1991 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. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
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 1991 RIVIERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V110000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Summary: THE FRONT OUTER SHOULDER BELT WEB SEW STOP CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR AND SOME OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FASTEN THE BELT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THEIR RESTRAINT SYSTEM RESULTING IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A WEBBING STOP BUTTON IF THE CUSTOMER REQUESTS REPAIR.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SHOULDER BELTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; ORCADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (5), Seat belts (3), Hydraulic (3), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Airbags (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/30/2003 · Brakes
THE SEATBELT IN THE FRONT DOES NOT PULL OUT. WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS THE BRAKE CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
07/01/2002 · Brakes
WHEN APPLYING BRAKE UNDER NORMAL BRAKING SITUATIONS THERE IS EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, AND CALIPERS ONCE. PLEASE ADD FURTHER DEATAILS.*AK
12/10/2001 · Engine
IN HOT WEATHER, ENGINE OVERHEATS AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT RESTART AFTER SHUTOFF, CONSUMER HAS TO LET IT SET A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL START, THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED, RADIATOR HAS BEEN CLEANED, ENGINE HAS BEEN SERVICED, AND ANTI FREEZE HAS BEEN CHANGED, HOWEVER ENGINE CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT. *SLC
12/10/2001 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING, TACKOMETER FAILED, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, AND VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION CHECKED. *SLC
12/10/2001 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING, TACKOMETER FAILED, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, AND VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION CHECKED. *SLC
09/30/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER CAN'T DETERMINE HOW FAST VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AND HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. CONTACTED THE DEALER, BUT REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THE VEHICLE ISN'T UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
09/10/1998 · Brakes
WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE CAR DID NOT STOP AT ALL. BUICK STATES THE BOOSTER HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO IMPROVE BRAKES. HOWEVER, DEALER STATES THE BOOSTER IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
03/03/1997 · Seat belts · crash
THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED TO RESTRAIN OCCUPANT.