Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1985 Buick Riviera, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 1985 Buick Riviera failed the safety check 0.55% of the time — 27% less often than the average 1985 passenger car (0.76%). Median odometer at inspection: 52,238 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 1985 Buick Riviera.
| 1989092 4 Jul 1989 | Engine A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL (BRACKET) MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING… |
| 1985126 18 Nov 1985 | Not Entered VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 -EXHAUST EMISSIONS. |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
NHTSA investigations
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
REAR DISC BRAKES
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation