VehicleVerdict

Buick Riviera years to avoid

The Buick Riviera years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.

439

Total complaints

35

Recall campaigns

1966–2000

Years covered

4

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Riviera years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1995High complaint rate177
1996High complaint rate69
1997High complaint rate48
1998High complaint rate43

Every Riviera year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200000
1999120
1998avoid430
1997avoid480
1996avoid692
1995avoid1771
199391
1992172
1991161
1990165
1989103
198811
198782
198622
198572
198402
198311
198211
198101
197902
197801
197702
197601
197503
197401
197311
197203
197102
197002
196910
196601

Common questions

What are the worst Buick Riviera years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Riviera years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. The cleanest year on record is 2000.

What is the best year for the Buick Riviera?

By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Riviera years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Buick Riviera have?

Across all model years, the Riviera has 35 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 439 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.