VehicleVerdict

1995 Buick Riviera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 177 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 177.0 times the median Riviera year — the 1995 model ranks #1 of 31 Riviera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (29), seat belts (22), and electrical system (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

177

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

9

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Riviera years?

Riviera NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 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, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Riviera years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Buick Riviera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2916%
Seat Belts2212%
Electrical System1911%
Transmission1810%
Brakes169%
Steering137%
Visibility & Wipers95%
Body & Structure95%
Airbags95%
Fuel System85%
Suspension53%
Other53%
Speed Control42%
Latches & Locks32%
Lighting32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1995 Buick Riviera have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V057000Seat BeltsFebruary 28, 2000 · 85,253 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SHOULDER BELT(S) DO NOT RETRACT. A RETAINER COULD SEPARATE FROM A REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR WHICH RESULTS IN THE RETRACTOR RETURN SPRING BECOMING DISENGAGED.

Consequence

IN A CRASH, AN OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES IF THERE IS EXCESSIVE SLACK IN THE SHOULDER BELT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH REAR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS FOR CORRECT FUNCTION AND INSTALL A SPRING COVER RETAINING STRAP TO EACH RETRACTOR. IF A RETRACTOR DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2001 · fire

“I PULLED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN # 00V0057000 & CALLED DLR. THEY PULLED UP VIN. AND SAID THERE WASNO SAFETY RECALL ON MY VIN. I THEN CALLED EBONY DAVIS @ BUICK .SHE SAID NHTSA RECALL NOT CORRECT AND WAS NOT RELATED TO ANYTHING AT BUICK. PLEASE HELP I THINK THIS REPAIR IS SOMETHING BUICK SHOULD PAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 19, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 13, 2001 · fire

“THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND PARKED WITH KEYS OUT. THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL WITH NO OCCUPANT AND EVENTUALLY HIT A TRUCK. THE KEYS WILL COME OUT OF THE IGNITION IN ANY GEAR CAUSING THE CAR TO ROLL IF NOT COMPLETELY IN PARK, A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SAY IT IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 21, 2001 · crash

“NEW MASTER CYLINDER WAS INSTALLED 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO IT'S FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING FORWARD CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR, CONSUMER APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUE FORWARD INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1995 Buick Riviera — common questions

Is the 1995 Buick Riviera reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 177 complaints put the 1995 model at #1 of 31 Riviera years. It is one of the Riviera years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Riviera problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), seat belts (22 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints).

Does the 1995 Buick Riviera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Buick Riviera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Buick Riviera under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.