1983 Buick Riviera recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1983 RIVIERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V110000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DELCO/BOSE RADIO PULSEWIPE FEATURES.SYSTEM: VISUAL; WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: WIPER MOTOR OVERHEATING CAN CAUSE LOSS OF WINDSHIELDWIPER OPERATION AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS FIRE MAY SPREAD THROUGHOUT THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.NOTE: OWNER IS ADVISED NOT TO USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY FEATUREUNTIL THE VEHICLE CAN BE CORRECTED. WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO USE THE WINDSHIELDWIPER SYSTEM, IT SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN THE MEDIUM OR HIGH POSITIONS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
11/11/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DSH