Buick Riviera recalls

13 official safety recalls for the Buick Riviera from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Rear seat belt retractor may not retract

    Reported February 28, 2000Model years 1995NHTSA campaign 00V05700085,253 vehicles affected

    A retainer may separate from a rear shoulder belt retractor, disengaging its return spring and leaving excess slack. This could increase injury severity in a crash. Dealers will inspect both retractors and install a retaining strap; they will replace any that do not work correctly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
    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.
    Notes
    GM RECALL NO. 00023.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537 OR BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  2. Backfire may break intake manifold

    Reported July 1, 1996Model years 1996NHTSA campaign 96V116000275,811 vehicles affected

    A backfire during starting may break the upper intake manifold, causing a no-start condition or possibly an engine-compartment fire. Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until repaired, the hood should be shut when starting.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
    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.
    Notes
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L V6 ENGINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATIONS BEGAN DURING JULY 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  3. Warning chimes and indicators may fail

    Reported October 23, 1995Model years 1996NHTSA campaign 95V20400032,869 vehicles affected

    A damaged module capacitor may disable the key-in-ignition and unbuckled seat belt warnings, along with other reminder, lighting and door lock functions. Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if required.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION; ANTI-THEFT; FMVSS NO. 114 AND NO. 208.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  4. Front shoulder belt may stick in retractor

    Reported May 31, 1995Model years 1990–1993NHTSA campaign 95V110000113,343 vehicles affected

    The shoulder belt webbing stop can stick in the retractor, making the belt difficult to pull out and preventing some occupants from fastening it. This can increase injury risk in a crash. A dealer will install a webbing stop button if the customer requests repair.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SHOULDER BELTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; ORCADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  5. Steering coupling pinch bolt may be missing

    Reported September 18, 1991Model years 1992NHTSA campaign 91V1570002,371 vehicles affected

    If the lower coupling disengages without its pinch bolt, the driver could lose steering control and crash. Install the pinch bolt.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:RACK AND PINION
    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.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: GENERAL MOTORS HAS IDENTIFIED THIS AS A PRE-DELIVERY RECALL CAMPAIGN. ALLVEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD.

  6. Brake warning light may not illuminate

    Reported September 13, 1991Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 91V15800018,904 vehicles affected

    The brake indicator light may not illuminate under the specified ignition, parking brake, and gear conditions, so the vehicle does not meet requirements. Replace the body computer module PROM to prevent the condition.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
    Defect
    BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT LIGHT WHEN IGNITION IS IN THE "ON" POSITION, THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED, AND THE SHIFT SELECTOR IS IN THE PARK OR NEUTRAL GEAR RANGE.
    Consequence
    VEHICLES WOULD NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 101AND 105.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE PROM IN THE BODY COMPUTER MODULE TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION FROM OCCURRING.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: CONTROL DISPLAYS; FMVSS 101 AND 105.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  7. Shift cable may disengage from floor shifter

    Reported September 6, 1990Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 90V16400063,964 vehicles affected

    The transaxle shift cable may disengage from the floor shifter, preventing the driver from identifying or selecting the actual gear and potentially causing unexpected movement or a crash. A retaining clip will be installed to keep the cable connected.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
    Defect
    TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE FROM THE FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL WITH LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
    Consequence
    DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL GEARPOSITION THE TRANSAXLE IS IN, WHICH COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENTAND AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO PREVENT CABLE DISENGAGEMENT.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: TRANSAXLE; SHIFT CONTROL CABLE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  8. Rear seat belt may fail to lock

    Reported February 12, 1990Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 90V02800010,166 vehicles affected

    Misaligned rear shoulder belt retractors may cause the belt to stay locked or move freely without locking. If it fails to lock in a panic stop or crash, the occupant could be more likely to be injured. The retractor assemblies will be realigned.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
    Defect
    MISALIGNED REAR SEAT SAFETY BELT SHOULDER RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES COULD CAUSE PENDULUM INTERFERENCE, CAUSING THE BELT TO REMAIN IN LOCKED POSITION OR TO TRAVEL FREELY WITHOUT LOCKING.
    Consequence
    IN THE EVENT OF A PANIC STOP OR ACCIDENT, IF THE BELT RETRACTOR INERTIA LOCK DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD HAVE AN INCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY.
    Remedy
    REALIGN REAR SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: REAR SEAT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  9. Cruise control bushing may slip out of place

    Reported June 16, 1989Model years 1984–1985NHTSA campaign 89V1020001,755,897 vehicles affected

    A nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out, causing unexpected increases in engine speed or engine run-on with the ignition off. The servo rod assembly could catch on engine components and cause a stuck throttle. A new bushing will be installed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Defect
    A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
    Consequence
    SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
    Notes
    SYSTEM:CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL ANDCERTAIN GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINES.

  10. Left front brake pipe may wear through

    Reported April 5, 1989Model years 1989NHTSA campaign 89V05600010,535 vehicles affected

    The left front brake pipe may contact the cruise control servo bracket and wear through, causing brake fluid loss and partial loss of braking capability. This could result in a crash. The remedy is to replace the brake pipe assembly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
    Defect
    LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
    Consequence
    BRAKE LINE COULD WEAR THROUGH CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKEFLUID AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY; THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH.
    Remedy
    REPLACE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE/CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 ENGINES ANDANTI-LOCK BRAKES.

  11. ABS hydraulic unit mounting bolts may loosen

    Reported April 5, 1989Model years 1989NHTSA campaign 89V055000634 vehicles affected

    One or both ABS hydraulic unit mounting bolts may be improperly seated and loosen, allowing the unit to separate from its bracket and cause loss of brake function and a crash without prior warning. The remedy is to replace both mounting bolts.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
    Defect
    ONE OR BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD LOOSEN.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE ABSHYDRAULIC UNIT FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONAND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy
    REPLACE BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE MOUNTING BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS).

  12. Power steering hose may abrade and leak

    Reported May 10, 1988Model years 1986–1987NHTSA campaign 88V07800065,136 vehicles affected

    Insufficient clearance may let the power steering pressure hose rub against a connector and wear through. A fluid leak could lead to an underhood fire. The hose will be replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
    Defect
    INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR/SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE ABRASION OF THE HOSE.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD RESULT IN A FLUID LEAK, WITH THE POTENTIAL FORAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: POWER STEERING PUMP HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  13. Wiper motor relay capacitor may overheat

    Reported November 15, 1982Model years 1983NHTSA campaign 82V1100005,316 vehicles affected

    The noise suppression capacitor in the wiper motor relay may overheat during wiper operation. Dealers will remove the capacitor free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
    Defect
    DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
    Remedy
    THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
    Notes
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DELCO/BOSE RADIO PULSEWIPE FEATURES.SYSTEM: VISUAL; WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATING CAN CAUSE LOSS OF WINDSHIELDWIPER OPERATION AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS FIRE MAY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.NOTE: OWNER IS ADVISED NOT TO USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY FEATUREUNTIL THE VEHICLE CAN BE CORRECTED. WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO USE THE WINDSHIELDWIPER SYSTEM, IT SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN THE MEDIUM OR HIGH POSITIONS.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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