AI Damage1999 Buick Riviera: common problems
Owners of the 1999 Buick Riviera filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and tires. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 33% of all complaints
- 2 Tires 33% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 17% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 6 Equipment 17% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 17% of all complaints
- Steering: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Tires: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (17% 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 · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Riviera has 18 complaints (18 years in the data). This year has 6, below average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Buick Riviera?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, tires, electrical system. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: vibration (33%), A/C or heater (17%), hesitation when accelerating (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1999 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 1999 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 1999 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.