Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 108 of 130 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
29 complaint records3 fire reports
"ENGINE STALLS, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND OTHER VEHICLE FUNCTIONS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT.DEALERS CANNOT DUPLICATE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Seat belts
22 complaint records
"REAR SHOUILDER BELT DOESN'T RELEASE FROM RETRACTING MECHANISM. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 00V057000. *AK *ML..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seat belts parts in the directory →
Power train
18 complaint records1 crash report
"THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING LINE IS LEAKING BUT, NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED BECAUSE OF THIS LEAKAGE AT THIS TIME. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00006 opened Feb 2000 | closed Mar 2000 | Seat Belts | REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR - led to recall 00V057000 IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2000 TO NHTSA, GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 85,253 MODEL YEAR 1995 BUICK RIVIERA AND OLDSMOBILE AURORA VEHICLES FOR THE DEFECT IN THE OUTBOARD REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. |
| PE99059 opened Sep 1999 | closed Feb 2000 | Seat Belts | REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COMPLAINTS GENERALLY STATED THAT ONE OR BOTH OUTBOARD REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AT ALL AND ARE USELESS.IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT PROVIDE ANY TENSION AND HAVE EXCESS SLACK.THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY HAS A PLASTIC COVER NEXT TO THE RETRACTOR... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V057000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SHOULDER BELT(S) DO NOT RETRACT. A RETAINER COULD SEPARATE FROM A REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR WHICH RESULTS IN THE RETRACTOR RETURN SPRING BECOMING DISENGAGED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000054 2000-03-08 | Seats And Restraints | 3,922 | Certain vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the rear shoulder belt(s) do not retract due to the retractor return spring becoming disengaged from the spool shaft. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 010601007 Sep 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION OR COOLANT LEAK (INSPECT FOR MATERIAL DEGRADATION/REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLDS) *TT UPDATED 11/02/07 *NJ | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 040861001 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *EH | |
| 000310007F Nov 2004 | Suspension | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *JB UPDATED *EH GM VOICEMAIL MESSAGE. *TT | |
| 040601017 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET KITS. *TT | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 990603009A Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *TT UPDATE *EH | |
| 010601007A Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION, OR AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK NEAR OR UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY AREA OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 00145 Nov 2000 | Seat Belts | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS DO NOT RETRACT DUE TO THE RETRACTOR RETURN SPRING BECOMING DISENGAGED FROM THE SPOOL SHAFT. *TT | |
| 00023 Nov 2000 | Seat Belts | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS DO NOT RETRACT DUE TO THE RETRACTOR RETURN SPRING BECOMING DISENGAGED FROM THE SPOOL SHAFT. *TT- | |
| 990850021 Dec 1999 | Seats | A CONDITION WITH THE FRONT SEAT BACK AND / OR SEAT CUSHION HEAT ELEMENT IS NON-FUNCTIONING. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990603009 Oct 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONDITIONS WITH FLOOR PAN CORROSION PERFORATION IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT. *TT | |
| 990232007 Sep 1999 | Steering | THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS OF STEERING VIBRATION / SHUDDER / MOAN DURING PARKING MANEUVERS ON DRY PAVEMENT. *TT | |
| 831704 Oct 1998 | Structure | CONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC | |
| 833004 Sep 1998 | Suspension | EXPERIENCING SHAKE / VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON SMOOTH ROADS. *YC | |
| 98737104A May 1998 | Power Train | CONCERNS OF NOISE/VIBRATION/GROWL FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE ON RIGHT TURNS OR HARD ACCELERATION. *YC | |
| 10001 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON GROWLING NOISE IN TRANSAXLE DURING FIRST FOUR MINUTES AFTER START UP. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 9709016116A Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS OF AN ENGINE OIL LEAK THAT APPEARS TO ORIGINATE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE; REAR OF ENGINE. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 731608 Jun 1997 | Visibility | EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW | |
| 536506A Jun 1997 | Electrical System | DRIVELINE VIBRATION OVER 37 MPH (REPLACE PROM). *TW | |
| 970501735019 May 1997 | Service Brakes | WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED FORCE OR ENGINE LOAD MAY AFFECT AND CAUSE VARIOUS NOISES. *YC | |
| 970501776515 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION BASED ON ENGINE IDLE SURGE, OR MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ILLUMINATED WITH DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P0131, P0171 OR 44 SET. *YC | |
| 631050 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | WAVY OR DIMPLING APPEARANCE IN ROOF PANEL RUNNING FRONT TO BACK OR EXCESSIVE RAIN NOISE (REPLACE CARDBOARD ROOF INSULATOR ADHESIVE). *TW | |
| 677164 Feb 1997 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW | |
| 577106A Feb 1997 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE (DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 577106A Dec 1996 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 576105 Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT LEAK NEAR BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY 9REPLACE O-RINGS ON HEATER COOLANT BYPASS INLET PIPE ASSEMBLY). *SD | |
| 476006A Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POPPING/FLUTTERING/TICKING/SPARK KNOCK/CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP MEDIUM GRADES OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (REPLACE EXHAUST SEAL OR RIGHT EXHAUST MANIFOLD).*SD | |
| 531508 May 1995 | Structure | UNKNOWN | |
| 576403 May 1995 | Electrical System | STARTER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN OR CRANK AFTER THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR TURNED OFF (SOLENOID GROUND WIRE). *TW | |
| 531004 Feb 1995 | Visibility | DOOR GLASS RATTLES WHEN CLOSING THE DOOR. *TW | |
| 531501 Feb 1995 | Structure | FUEL FILLER DOOR INOPERATIVE. *TW | |
| 531101 Feb 1995 | Visibility | REDUCED HEATER PERFORMANCE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *TW | |
| 577106 Feb 1995 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 431109A Dec 1994 | Visibility | HVAC DISPLAY ERRORS AND/OR BLOWER OPERATION CONCERNS. *TW | |
| 476006 Dec 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POPPING/FLUTTERING/TICKING/SPARK KNOCK NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP MEDIUM GRADES OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. *TW | |
| CMP/95C11B1 Dec 1994 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN 1995 BUICK PARK AVENUE AND RIVIERA MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3800 SERIES II ENGINE (L36) MAY HAVE A DECELERATION STALL UNDER LIMITED CONDITIONS. | |
| CAMP/95C08A Nov 1994 | Power Train | SUPPLEMENTAL BULLETIN TO CAMPAIGN 95C08. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Pull and release every belt.A belt that retracts slowly or a buckle that will not latch matches this vehicle's seat-belt cluster.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Buick Riviera →