1993 Buick Riviera problems

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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.

1993 Buick Riviera

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Common 1993 Buick Riviera problems

Based on the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1993 Buick Riviera as reported by owners:

  • Front Mount Shackle: There have been complaints about difficulty finding replacement mounts for the front mount shackle in the 1993 Buick Riviera. Due to the limited aftermarket support for these specific parts, owners have faced challenges in sourcing suitable replacements.
  • Exhaust Leak: Some owners have experienced an exhaust leak in their 1993 Buick Riviera. This leak is noticeable when the vehicle is stationary and can be detected through the vents. However, the leak tends to disappear once the vehicle is in motion. Identifying and addressing the source of the leak may be necessary for optimal vehicle performance.
  • Remote Entry: Certain 1993 Buick Rivieras were equipped with remote entry capabilities, but some owners have reported not having the remote for this feature. Owners have inquired about the possibility of obtaining a remote from Buick to enable keyless entry functionality in their vehicles.
  • Landau Top Removal: For owners who do not prefer the Landau top style on their 1993 Buick Riviera, removing it may require more than just detaching the top. Bodywork might be necessary as there are posts where the vinyl top clips onto the car. This modification may involve additional steps beyond simply removing the Landau top.

These common problems highlight some of the issues that owners of the 1993 Buick Riviera have encountered, ranging from heating system malfunctions to challenges in finding specific replacement parts and addressing exhaust leaks.

1993 Buick Riviera engine

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.

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.

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 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.

How fast is a Buick Riviera?

Performance

30 - 70 mph8.7 s
0 - 90 mph18.8 s
0 - 100 mph24.5 s
1/4 mile16.5 s @ 79.5 mph
Top speed190 kph (118 mph)

Why won't my Buick Riviera start?

The most common reasons a Buick Riviera won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

1993 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
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Wheels problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Buick Riviera complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Buick Riviera.

2005-03-10

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-07-26
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L5PU
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: THREE OF THE ALUMINUM WHEELS , BOTH FRONT AND ONE RIGHT REAR, ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH AIR PRESSURE LOSS. EVERY THREE DAYS CONSUMER HAS TO REPLACE AIR IN ALL THREE TIRES. ALL THE TIRES AND THE STEMS WERE REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED.THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
1999-09-21

STEERING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Number Of Deaths: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L4PU
  • Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 45MPH, ACCORDING TO POLICE REPORT, HAD LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AFTER SWERVING. HIT ENBANKMENT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE FLIPPED END OVER END. DRIVER DIED. *AK
1999-08-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-13
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L3PU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE BRAKE PADS ARE RUBBING AGAINST THE BRAKE DISC CAUSING THEM TO PREMATURELY WEAR. BRAKES PADS BROKE APART WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. CONSUMER WAS NOT APPLYING BRAKES AT THIS TIME ALL PARTS OF BRAKES WHERE DISTROYED.*YC.ET.
1998-05-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-30
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L5PU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.
1998-05-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-30
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L5PU
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
1996-12-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L3PU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT, WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE CONSOLE LIGHTS GO OFF AND VEHICLE STALLS, LIGHTS WILL FLASH. *AK DEALER FOUND A LOOSE CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY WHICH WAS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS, DEALER DID NOT CHARGE CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS AND PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. *SLC
1994-10-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
  • VIN: 1G4EZ13L7PU
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAIL TO RESPOND WHEN FIRST APPLIED DURING COLD WEATHER, THEN SUDDENLY LOCK UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID. *AW

1993 Buick Riviera recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Buick Riviera.

1995-05-31
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
  • Summary: THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.

Negative 1993 Buick Riviera car reviews

  1. Marshall Jaskolski 2024-05-03

    It's a great car! The only downside is that the gas tank door tends to rust before any other part, for some reason. Unfortunately, there aren't many in the bone yard, so I spent a whole day trying to find one.

  2. Sylvester Kling 2024-01-02

    Reliable and handles well. It always starts and runs well. Although the ride is not as smooth as my '93 OLDS 88 (rides like a hay wagon), I still enjoy driving it. The body has very little rust, except for the rear subframe which I'm replacing with a nice rust-free piece from Arizona. I bought this car because I love its great looks.

Positive 1993 Buick Riviera car reviews

  1. Wyman Eichmann 2024-10-22

    My 92 Riviera is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The ride and drive are truly one of a kind. I get an awesome 21 city/29 HWY out of her. Buick really needs to bring this car back. They broke the mold when they built this car. I would definitely recommend this type of car to anyone who asks.

  2. Reid Cruickshank 2024-09-12

    I absolutely fell in love with a 27-year-old Buick Riviera (1992) that unexpectedly caught my eye one day. To make a long story short, I made an offer, it was accepted, and now I am the proud owner of this beautiful car. Although I don't know much about its history, it is practically brand new with only 26k miles. I can't help but wonder where it has been all these years! I promise to take great care of it and it will never spend a night outside or be exposed to rain. The car even came with its original window sticker, which I framed. The MSRP was $28,000.00 or more! It was love at first sight and felt like a Christmas gift in July!

  3. Enid Little 2024-08-29

    This automobile is amazing! It's the best road machine I've ever owned. It's so well-built, easy to maintain, and gets incredible fuel economy for its size, weight, and creature features. I once drove 408 miles from KC to south central Minn without stopping to fill up with just an 18-gallon tank of gas! It's perfect for both the mountains and the plains. I really wish Buick would bring this type of quality vehicle back into production. When General Motors built this car, they truly broke the mold and built the best. The only repairs I've had to make are minor cosmetic items, and it's hard to find parts now. I'm heading to Florida next month and can't wait to take Baby on the road again!

  4. Dock Leffler 2024-08-25

    They are both fast and durable, with a 3.8-liter engine. This sporty and classy car also handles well.

  5. Alfonso Homenick 2024-08-25

    I am thrilled with this vintage car. It runs perfectly and is incredibly reliable.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1993 Buick Riviera problems:

Buick Riviera 1997: Q&A on Supercharger & Common Problems
Buick Riviera 1997: Q&A on Supercharger & Common Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/buick/5fc95-buick-riviera-1997-buick-riviera-w-supercharger.html

Aug 17, 2011 ... I have a 1997 Buick Riviera w/supercharger with 107000 miles that has developed a transmission problem. It's - Answered by a verified Buick ...

93 Riviera Minor Issues - Buick Riviera - Antique Automobile Club of ...
93 Riviera Minor Issues - Buick Riviera - Antique Automobile Club of ...
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/326105-93-riviera-minor-issues/

Apr 29, 2019 ... Your picture is not showing for me? For the heater … I have a similar issue with my '93, I believe the problem is the ...

1993 Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
1993 Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1993-buick-riviera/problems

Problem with your 1993 Buick Riviera? Our list of 19 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1993 Buick Riviera.

Common 4T60E Transmission Problems - Expert Q&A | JustAnswer
Common 4T60E Transmission Problems - Expert Q&A | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/car/19t53-buick-riviera-s-c-3-8-w-4t60e-trans.html

Jun 26, 2008 ... I have a buick riviera S/C 3.8 w/ 4T60E trans ... The 4T60E does have a common issue ... Ou: I have 1993 buick park avenue with 3.8 At first it was ...

Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/buick/riviera/2

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.

Other years of Buick Riviera

buick riviera 1995 photo
Riviera 1995
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buick riviera 1996 photo
Riviera 1996
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buick riviera 1997 photo
Riviera 1997
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buick riviera 1998 photo
Riviera 1998
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buick riviera 1999 photo
Riviera 1999
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buick riviera 1969 photo
Riviera 1969
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1993 Buick Riviera photo