1998 Buick Riviera: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
29
owner complaints
2
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 29 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)7 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)4 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints
Tires3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
“It started out as a small oil leak, but I recently noticed the leak has expanded significantly. It's difficult to pinpoint the leak, but an oil pan under the car shows significant puddling of oil. A sealer/conditioner doesn't appear to have been affected. While online, I noted that the 3800cc 3.8l engine seems notorious for this problem, and other models of gm cars appear to be subject to a recall. Not so the buick, which to me, has the same engine. Given that is is known now, I'm concerned that this low production vehicle was left out of the recall and should be included. Puddle of oil photo enclosed. This condition is most noticeable while the vehicle is stationary.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed engine oil on the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,513. Updated 04/29/16*lj *tr”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. While stopped, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact was a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. Updated 04/07/16*lj *js”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick riviera. While the vehicle was parked, there was a puddle of oil dripping near the engine area. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2013
“I started my car, 98 buick riviera, and turned the seat heater on. I came back 5 minutes later and started driving my car to work. About 4 minutes after I left my house I started smelling smoke like something was burning but I was very near my work so I just kept going. At work when I stepped out of my car I noticed that there was a small fire on my seat and that my leather coat was burning. I put out the fire and discontinued the use of my seat heater. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2008
“Steering wheel tilt is hard to unlock. Steering wheel has movement when locked in place. First time it happened, it broke and you could not keep wheel in the set position. This causes the steering wheel to move when applying the brakes or turning corners. It was found that the lock pin was broken inside column. This was repaired back in sep. 2003. Has started to do it for a second time. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2003
“When making turns the steering wheel locked causing the driver to lose control. The dealership has been contacted. Please provide any other details. *nlm”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2003
“While driving at any speed and with no warning power steering fluid is leaking fluid, making it hard to turn steering wheel. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2002
“Vehicle was not able to shift properly due to gears grinding in transmission. Engine was super charged, but not transmission. At transmission center, consumer was informed bearings were failing and caused the grinding. *ak *yh”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2002
“Pe00 020; was traveling about 40mhp on the highway vehicle threw him sideways and he hits some bushes vehicle was damaged.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact Riviera by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Buick Riviera reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Buick Riviera. The most complained-about area is steering.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.