1996 Buick Riviera Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1996 Buick Riviera recalls

Most common 1996 Buick Riviera problems

Problem areas named in the 44 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	11
Electrical System	8
Seat Belts	8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	8
Fuel System, Gasoline	7
Power Train	7
Steering	7
Visibility	3
Air Bags	2
Tires	1

What owners report

2015-02-03, Fuel/Propulsion System
I SMELLED GAS. I OPENED THE HOOD, REMOVED THE ENGINE COVER & FUEL WAS SPRAYING FROM THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE, THE SIZE OF A PINHOLE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO ORDER A NEW FUEL LINE AND WAS TOLD THE FUEL LINE PART #25648136 IS DISCONTINUED, AS SOON AS I FIND ONE LEFT SOMEWHERE, I WILL BE TAKING TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIR. THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED ON THIS? A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WENT INTO VARIOUS AUTO FORUMS ON THE INTERNET & NOTICED THAT SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. A PINHOLE LEAK IN THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE REPLACED THIS LINE IN THE 4 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR WITH 60000 MILES BETWEEN THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED AND NOW. G

2014-09-02, Steering
COULD NOT GET FIRST INCIDENT DATE ENTERED. THIS IS CURRENT TIME STARTED IN 2013. HAVE HAD REPAIRED 5 TIMES AND NEEDS AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOVE 60 MILES PER HOUR AND HAVE TO BRAKE HEAVILY IT WILL START TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY STEERING COLUMN FIXED 2 TIMES THIS YEAR, AS IT LOOSENS UP AND YOU CAN MOVE IT UP TO TWO INCHES BACK AND FORTH. *TR

2014-05-29, Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED FROM EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 8//1/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK WAS PLASTIC WITH A METAL RING BONDED TO THE TANK, WITH A METAL LOCK RING THAT HELD THE FUEL PUMP IN PLACE. BOTH METAL RINGS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED, TO THE POINT THEY WERE CRUMBLING AND FLAKING. UPDATED 08/26/14

2013-01-14, Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE SEAT BELT ON BUT IT FAILED TO CONNECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY DID NOT PROVIDE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE, JUST THE REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

2010-12-28, Seat Belts
SEAT BELT FAILURE: THE SEAT BELT FASTENER(CLASP/HOOK) ON MY 1996 BUICK RIVIERA VIN # [XXX] HAS FAILED. INSERTION OF THE MALE END OF THE BELT INTO THE FEMALE FASTENER FAILS TO RESULT IN THE UNIT LOCKING. BUICK STATES THEY HAVE NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE OR ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR IT. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT (LEFT SIDE, I.E. BEHIND DRIVER) FAILS TO RETRACT THE BELT OR SNUG IT UP AFTER THE BELT IS FASTENED. THIS RESULTS IN MORE THAN A FOOT OF SLACK BELT AND THUS AFFORDS LITTLE PROTECTION TO A PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A BUICK RECALL ON PRECISELY THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR (GM 00023, DATED 15 NOVEMBER 2000, IN RESPONSE TO A 28 FEBRUARY

1996 Buick Riviera questions

Does the 1996 Buick Riviera have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1996 Buick Riviera: Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System; Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Buick Riviera?

Based on 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (11), Electrical System (8), Seat Belts (8).

How do I check if a recall on my 1996 Buick Riviera has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.