1999 Buick Riviera

Introduction:

The 1999 Buick Riviera is a stylish and sophisticated coupe that offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. It features a powerful V8 engine, supple suspension, and a well-appointed interior. However, like any other vehicle, the Riviera has its share of potential issues.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace the water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.3L V8

• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption
  • Solution: Replace the affected fuel injector(s)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, reduced engine power
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks under the vehicle, slipping gears, delayed shifting
  • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission seals/gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, stalling, overheating transmission
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive body roll, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts/shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises while turning, vibration, loose steering
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Discharge:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle failing to start, dim headlights, electrical components malfunctioning
  • Solution: Replace the battery or fix any parasitic drains
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Charging system not working, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle becomes loose or breaks, door difficult to open
  • Solution: Replace the door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trunk Lid Corrosion:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forms around the edges of the trunk lid
  • Solution: Repair or replace the trunk lid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Panel Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Buttons stop working, AC or heat not functioning properly
  • Solution: Replace the climate control panel
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Window doesn’t open or close properly, motor noise
  • Solution: Repair or replace the power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1999 Buick Riviera has a fairly good reliability record. However, it is prone to certain issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure, water pump failure, fuel injector failure, and transmission fluid leaks. These issues can be expensive to repair, so it is important to factor in the potential costs when considering the purchase of this vehicle. Most repairs will range from $200-$1,000+ depending on the severity of the issue.