1997 Buick Riviera: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Buick Riviera: 0 recalls, 43 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (10): the most common themes are steering problems (8).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3).
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are leaks (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Buick Riviera has 43 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 9 Riviera model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 33). Complaints peaked in 2002 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 94,386 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (44 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (29 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Buick Riviera.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Buick Riviera have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Buick Riviera. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Buick Riviera problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (10), electrical (6), engine & cooling (6).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Buick Riviera get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Buick Riviera repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.