1985 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.
Social links
Common 1985 Buick Riviera problems
The 1985 Buick Riviera, a classic American luxury car, is known for its smooth ride and comfortable interior. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that may arise over time. Here are some of the common problems with the 1985 Buick Riviera, based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Won't start: One of the most common issues with the 1985 Buick Riviera is that it won't start. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dead battery, a faulty ignition system, or issues with the fuel system. If the car has been sitting for a long time, it may be necessary to clean out the fuel tank, lines, and filter, as they may have become clogged or dirty.
- Stalling out: Another common problem with the 1985 Buick Riviera is that it can stall out while driving. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the fuel system, the ignition system, or the transmission. It may be necessary to replace the fuel pump or the throttle position sensor to resolve this issue.
- Transmission problems: Transmission problems are also common in the 1985 Buick Riviera. These can include issues with shifting, grinding, or shakiness while driving. It may be necessary to replace the transmission fluid or have the transmission serviced to resolve these issues.
- Fuel system issues: Fuel system issues are also common in the 1985 Buick Riviera. These can include issues with the fuel pump, the fuel filter, or the fuel injectors. It may be necessary to replace these components to resolve fuel system issues.
- Electrical issues: Electrical issues are also common in the 1985 Buick Riviera. These can include issues with the battery, the alternator, or the ignition system. It may be necessary to replace these components to resolve electrical issues.
In summary, the 1985 Buick Riviera is a classic American luxury car that is known for its smooth ride and comfortable interior. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that may arise over time. Common problems with the 1985 Buick Riviera include issues with starting, stalling, transmission problems, fuel system issues, and electrical issues. It may be necessary to replace certain components or have the vehicle serviced to resolve these issues.
What engine is in a 1985 Buick Riviera?
Through most of the model run (1980-85), Buick also offered the infamous 5.7-liter Oldsmobile diesel V-8. Essentially a gasoline V-8, marginally adapted for high-compression diesel duty, these engines make the Riviera dangerously slow.
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 engine is in a 1985 Buick Riviera?
Through most of the model run (1980-85), Buick also offered the infamous 5.7-liter Oldsmobile diesel V-8. Essentially a gasoline V-8, marginally adapted for high-compression diesel duty, these engines make the Riviera dangerously slow.
Is Buick Riviera a luxury car?
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.
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 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.
1985 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Buick Riviera complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Buick Riviera.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE SUFFERED DISABLING FIRE DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE APPEARED TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, CARBURATOR WAS STILL WET WITH FUEL RESIDUE. ( OHIO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT) *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE SUFFERED DISABLING FIRE DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE APPEARED TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, CARBURATOR WAS STILL WET WITH FUEL RESIDUE. ( OHIO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT) *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE SUFFERED DISABLING FIRE DAMAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF FIRE APPEARED TO BE FUEL SYSTEM RELATED, CARBURATOR WAS STILL WET WITH FUEL RESIDUE. ( OHIO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORT) *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-11
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, FIRE DEVELOPED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY ENGINE RELATED. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *SLC
1985 Buick Riviera recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Buick Riviera.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Buick Riviera problems:
1985 Buick Riviera - Too few miles? - General Discussion - Car Talk ...
Nov 8, 2022 ... Cars which aren't driven enough can develop difficult to repair problems, many of the seals start to leak, engine & transmission gunk up, ...
Buick Riviera Questions - 1985 Buick Riviera keeps stalling out ...
Nov 7, 2012 ... 1985 Buick Riviera ... i bought my buick about 10 days ago and have been having nothing but problems with it. ... Stuck EGR valves are common on ...
1985 Riviera Factroy Service Manual--ECC Problems - Buick Reatta ...
Aug 28, 2013 ... Greetings, I am having some problems with my Electronic Climate Control System in my 85 Buick Riviera. Would anyone have that section of the ...
Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
Problem with your Buick Riviera? Our list of 31 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Buick Riviera.
Which of the 84 and 85 Riviera, which had fewer problems? - Buick ...
Jun 30, 2004 ... ... Rivieras. The 1984 and 1985 models were essentially the same car, and carried the design that had been introduced in 1979. The 5-litre engine ...
Other years of Buick Riviera
Are you having problems with your 1985 Buick Riviera?
Leave your review of 1985 Buick Riviera