1990 Buick Riviera Problems: 16 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 1990 Buick Riviera problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Brakes
4
Airbags
3
Lights
3
Electrical
2
Transmission
2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Brakes
4
Airbags
3
Lights
3
Electrical
2
Transmission
2
Body
1
Engine
1

Recalls 4

Seat belts: front: webbingReported May 31, 1995 · 113,343 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 95V110000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lampReported September 13, 1991 · 18,904 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 91V158000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported September 6, 1990 · 63,964 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Transaxle shift control cable may disengage from the from the floor shift control with loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 90V164000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: retractorReported February 12, 1990 · 10,166 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 90V028000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Buick Riviera

Defect investigations

Seat belt retractor failsOpened February 28, 1994, closed June 16, 1995

There is no summary currently available

EA94010

1990 Buick Riviera fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

Engine	Drive	City	Highway	Combined
3.8L 6‑cyl	FWD	16	25	19

What 1990 Buick Riviera owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

Vehicle hesitate d before accelerating. Dealership will be notified.

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Abs braking problem, when applying brakes there is noise and less braking power.

Filed Jan 30, 2001 · Brakes · NY

While driving and upon attemtping to stop, brake pedal got very hard, causing complete brake failure. This caused consumer to skid out into traffic. It has been an ongoing problem. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has replaced part number 1646523, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.

Filed Oct 7, 1999 · Brakes · OR

Anti-lock brakes continually failing, several replacements however continues to fail, almost resulting in vehicle accidents due to loss of control. Mjs

Filed Jul 29, 1998 · Airbags · WI

Consumer has a complaint concerning dealer/manufacturer's. Refusal to replace defective driver's air bag.

Filed Oct 7, 1997 · Lights · CO

The headlights went out while driving and the cruise control was on when the headlights went out.

Filed Sep 30, 1997 · Lights · CO

Vehicle lost all lighting while driving causing complete loss of sight.

Filed Sep 14, 1997 · Body · IL

Right engine cradle rusted.

Filed Jul 14, 1997 · Transmission · MD

Consumer states that the speedometer display on his vehicle comes and goes . When the speedometer goes there is no way of telling the speed of vehicle. Manufacturer will be contacted.

Filed Mar 26, 1997 · Airbags · IL · crash

Owner states that vehicle was involved in an accident while traveling at 30 MPH and there was no deployment of the driver's side airbag. Owner questions the safety of the airbags.

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Compare the 1990 Buick Riviera

Other model years

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Questions about the 1990 Buick Riviera

Is the 1990 Buick Riviera reliable?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1990 Buick Riviera, close to a typical Riviera model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Buick Riviera?

Brakes, with 4 complaints. Next is airbags (3).

How many recalls does the 1990 Buick Riviera have?

4 recalls, covering seat belts, service brakes, hydraulic and power train.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Buick Riviera brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 91V158000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Buick Riviera get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Buick Riviera range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 25 highway.

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1990 Buick Riviera problems