1989 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 1989 Buick Riviera problems
The 1989 Buick Riviera is known for several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues and the engine.
One of the most reported problems is the front cradle rust through, which was a prevalent issue in the 1998 model year but can also affect the 1989 model. This issue can lead to significant repair costs, with an average cost to fix of $1,000 and typically occurring at around 107,000 miles.
In terms of electrical issues, the 1989 Buick Riviera has been reported to have problems with the Central Power Supply (CPS) unit, which can cause various malfunctions in the car's electrical system.
The dash panel display can randomly black out at times, sometimes for seconds and sometimes for minutes, and the GCC display may also black out or go to the radio screen.
The radio may not work, and the antenna and tape deck both work, indicating that the radio receiver needs to be replaced. When set, the clock and date just go back to the default after turning off the car.
Interior lights, power seats, and power windows are functional, but they have not been tested when the dash blacks out.
The engine is another common problem area in the 1989 Buick Riviera. The Check Engine Light may come on due to a gas cap issue, which has been reported by six people. This problem can be resolved by ensuring that the gas cap is properly tightened or replaced if it is damaged.
In summary, the 1989 Buick Riviera has several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues and the engine. The front cradle rust through is a significant issue that can lead to high repair costs, while electrical problems with the CPS unit and BCM can cause various malfunctions in the car's electrical system. The engine may also have issues, such as the Check Engine Light coming on due to a gas cap problem.
What engine is in a 1989 Buick Riviera?
Mechanically, the model had the 3800 V-6, cast iron head and block, bore and stroke 3.80 X 3.40. Compression ratio was 8:51; brake horsepower: 165 @ 4800 rpm; torque 210 lb. ft.
How much is a 1990 Buick Riviera worth?
The value of a used 1990 Buick Riviera ranges from $1,509 to $6,696, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What was the last year Buick Riviera was made?
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.
How fast can a Buick Riviera go?
Performance
| 30 - 70 mph | 8.7 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 90 mph | 18.8 s |
| 0 - 100 mph | 24.5 s |
| 1/4 mile | 16.5 s @ 79.5 mph |
| Top speed | 190 kph (118 mph) |
What engine is in a 1989 Buick Riviera?
Mechanically, the model had the 3800 V-6, cast iron head and block, bore and stroke 3.80 X 3.40. Compression ratio was 8:51; brake horsepower: 165 @ 4800 rpm; torque 210 lb. ft.
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.
How fast is a Buick Riviera?
Performance
| 30 - 70 mph | 8.7 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 90 mph | 18.8 s |
| 0 - 100 mph | 24.5 s |
| 1/4 mile | 16.5 s @ 79.5 mph |
| Top speed | 190 kph (118 mph) |
How much is a 1990 Buick Riviera worth?
The value of a used 1990 Buick Riviera ranges from $1,509 to $6,696, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1989 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Buick Riviera complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Buick Riviera.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-01
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C3KU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 BUICK RIVIERA. ON NOVEMBER 7, 2007, THE BRAKES FAILED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ABS LIGHT HAD BEEN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. WHEN HE CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID, IT WAS LEVELED; HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE, THE FLUID FILLED UP AS IF THERE WAS A BACK UP SOMEWHERE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE SOME OF THE BRAKE FLUID. THE DEALER AND GENERAL MOTORS HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 89V056000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR ANTILOCK) APPLIES TO HIS VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C9KU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PLEASE REFERENCE NHTSA RECALL NO. 97V058/GM RECALL OF BUICK REGALS SOLD IN ILLINOIS 1998 - 1991. MY TIRE TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON MY 1989 BUICK RIVIERA WERE TOTALLY CORRODED AND THAT THEY COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY MY GENRAL MOTORS DEALER WHO STATED THAT I COULD LOSE STEERING CONTROL AND THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT BUICK HAD RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT THE RIVIERAS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES STILL ON THE ROAD...THEY ARE A UNIQUE VEHICLE AND IN DEMAND BY RIVIERA COLLECTORS. IF THIS CORROSION FAILURE OCCURRED ON MY EXCELLENTLY MAINTAINED VEHICLE, I AM CONCERNED THAT IT COULD POSE A LETHAL THREAT TO OTHER 1989 - 1991 BUICK RIVIERA OWNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. PLEASE NOTE THAT BILL HEMBROUGH BUICK HAS BEEN SOLD TO LOU BACHRODT COMPANY IN ROCKFORD AND THAT THE REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE BY THE BACHRODT SERVICE DEPARTMENT.THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS NOTICE.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- VIN: 1G4EZ11CXKU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRADLE THAT HOLDS ENGINE CORRODED AND RUSTED TO THE POINT IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OUT CAUSING STEERING TO BECOME IMPOSSIBLE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-23
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C9KU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
- Summary: AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP, FITTINGS, LINES... COSTING $467.00 ON 11/23/99 -- THE MECHANIC AND MANAGER INFORMED US OF THE IMMINENT DANGERS OF THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE OF "RUSTED-THROUGH CRADLE ARM AND BREAKING, RUSTY BOLTS PERTAINING TO THE ENGINE CRADLE" THAT WILL REQUIRE THAT THE ENGINE BE EXTRACTED AND THE "CRADLE" BE REPLACED (OR IF POSSIBLE? "WELDED" ?). WE JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, WHO DID LOTS OF "MAINTANENCE" AND "REPAIRS" AND LOTS OF MONEY $$$ ON THE 1989 BUICK RIVIERA. WE LOVE RIVIERA'S ! THIS "SEEMED" LIKE IT WAS IN "GOOD SHAPE" UNTIL THE "STEERING" WASN'T QUITE RIGHT, DRIFTING ON HIGHWAY (WITH OR WITHOUT ICY CONDITIONS) ! THEN, IT WAS DISCOVERED WHILE "ON THE LIFT" AT MIDWEST MARATHON IN PARMA WE HAVE PUT ALOT OF MONEY IN IT, TOO ! WE DO TAKE CARE OF ALL OF OUR CARS, AND LIKE OLDER MODELS RATHER THAN THE NEWER MODELS -- SO WE BOUGHT THIS WITH THE PLAN TO KEEP IT AWHILE ! WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INFORMATION AND HELP IN NOTIFYING GM/BUICK ABOUT THIS "ENGINE CRADLE" PROBLEM? ANY RECALLS ? WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR US !! WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT OURSELVES ! THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE WE BELIEVE FOR THIS COSTLY REPAIR !! PLEASE, EMAIL US : [email protected] OR WRITE OR CALL US ! *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-20
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C9KU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: RECALL ? VERY UNSAFE !! BOTH FRONT "HYDRAULIC" (RUSTY, AND NOT WORKING)SEAT MECHANISMS (THAT LOOK LIKE 2 BLACK SHAPED "PISTONS") THAT ENGAGE WITH EACH END OF THE BOTTOM REAR PART OF THE TWO FRONT SEATS TO "WORK" SEATING POSITIONS BACK AND FORTH DOES NOT "ENGAGE" THE SEATS -- SO THAT THE BACK PART OF THE SEATS WHERE YOUR BACK RESTS UP AGAINST DOES ACTUALLY "LUNGE" FORWARD AT "STOPS" SO EVEN THOUGH YOU OR YOUR PASSENGER WEARS A "SAFETY BELT" -- NEITHER ONE OF YOU ARE TRULY "RESTRAINED" !! MEANING, IT WOULD NOT STOP YOU FROM GOING FORWARD INTO THE FRONT DASHBOARD OR WORSE YET -- THE WINDSHIELD !! VERY "UNSAFE" !! THE ELECTRICAL MECHANISM MOVES THE SEAT, BUT THE "PERMANENCE OF THE SEAT, THE "HYDRAULIC" MECHANISM'S ABILITY TO ATTACH/ENGAGE WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT" IS BROKEN ! *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C8KU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYNG THE BRAKES AT 35 TO 40 MPH, PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. DEALER CUT ROTORS DOWN BEYOND SIZE REQUIRED BY STATE. THE ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-23
- VIN: 1G4E211C4KU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN OF THE MOTOR MODULE FOR THE ABS SYSTEM IS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-21
- VIN: 1G4EZ11C3KU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE COMPUTER SCREEN ON INSTRUMENT PANEL KEPT BLINKING OFF & ON. TOOK TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED THAT AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WAS THE CAUSE. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER AS OF YET.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-30
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED VEHICLE SURGED AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. TT
1989 Buick Riviera recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
- Summary: LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE MAY CONTACT THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
- Consequence: BRAKE LINE COULD WEAR THROUGH CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKEFLUID AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY; THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PIPE ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
- Summary: ONE OR BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD LOOSEN.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE ABSHYDRAULIC UNIT FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONAND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE BOTH ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BOLTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Buick Riviera problems:
Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
Top Buick Riviera Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Oil Leaks From Intake and Valve Covers · High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid.
1989 Buick Riviera Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Oct 4, 2012 ... Faults: The car needed a service when I bought it. Brake discs and pads front and rear, and the usual service stuff.
1989 Buick Riviera : save or crush - Buick Riviera - Antique ...
Mar 11, 2014 ... ... problems. Parts were obtained through the Buick dealership and what I couldn't find I purchased at the local auto supply. Also there are 3 ...
1987 Buick Riviera Q&A: Fuel Gauge Problems | JustAnswer
Sep 27, 2012 ... I have a 1987 Riviera. Problems ... Is this a common problem with the Riviera and if so, what is the solution? ... 1989 Buick Riviera My keyless ...
CRT Issue - Reatta Owners Journal Forum
Aug 23, 2019 ... Common Problems. Simple 3800 Cam Magnet ... 1988 and 1989 Buick Reatta · 1990 Buick Reatta ... Eldorado / Riviera Is that correct? Trying to find ...
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