AI Damage1989 Buick Riviera: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Buick Riviera filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and structure. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 33% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 33% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 11% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 11% of all complaints
- 5 Seats 11% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 11% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (33% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 9 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
Cradle that holds engine corroded and rusted to the point it was about to fall out causing steering to become impossible
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,366 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Riviera has 18 complaints (18 years in the data). This year has 9, below average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Buick Riviera?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, structure, electrical system. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: rust, corrosion (44%), brake failure (22%), fuel system, fuel smell (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Buick Riviera?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Buick Riviera from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.