1982 Buick Riviera recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1982 RIVIERA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT RETAINER IN THE INJECTION PUMP MAY FAIL. THE THROTTLE VALVE COULD STICK, PREVENTING RETURN TO IDLE AND SHUT DOWN OF THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVER.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GOVERNOR WEIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE INJECTION PUMP AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.7 V8 ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE VALVE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AVEHICLE ACCIDENT.NOTE: IF THROTTLE STICKING OCCURS BEFORE THE VEHICLE HAS RECEIVED THE NECESSARYMODIFICATIONS, THE DRIVER SHOULD SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL, APPLY THESERVICE BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP, THE IGNITION SHOULD BETURNED OFF AND THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
12/31/2003 · Suspension
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WORK DONE ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC STILL WASN'T ABLE TO DEFINE THE PROBLEM. *LA THE CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND HE DETERMINED THAT THE TORSION BAR WOULD NOT WORK AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BECAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE FRONT END COMPONENTS. CONSUMER FEELS THAT…