Defect
THE FRONT LEFT UPPER CONTROL ARM NUTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY TIGHTENED. THE NUTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF AND WITH CONTINUED DRIVING THE CONTROL ARM FRONT BOLT MAY WORK ITS WAY OUT OF POSITION OR BECOME DISPLACED.
1981 Buick Riviera problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Buick Riviera — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other Riviera years?
Does the 1981 Buick Riviera have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
1981 Buick Riviera — common questions
Is the 1981 Buick Riviera reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1981 Buick Riviera have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Buick Riviera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Which Buick Riviera years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Riviera years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among Riviera years belongs to 2000.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.