VehicleVerdict

1987 Buick Riviera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1987 Buick Riviera — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Riviera years?

Riviera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted177 complaints1966: 0 complaints1969: 1 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 10 complaints1990: 16 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 17 complaints1993: 9 complaints1995: 177 complaints1996: 69 complaints1997: 48 complaints1998: 43 complaints1999: 12 complaints2000: 0 complaints
Riviera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Riviera years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Buick Riviera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System338%
Engine338%
Brakes113%
Steering113%

Does the 1987 Buick Riviera have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

88V078000SteeringMay 10, 1988 · 65,136 units

Defect

INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR/SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE ABRASION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FLUID LEAK, WITH THE POTENTIAL FORAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE.

1987 Buick Riviera — common questions

Is the 1987 Buick Riviera reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1987 Buick Riviera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Buick Riviera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Buick Riviera under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.