Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1992 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.
17
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 3 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 12% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 6% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 6% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 6% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
Defect
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO STEERING RACK LOWER COUPLING PINCH BOLT MAY BE MISSING.
Consequence
IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND SHAFT DISENGAGEMENT OCCURS, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCED BY THE DRIVER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL PINCH BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ILLEGALLY, AND CONSUMER HIT OTHER CAR ON REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED BUICK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“ENGINE DID NOT DEACCELERATE AFTER RELEASING ACCELERATOR PEDAL, INSTEAD, ACCELERATED HIGH SPEED, DRIVER KEPT BRAKES APPLIED TO AVOID HIGH SPEED, NO WARNING, TWO OCCURRANCES WITHIN 10 DAYS, CAUSE UNKNOWN.”
“VEHICLE WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE GAUGE RED LINE APPEARED AND THE BRAKES BECAME VERY SPONGY. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL. CONSUMER SAID THAT WITH REDUCED TRAFFIC AND INCREASED SPEED, COOLING OCCURED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL EFFECTIVENESS RETURNED.…”
The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Buick Riviera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.