Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 69.0 times the median Riviera year — the 1996 model ranks #2 of 31 Riviera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), brakes (9), and fuel system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
69
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 9 | 13% | — flat |
| Brakes | 9 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 8 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Defect
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE; THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE KEY WAS LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR THAT THE SAFETY BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ELECTRICAL (?)--THE ENGINE DIES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART WHEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHILE STILL ROLLING BUT DOES RESTART WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED! THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVEN TIMES DURING THE PAST 9 MONTHS AND IS HAPPENING WITH MORE FREQUENCY--4 TIMES THIS MONTH! THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED HESITATING. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE…”
“COULD NOT GET FIRST INCIDENT DATE ENTERED. THIS IS CURRENT TIME STARTED IN 2013. HAVE HAD REPAIRED 5 TIMES AND NEEDS AGAIN. WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY ABOVE 60 MILES PER HOUR AND HAVE TO BRAKE HEAVILY IT WILL START TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY STEERING COLUMN FIXED 2 TIMES THIS YEAR, AS IT LOOSENS UP AND YOU…”
“THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL# 95V20400 ELECTRIC SYSTEM: ANTI-THEFT DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT DEALT WIT SAME PROBLEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 00V057000. 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. DEALER INDICATED TO…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1996 model at #2 of 31 Riviera years. It is one of the Riviera years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Buick Riviera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.