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Engine & cooling

1995 Buick Riviera Engine problems

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 1995 Buick Riviera's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 20% of all its complaints, most recently on April 29, 2015. They describe 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

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
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
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
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
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
Engine & coolingElectrical system

The abs and traction light illuminated. The dealer replaced the abs control module and the modulation valve. The wiring harness was replaced. The egr system failed. *Ak *nlm

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10014557
Engine & cooling

Nar 03-27-2003 mr engine coolant consumption or coolant leak inspect for material degradation/ replace intake manifolds. 1995-97 Buick riviera, 1995-98- buick lesabre, park avenue, 1996-98 buick regal, 1998 chev lumina, monte carlo, 1995-98 oldsmobile 98, 1998 oldsmobile intrigue, 1995-98 pontiac bonneville, 1997-98 pontiac grand prix. *Cb

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10014536
Engine & coolingVisibility & wipers

Heater/air conditioning and engine cooling fan were not operating, causing vehicle to overheat. Manufacturer was notifed. Feel free to provide any further information.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · VisibilityNHTSA 8006044
Engine & coolingElectrical systemFire

While driving, a fire started in the engine compartment, local fire department arrived to extinguish fire. Cause of the fire was not determined. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 8005584
Engine & cooling

Vehicle stalls at any speed. *Ak driveing this vehicle on free way could be dangerous, because it completely stalls. *Yh

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 883778
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

Traction control light stayed on/needed for snowy conditions here in new england. Repl'd brake press. Mod.Valve. Heat on drivers side doesn't throw out much hot air. Had it chk'd twice/o-rings repl'd/ and it still isn't working properly -(11/2000) new oil pan needed. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 736558
BrakesEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainSeats & seat belts

Both rear outboard seat belts do not retract, engine has severe skip when acsending hill in overdrive 9dealer cannot diagnose) and anti-lock/ traction light come on, occasionally brakes seem to stick after coming to stop. *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Seat beltsNHTSA 725728
Engine & cooling

While driving 25-50mpr, 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 Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 725331
Engine & cooling

NO SUMMARY

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 721629
Engine & cooling

Backing out of driveway heard a loud noise. Had the vehicle towed to dealer, and dealer discovered that turbo charger which sits on top of the motor had failed. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 849612
Engine & cooling

Engine stalls, causing loss of steering and other vehicle functions. Problem is intermittent.Dealers cannot duplicate. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 823124
Engine & cooling

Engine and extensive repairs done to stop leakage of rack and pinion and transmission pan.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 531377
Engine & cooling

While driving the serpentine belts broke, causing the vehicle to run very hot. The temperature gauge went up to 270 degrees. Owner will be contacting the manufacturer. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 818347
Engine & cooling

Four-inch super charger gasket has no dow or bolt that holds gasket in place. Consequence of defect: drop in acceleration/stalling and total loss of engine. Result: blew three inch hole in compartment area. Second incident occurred @ 21,000 miles. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 817830

Buick Riviera engine complaints by year

Riviera engine problems, every year

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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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