1990-1993 Buick Riviera: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
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Our reliability study for this generation Buick Riviera includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Buick Riviera .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
4T60E transmissions may drop out of drive while cruising, shift erratically, or have no second, third, or fourth gear, because of a bad ground connection for the shift solenoids. (1991-93)
Automatic transmission:
Model 440-T4 or 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-93)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (199
Engine knock:
Bearing knock was common on many 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines due to too much clearance on the number one main bearing. (1992-93)
Engine noise:
An intermittent rattling noise at start up is often caused by automatic-transmission pump starvation or cavitation, or a sticking pressure-regulator valve. (1991-93)
Engine stalling:
Cars with 3800 engines may stall when decelerating or be hard to start due to a faulty idle air control, which must be replaced. (1990)
Oil consumption:
Oil leaks may be due to a defect in the oil pan and gasket, and the display may report a false low oil level due to a defective oil-level sensor and/or deformed oil pan. (1990)
Oil consumption:
The oil-pressure gauge may display an intermittent high reading due to a faulty oil-pressure sensor. (1990)
Oil consumption:
Models with the 3.8-liter engine are prone to excessive oil consumption often accompanied by spark knock during normal driving conditions due to failure of the valve-stem seals. (1993)
Transaxle leak:
The right front axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-93)
Water leak:
A leak in the left fender well and firewall area causes water to collect on the left front floor. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $465 |
| Alternator | $265 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $985 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $870 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $225 |
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