1998 Buick Riviera problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 43.0 times the median Riviera year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 31 Riviera years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), steering (7), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Riviera years?
What are the most common 1998 Buick Riviera problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8 | 19% | — flat |
| Steering | 7 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 14% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER STATES HORN IS INOPERABLE AT TIMES, ON ONE OCCASION HE HAD TO HIT THE HORN PAD SIX TIMES BEFORE THE HORN WOULD SOUND, DEALER HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED PARTS ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT FAILED. EMERGENCY BRAKE NEEDED ADJUSTED, THE PEDAL WAS NOT RETURNING ALL THE WAY UP…”
“STEERING WHEEL TILT IS HARD TO UNLOCK. STEERING WHEEL HAS MOVEMENT WHEN LOCKED IN PLACE. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT BROKE AND YOU COULD NOT KEEP WHEEL IN THE SET POSITION. THIS CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES OR TURNING CORNERS. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE LOCK PIN WAS BROKEN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“CONSUMER STATES HORN IS INOPERABLE AT TIMES, ON ONE OCCASION HE HAD TO HIT THE HORN PAD SIX TIMES BEFORE THE HORN WOULD SOUND, DEALER HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED PARTS ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT FAILED. EMERGENCY BRAKE NEEDED ADJUSTED, THE PEDAL WAS NOT RETURNING ALL THE WAY UP…”
“PE00 020; WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MHP ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE THREW HIM SIDEWAYS AND HE HITS SOME BUSHES VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED.*AK”
1998 Buick Riviera — common questions
Is the 1998 Buick Riviera reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 31 Riviera years. It is one of the Riviera years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Riviera problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), steering (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).
Does the 1998 Buick Riviera have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Buick Riviera.
Is the 1998 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.