should have been subject to a factory recall and replaced with a heavy duty line. *Nm

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10155892
Suspension

Dt: contact was going to buy a car from falls chrysler jeep and dodge. It was a 1995 buick riviera. He crawled up under the car and saw the whole arm that coe out from the sub frame that hold the wheel on was rusted through paper thin. He did not buy the vehicle but later called to tell them about the rust he noticed ,and they told him they had sold the vehicle to someone, and they had signed three different papers. He did not care if the car broke down after it lef tthe lot. *Ak

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10131344
Seats & seat belts

Vehicle is experiencing problems with the driver side seat belt. The seat belt will not support the driver. Owner has contacted the dealer, but the problem still exist. *Nm on 5/32004 consumer was hit on the driver's side by a 18 wheeler. They replaced the seat belt with a new one and the same problem still occurred. The consumer believes the design of this gm belt is defective because it does not provide protection during side impact accidents. The consumer believes all buick riviera's need to be recalled and replaced with belts that will work and give protection . *Bf *nm

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10108594
Fuel system

While driving could smell strong fuel odor. Opened hood, and found plastic fuel line spraying fuel over engine. Shut engine off and fuel continued to spray. My brother will repair and save old parts. *Ak

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10117914
Seats & seat belts

The rear seat belts failed to retract as well as the right side. The rear seats were rarely used. This failure was due to the defect described in recall 00v057000 rear shoulder belts but the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *Jb

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10099142
Engine & cooling

Plastic radior tank cracks. This seems to be an issue with gm vehicles in general. I have talked with several people that have experienced the same problem. Crack seems to start at mounting bolt for radior. I have always owned gm vehicles and currently own 3 however, at the cost of $400.00+ To replace my plastic radior, I may have to reconsider my future purchases.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10074593
Engine & cooling

While driving at 25-50 mph engine automatically shuts down. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10074125
Steering

Problems with power steering failure at low rpm's. Pump was replaced without resolve of issue. *Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10067548
Fuel system

A gasoline odor entered the passenger cabin. The consumer assessed the problem, and found the fuel line had a leak and was spraying gasoline onto the engine. *Ak *jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10063151
Steering

While driving vehicle lost power steering. This made steering wheel hard to turn. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10057439
Engine & cooling

I was told that the intake manifold failed as well as the lower intake(plenum). (3.8L v6) the work was performed by a firestone retail store in myrtle beach, sc. Has anyone else had this problem and what were the repair costs? I sure am curious. As far as paint, I had the car painted for $1000.00.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10070232
Brakes

Brakes have a tendency to momentarily delay in stopping. Noticed this problem numerous times upon leaving parking lots at slow speeds (5 - 10 mph). Problem seems to occur when barely accelerating & then applying brake to stop. Can feel brakes lock up under brake pedal. Hasn't created an accident yet, but have had difficulty in the winter time. Never had any lights or warning problems with the abs or traction control. Have also noticed problem in the front wheels while manuevering tires from left to right. ...

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Feels like tires popping against the wheel well (example only). Took vehicle into dealership to have looked at several times. They say it's the traction control & that it's normal. Brakes seem to pulsate. Replacement on rotors & brakes. *La

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10046766
Electrical systemAirbagsAcceleration & cruise control

Driver's side air bag deflated due to an electrical short. In addition, horn failed and cruise control malfunctioned. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10046497
Other & unknown

Below is the same thing that has been happening to me for the past two years. Dealer and mechanic cannot seem to find the problem. This could cause a serious accident while highway driving. Make: buick model: riviera year: 1995 complaint number: 725331 summary: while driving 25-50 mph, without warning, the engine shuts down, causing power steering loss, and the interior locks open and close rappidly. Only after coasting off the highway coming to a stop, putting the car in "park" turning off the ignition, and waiting a couple of minutes will the car restart. Dealer could not duplicate! Need a resolution, because the family refuses to enter the car.*Ak

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10045135

Buick Riviera: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19996010Engine & coolingC
199829032SteeringF
199743035SteeringF
199644201Engine & coolingF
1995130164Engine & coolingF
19936120BrakesF
199212231AirbagsF
19918110BrakesD
All Riviera years

1995 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 1995 Buick Riviera

Does the 1995 Buick Riviera have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1995 Buick Riviera: webbing (February 2000). 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 1995 Buick Riviera?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (26), seats & seat belts (23), transmission & drivetrain (16).

How many complaints has the 1995 Buick Riviera had?

130 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 7, 1995 and the latest on April 29, 2015. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 1995 Buick Riviera a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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?
What should I do if my 1995 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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