1973 Buick Riviera problems
The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year.
As General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut. It was a ground-up design on a new GM E platform debuting for the 1963 model year and was also Buick's first unique Riviera model.
Unlike its subsequent GM E platform stablemates, the Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado, the Riviera was initially a front engine/rear-wheel drive platform, switching to front-wheel drive starting with the 1979 model year.
While the early models stayed close to their original form, eight subsequent generations varied substantially in size and styling. A total of 1,127,261 Rivieras were produced.
The Riviera name was resurrected for two concept cars that were displayed at auto shows in 2007 and in 2013.
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Common 1973 Buick Riviera problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1973 Buick Riviera, several common problems have been identified:
- Carburetor Issues: Owners have reported problems with the carburetor, which can lead to issues with engine performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. Carburetor problems can manifest as rough idling, stalling, or poor acceleration.
- Transmission Slippage: Another common complaint is transmission slippage, where the transmission fails to engage properly, leading to jerky shifting, loss of power, and potential safety concerns. This issue can be costly to repair and may require professional intervention.
- Electrical System: The Buick Riviera is known for its complex electrical system, which can be prone to failures in components like window motors and air conditioning units. Repairing electrical issues in this car can be challenging and expensive.
- Rust: Due to the age of the vehicle, rust can be a significant problem, especially in areas prone to corrosion. Rust can affect the structural integrity of the car, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
- Interior Wear: Owners have noted issues with interior components such as seats, door trims, and headliners showing signs of wear and tear. Restoring the interior of the Buick Riviera may require patience and sourcing authentic replacement parts.
- Alarm System: Some owners have reported issues with the alarm system, indicating potential malfunctions or false alarms. Addressing problems with the alarm system may require troubleshooting to identify the root cause and ensure proper functionality.
- General Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for older vehicles like the 1973 Buick Riviera. Owners should pay attention to routine tasks such as oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid checks to prevent larger issues from arising.
By addressing these common problems proactively and staying on top of maintenance, owners of the 1973 Buick Riviera can enjoy a smoother driving experience and preserve the value of this classic car.
How many 1973 Buick Rivieras were made?
Year | Body Code * see note | Total Production |
---|---|---|
1971 | 49487 | 33,810 (Includes 3,175 GS Option) |
1972 | 49487 | 33,728 (Includes 2,171GS Option) |
1973 | 4EY87 | 34,080 (Includes 3,933 GS Handling Option; |
1,234 Stage I Option) |
Is a Buick Riviera a classic?
The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year. As General Motors' first entry into the personal luxury car market segment, the Riviera was highly praised by automotive journalists upon its high-profile debut.
What engine did the Buick Riviera have?
Engines and Transmissions
For 1963, the Riviera was offered only with a 401 CID Nailhead V8 engine with standard dual exhaust. It produced 325 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The 401 engine was coupled with a three-speed Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission and could reach 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds.
Is the Riviera a muscle car?
With its European-influenced styling, however, as far as muscle cars go, its beauty ultimately overpowered its beast. The Buick Riviera may not go down in history as a highly regarded muscle car—but it will be highly regarded, period.
What size engine is in the 1973 Buick Riviera?
There was only one engine available: Buick's 455ci (7.5-litre) V8 producing 315bhp gross (around 250bhp net) in standard trim.
What are the options for the 1973 Buick Riviera?
Other 1973 Buick Riviera options included power sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, Strato bucket seats, power seats, tinted glass, cruise control, wire wheel covers, 5-spoke chrome wheels, AM/FM stereo radio, vinyl roof, console and power door locks.
What engine did the Buick Riviera have?
Buick's 325 hp (242 kW) 401 cu in (6.6 L) "Nailhead" V-8 was initially the only available engine, fitted with dual exhaust as standard equipment, and the turbine drive the only transmission.
Is the Riviera a muscle car?
With its European-influenced styling, however, as far as muscle cars go, its beauty ultimately overpowered its beast. The Buick Riviera may not go down in history as a highly regarded muscle car—but it will be highly regarded, period.
1973 Buick Riviera car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Riviera problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1973 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1973 Buick Riviera complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1973 Buick Riviera.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-26
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH A FIRESTONE ATX 23575R15 TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, OWNER REPLACED THREE TIRES, SEEKING REIMIBURSEMENT UNDER RECALL 00T-005. *CJ
1973 Buick Riviera recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1973 Buick Riviera.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1973 Buick Riviera problems:
Need opinions on a '73 - Buick Riviera - Antique Automobile Club of ...
May 24, 2018 ... It's a great highway cruiser, fast, powerful and steady. But poor gas mileage. And it's a big car, which makes parking in an urban setting ...
455 oiling problem | V8buick.com
I seem to have a oiling system problem with the 455 engine in my Riviera that has me baffled ... Buick 455 engines. The problem is as follows ... Once we checked ...
1973 Riviera boattail stage 1 authentication - Buick Riviera - Antique ...
Mar 25, 2015 ... The average guy here in the states with a parts car in the backyard typically don't want the hassle of foreign shipping. Problems can arise even ...
73 455 performance rebuild. I have ?'S! | V8buick.com
Feb 9, 2019 ... Thumper (aka greatscat) Well-Known Member. Vac2dabay said: ↑. Couple years back I purchased a 1973 Buick Riviera ...
1972 Buick Riviera for a Daily Driver - General Discussion - Car Talk ...
Apr 16, 2020 ... I would question the engine & transmission. Was it swapped out? The 455 push rod would be more common. What is a 350 with two cams? If, indeed ...
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