1997 Buick Riviera problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 48.0 times the median Riviera year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 31 Riviera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (10), engine (7), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
48
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Riviera years?
What are the most common 1997 Buick Riviera problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 10 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 15% | — flat |
| Engine | 7 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 6 | 13% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“STEERING WHEEL CONTROL ARM BOLT CAME LOOSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FACE THE RIGHT WHEEL, AND LOST CONTROL AND WENT INTO DITCH. CONSUMER HAS ASKED DEALER TO REPLACE VEHICLE. *AK”
“BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH, THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF WARPING. ON 7/21/97 OWNER BROUGHT CAR BACK TO DEALER FOR SAME PROBLEM. AT THAT TIME AN ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE TO THE ROTORS. DEALER STATED THAT ROTORS WERE WARPED AGAIN WITH 9, 504 MILES. ON 11/24/97 BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER FOR…”
“AS I TURNED THE SWITCH ON, THE CAR BACK FIRED AND THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING IN THE CAR AND IT WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT. MY HUSBAND WHO HAD HEARD THE BACK FIRE FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND THE FIRE WAS ALREADY BLAZING.…”
“THIS MORNING I TRIED TO START THE CAR TO GET MY KIDS TO SCHOOL, I TURN THE KEY BUT THE ENGINE DIDN'T START, IMMEDIATELY A BIG LOUD EXPLOSION (THE CAR NEVER STARTED), THEN SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, I GOT OUT TO OPEN THE HOOD AND FIRE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE RIGHT NEXT DASHBOARD NEAR…”
“WE HAVE A '97 RIVIERA WITH PAINT PROBLEMS...IF THE PAINT BECOMES CHIPPED OR SCRATCHED, TEMPERATURE CHANGES CAUSE THE PAINT TO SHRINK AND EXPAND (MORESO WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COLDER) AND UNLESS I BREAK THE SHEETS OF PEELING PAINT OFF, IT KEEPS SPREADING. THIS EXPOSES THE GRAY METAL SEALER. I'D BE…”
1997 Buick Riviera — common questions
Is the 1997 Buick Riviera reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 31 Riviera years. It is one of the Riviera years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Riviera problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (10 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).
Does the 1997 Buick Riviera have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Buick Riviera.
Is the 1997 Buick Riviera under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.