1986 Buick Riviera recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE C…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
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 1986 RIVIERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR/SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE ABRASION OF THE HOSE.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FLUID LEAK, WITH THE POTENTIAL FORAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE.
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 1986 RIVIERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V078000.
- 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: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Summary: INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION GOVERNOR/SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE ABRASION OF THE HOSE.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FLUID LEAK, WITH THE POTENTIAL FORAN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP PRESSURE HOSE.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER STEERING PUMP HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Buick Riviera owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
09/29/1997 · Electrical system
VOLTAGE CONVERTER FOR THE DASH AND SHIFTING INDICATORS FAILED. DASH AND SHIFTING INDICATORS ARE DEPENDENT ON VOLTAGE CONVERTER. WITHOUT THE LIGHTS AND IN THE DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE LIGHT SWITCH IS LOCATED OR WHERE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER IS POSITIONED. *AK
12/27/1996 · Electrical system
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE IS DRAINING THE BATTERY AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
08/06/1994 · Steering
POWER STEERING INOPERATIVE, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL FORCE TO TURN WHEEL. *SD