Model year guide

1983 Buick Riviera

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1983 Buick Riviera is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1983 Buick Riviera — representative photo
Representative photo

1983 Buick Riviera at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints1

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1983 Buick Riviera recalls 1

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #82V110000 · 15/11/1982

DURING WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION, THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR IN THE WIPER MOTOR RELAY MAY OVERHEAT.

Fix: THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DELAY RELAY BY REMOVING THE NOISE SUPPRESION CAPACITOR. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1983 Buick Riviera common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Dimensions & weight

Length
206.7 in
Width
72.8–74.8 in
Height
54.3 in
Wheelbase
114.2 in
Curb weight
3,697 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1983 Buick Riviera — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

REAR DISC BRAKES Closed

SUMMARY: CORROSION IN THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER PREVENTS AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT FOR PAD WEAR. THIS MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE LOSS OF REAR SERVICE BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE. GM HAS ADDED CORROSION PROTECTION AND CHANGED SPRING RATE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. SAME BASIC DESIGN USED ON ALL MODELS IDENTIFIED.

NHTSA #EA88036 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jul 1988 · closed Aug 1991

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RIVIERA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera is a personal luxury car that was marketed by Buick from 1963 to 1999, with the exception of the 1994 model year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1983 Buick Riviera vehicles on record

1983 Buick Riviera 1983 Buick Riviera1G4AZ57N3DE407369

Other Buick Riviera model years

1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1984

1983 Buick Riviera — frequently asked questions

Does the 1983 Buick Riviera have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1983 Buick Riviera. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1983 Buick Riviera?

Across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.