1999 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 1999 Buick Riviera problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1999 Buick Riviera, several common problems have been reported:
- Alarm System Malfunction: Complaints include the alarm system going off unexpectedly and doors locking without cause. In some cases, the transmitter needed replacement to address this issue.
- Hesitation on Acceleration: Owners have experienced hesitation during acceleration at speeds between 35-40 mph. Despite complaints, some dealers have reported this as normal behavior.
- Gas Pedal Descending: A serious safety concern was reported where the gas pedal descended to the floor while driving at 70 mph with cruise control engaged, causing the vehicle to surge to 120 mph. This issue led to a dangerous situation where the driver had difficulty braking, resulting in brake pad damage.
- Mechanical Failures: Various mechanical failures have been reported, including a malfunctioning driver's side power seat incline, a faulty blend box or actuator, non-functional cruise control, a locked-up AC compressor, and an oil leak from the front valve cover. These issues can impact the comfort and safety of the vehicle.
These problems highlight a range of issues that owners of the 1999 Buick Riviera have faced, from safety concerns like gas pedal malfunctions to comfort-related issues such as power seat and AC problems. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the gas mileage on a 1999 Buick Riviera?
Fuel & MPG
296.0/462.5 mi. 18.5 gal.
What year was the last Buick Riviera made?
1994
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) |
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.
What is the gas mileage on a 1999 Buick Riviera?
Fuel & MPG
296.0/462.5 mi. 18.5 gal.
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.
What is the top speed of a Riviera car?
| Buick Riviera 7.5 Performance | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed : | 125 Mph / 201 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 Km/h) : | 9.10 s |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) : | - s |
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.
1999 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
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Buick Riviera vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Buick Riviera complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Buick Riviera.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-04
- VIN: 1G4GD221XX4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: WELL FOR STARTERS THE CAR HAS 131,000 MILES ON IT AND CLEAN INTERIOR. BUT....THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT INCLINE DOESN'T WORK, THE BLEND BOX OR AN ACTUATOR IS BAD, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK, AND THE AC COMPRESSOR IS LOCKED UP. BUT.... THE WORST PART IS THE OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT VALVE COVER. IT IS SPILLING OUT ON MY EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND SMOKES BADLY. I JUST READ GM HAS A RECALL ON ALL THE L67 3.8L SUPERCHARGED MOTORS IN GRAND PRIX AND REGALS AMONGST OTHER MODELS WITH THE 3.8L BUT NOT THE RIVIERAS. CAN THE RIV GET SOME LOVE TOO. I LIKE THE CAR BUT ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND A HIGHWAY SHUDDER AT 65-73.....👎👎😢😢👎👎👎😩😩😩😩😩
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-14
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING OUR 1999 BUICK RIVERA, I NOTICED WHAT FELT LIKE AN OUT OF ROUND TIRE. AS SOON AS I ARRIVED HOME, I CHECKED OUT THE TIRE. IT WAS LOCATED AT PSR. I FOUND EVIDENCE OF TREAD SEPARATION IN THE FORM OF A BULGE IN THE TREAD. I ALSO EXAMINED THE DSR TIRE AND FOUND THE SAME THING. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-14
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING OUR 1999 BUICK RIVERA, I NOTICED WHAT FELT LIKE AN OUT OF ROUND TIRE. AS SOON AS I ARRIVED HOME, I CHECKED OUT THE TIRE. IT WAS LOCATED AT PSR. I FOUND EVIDENCE OF TREAD SEPARATION IN THE FORM OF A BULGE IN THE TREAD. I ALSO EXAMINED THE DSR TIRE AND FOUND THE SAME THING. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-18
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, GAS PEDAL DESCENDED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SURGE TO 120 MPH. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WHICH BURNED THE BRAKE PADS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT 120 MPH FOR HALF A MILE BEFORE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-22
- VIN: 1G4GD2214X4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I NEEDED TO REPLACED THE INLET AND OUTLET HOSES FOR THE STEERING OF MY 1999 BUICK RIVIERIA. I HAD IT IN THE SHOP TO TAKE CARE OF TRAK OFF LIGHT AND THE MECHANIC ADVISE ME TO HAVE IT DONE BECAUSE THEY HAD A BULLENTIN REFERRING ABOUT IT
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-15
- VIN: 1G4GD2213X4
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD START TO SHAKE. TS DEALER CLAIMED THIS WAS NORMAL. ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF AND LOCKED DOORS. TRANSMITTER REPLACED. HESITATION ON ACCELERATION AT 35-40 MPH. DEALER REPORTED NORMAL. RUBBING NOISE WHEN BACKING UP. NO PROBLEM FOUND. *TT
Negative 1999 Buick Riviera car reviews
Positive 1999 Buick Riviera car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 98 Riv. While I initially thought that I wouldn't have any mechanical problems with it, unfortunately, the transmission started acting up just one week after we got it home. However, I must say that other than the transmission trouble, the car is a blast to drive and gets lots of looks. I love the extra power the supercharger makes and the fuel mileage is excellent. By the way, I previously owned a 95 Riviera and had some minor problems but nothing major. Thanks for listening!
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This is definitely the best car I have ever owned. I've had it for about 4 years now and have never had a single problem with it.
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I'm so glad I got this car with 50,000 miles on it, it has been absolutely wonderful! In my opinion, it might just be the most beautiful car that G.M. has ever built. Although the suspension was a bit too soft for my liking, I was able to tighten it up with some performance struts. It's comfortable, fast, and surprisingly economical considering its size and mass. I get an impressive 29-30 mpg with the cruise set at 73-74 mph, and even around Pittsburgh with all its hills, I still manage to get 18 mpg. The body is simply gorgeous, I find myself studying the curves and lines - it's a true masterpiece!
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This car has classic, superior styling reminiscent of Rivieras dating back to 1955. When I drive it, it still turns heads and people are amazed that it is 17 years old. I have decided to park it, with a car cover, and drive it perhaps 5 or 6 times a year, maybe take it on an occasional extended trip. Why all the fuss? Only about 1,900 1999 Rivieras were ever manufactured, making it a rare gem. As time passes, these cars will become even more valuable to collectors. Plus, the styling is timeless and far surpasses most current models. The 3.8L SuperCharged engine is almost indestructible as long as the owner has the oil changed and has other maintenance performed. The rear bench seating is surprisingly roomy for a coupe, and it is as comfortable as a first class seat on a commercial jet. Although 2 door coupes have been out of favor for years, this car's head-turning styling is sure to make you stand out. Premium fuel is recommended, but I ran a 1995 SC Riviera on regular gas for years with no problems. Keep in mind that all GM cars have had trouble with the use of cheaper, thinner leather that starts to show wear about 80-90,000 miles and on some Buicks the leather cracks and you are looking at a $300 reupholstery job for each front bucket seat.
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I really appreciate the body style, acceleration, and interior design of this car. The pearl exterior and light gray interior are absolutely beautiful! It's a very comfortable car that manages to be both luxurious and sporty. I especially love how low to the ground it is and its wide wheel base. This car really moves! I would love to buy another one, but the closest I've found to this body style was a Jaguar. It makes me wonder why it was discontinued. The car is on the larger side, but you only really notice it when trying to park in small areas. It doesn't make sharp U-turns, but other than that, this is the best car I've ever purchased. I'm actually looking to purchase a convertible and I'm shocked that the blue book value for the Riviera is less than 4k. That can't be right! Maybe I don't need a different car after all. I'm really happy with what I have.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Buick Riviera problems:
1999 Buick Riviera Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top 1999 Buick Riviera Problems · Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow or Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure · Intake Manifold Gasket May Leak Engine Oil.
Buick Riviera 1997: Q&A on Supercharger & Common Problems
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 ...
Reliability of 1995-1999 Supercharged Riviera's? : r/Buick
Jun 8, 2023 ... Since the engine is notoriously reliable, the body is the weakest link imo. Fwiw, the fuel tank for the 96 is NOT the same tank in the 97 if you ...
1995-1999 Buick Riviera opinions needed! | V8buick.com
Mar 6, 2010 ... batcar Well-Known Member. That 3800 is an awesome engine, we put over 80,000 miles on a Bonneville, only issues was ...
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 ...
Other years of Buick Riviera
Are you having problems with your 1999 Buick Riviera?
Ryleigh King 2024-10-09
This car has great pick up and is perfect for freeway driving, although it may have a little trouble with handling. The exterior design is decent, but it is a bit too long.