1986 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 1986 Buick Riviera problems
Based on the search results, the 1986 Buick Riviera faced several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues and the anti-theft system.
- Electrical Problems
Many 1986 Buick Riviera owners have reported various electrical issues, including the dash panel display randomly blacking out, the GCC display sometimes blacking out or switching to the radio screen, and the diagnostics screen displaying "Instrument Panel Controls Problem." These issues are often accompanied by a relay switch clicking rapidly, either "click-click" or "beep-beep" sounds. The relay that clicks is the "Rap accessory 1" relay, which is designated as "H" in the relay diagram.
- Anti-Theft System Issues
A significant number of owners have reported problems with the anti-theft system causing the car not to start. This issue is related to the Buick Riviera's raised-chip anti-theft system, which can prevent the car from starting due to a failure in the system's communication with the engine control module (ECM).
- Central Power Supply (CPS) Unit Problems
Some owners have reported issues with the Central Power Supply (CPS) unit, which can cause electrical problems. A GM bulletin recalled the original CPS units, but it is unclear if all affected units were replaced. The CPS is located near the brake pedal and has no numbers if it has been replaced. A bad solder joint in the unit can be checked by tapping the CPS and observing if it has an effect.
- Other Minor Issues
In addition to these major problems, some owners have reported minor issues, such as the radio not working, the date and time not being able to be set, and the clock displaying no digits or the default date ("Wednesday, January 1, 1986").
- Recall: Aftermarket Fuel Filters/Fuel Leak
There is a recall related to aftermarket fuel filters that may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
These problems have contributed to the 1986 Buick Riviera's poor sales performance, with the car barely selling 22,000 units in its first year after the high mark of 65,000 units in 1985.
Did the 1986 Buick Riviera have a touch screen?
Which was effectively a CRT touchscreen that controlled numerous vehicle functions from the middle of the instrument panel. It was a device that was almost universally panned by critics as well as
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Riviera have?
1986 Buick Riviera Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 140 horsepower, 3L NA V6 overhead valves (OHV) 12V engine and 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It gives mileage of 17 MPG in city and 27 MPG on highway.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Riviera have?
1986 Buick Riviera Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 140 horsepower, 3L NA V6 overhead valves (OHV) 12V engine and 4-Speed Automatic transmission. It gives mileage of 17 MPG in city and 27 MPG on highway.
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.
Did the 1986 Buick Riviera have a touch screen?
Which was effectively a CRT touchscreen that controlled numerous vehicle functions from the middle of the instrument panel. It was a device that was almost universally panned by critics as well as
1986 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Buick Riviera complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Buick Riviera.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VOLTAGE CONVERTER FOR THE DASH AND SHIFTING INDICATORS FAILED. DASH AND SHIFTING INDICATORS ARE DEPENDENT ON VOLTAGE CONVERTER. WITHOUT THE LIGHTS AND IN THE DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE LIGHT SWITCH IS LOCATED OR WHERE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER IS POSITIONED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-27
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE IS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-06
- VIN: 41G4EZ57B8G
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING INOPERATIVE, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL FORCE TO TURN WHEEL. *SD
1986 Buick Riviera recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 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: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Buick Riviera problems:
Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
Car Won't Start Because of Anti-Theft System That Uses Raised-Chip Key · The Trunk Lid Won't Close Due to Trunk Pull Down Switch Failure · Stalling Due to Mass ...
1987 Buick Riviera: instrument cluster..electrical problem..same thing
Jan 9, 2007 ... ... buick dealer here is far from helpfull,an from what I've experience this is common problem with 86-87 riviera's. Auto Mechanic: RD. Verified ...
1986 Riviera electrical problems - Buick Reatta - Antique ...
Feb 6, 2012 ... You mentioned that you checked the battery terminals and the fuseable links and ground point, but did you check all three common ground points ...
Problems with my 1997 Buick Riviera | 3800Pro Forums
Sep 3, 2023 ... Swapped the coil packs with known working ones with no luck. Tested the fuel pressure and it all looked good. Swapped the PCM from the parts car ...
1988 Riviera problems: new to Buick Please help - Buick Riviera ...
Jan 16, 2022 ... I have aquired a 1986 century estate wagon That pretty much has the exact opposite problem. It will start and idle but as soon as you give ...
Other years of Buick Riviera
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