1990 Buick Riviera

The 1990 Buick Riviera is a luxury coupe known for its stylish design and powerful engine options. It offers a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• 3.8L V6 engine with 165 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque
• 3.8L V6 engine with 170 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque
• 5.7L V8 engine with 225 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque

The Riviera is generally praised for its comfortable interior, smooth ride, and responsive handling. However, it has also been criticized for its poor fuel economy and limited cargo space.

Engine

• 3.8L V6 (165 hp)
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: 90V155000
• 3.8L V6 (170 hp)
  • Cylinder head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,600
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, rattling noise
    • Solution: Replace timing belt
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
• 5.7L V8
  • Water pump failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
    • Solution: Replace water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, slipping
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
• 5-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, difficulty shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800

Suspension

• Front suspension struts
  • Strut mount bearing failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noises from front suspension, clunking
    • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Rear suspension shocks
  • Shock absorber failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dim lights
    • Solution: Replace battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150
• Alternator
  • Alternator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, battery warning light
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Exterior

• Headlights
  • Headlight bulb failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dim or non-functional headlights
    • Solution: Replace headlight bulbs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $40

Interior

• Power window motors
  • Power window motor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating
    • Solution: Replace power window motors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Climate control system
  • Air conditioning compressor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No cold air from A/C
    • Solution: Replace A/C compressor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Heater core failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No heat from heater
    • Solution: Replace heater core
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800

Summary

The 1990 Buick Riviera has a number of potential issues, with the most severe and expensive being engine and transmission problems. However, many of these issues can be avoided with regular maintenance and repairs. Overall, the Riviera is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle that provides a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.