Summary
The Buick Riviera has 19 recalls spanning the 1975 through 1996 production run, with the most serious being a missing steering shaft pinch bolt on 1992 models that can allow the intermediate shaft to pull away from the steering rack, leaving the driver with no steering control.
The 1996 model year has two recalls: a backfire during engine starting can crack the upper intake manifold, leading to a no-start condition or an engine compartment fire, and a damaged capacitor in the alarm and locking module can silence the key-in-ignition and seatbelt warning chimes, removing those compliance reminders. On 1995 models, the rear shoulder belt retractor return spring can disengage from its spool shaft, leaving slack in the belt that reduces protection in a crash. The 1993 model has a front outer shoulder belt that can jam in its retractor, making it difficult or impossible to fasten. Moving back to 1990 models, the driver airbag inflator can separate when the system fires, allowing hot combustion gases to escape into the cabin rather than inflating the bag; a separate filing on 1990 models covers the same inflator separation risk. The 1990 model also has a transaxle shift cable that can disengage from the floor shifter, making it impossible to tell which gear the transmission is actually in, and rear seat belt retractors with misaligned pendulums that can either lock permanently or fail to lock in a panic stop or crash. There is also a brake warning lamp on 1990 models that may not illuminate as required when the ignition is on and the parking brake is applied.
Going further back, the 1986 model has a power steering pressure hose that can wear against the transmission speed sensor connector, leak fluid, and eventually cause both a loss of steering assist and an underhood fire. On 1979 models, front engine mount bracket bolts can loosen and fall out, leading to bracket failure and loss of drive power; a separate 1979 issue affects turbocharged V6 models, where plugged vacuum harness tubes disrupt engine function, and some 1979 vehicles were assembled with clear front side marker bulbs instead of the required amber ones. The 1980 model year has a maintenance schedule that specifies an incorrect spark plug change interval. The earliest recall covers 1975 models equipped with the optional air cushion restraint system, where the driver airbag module may contain insufficient propellant to inflate properly in a crash.
