1998 Buick Riviera Base
1G4GD2219W4708927
Vehicle history report for the 1998 Buick Riviera Base (VIN 1G4GD2219W4708927). White, coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, gasoline. 62,089 mi reported. Registered in Ca. No NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Looks clean — a solid candidate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1G4GD2219W4708927, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. No recall campaigns are on record for this model year.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Buick Riviera data →
📋 All factory specifications on file6 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Buick Riviera with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Buick Riviera costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Buick Riviera. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM¿S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS. THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURC…
NHTSA #EA02030 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Oct 2002 · closed Mar 2004An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 40
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 40.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723B · Electrical System · Feb 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696B · Equipment · Dec 2015Source: 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.
Safety recall campaigns None on record
NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1998 Buick Riviera.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Buick Riviera, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 36
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Buick Riviera.
ENGINE
IT STARTED OUT AS A SMALL OIL LEAK, BUT I RECENTLY NOTICED THE LEAK HAS EXPANDED SIGNIFICANTLY. IT'S DIFFICULT TO PINPOINT THE LEAK, BUT AN OIL PAN UNDER THE CAR SHOWS SIGNIFICANT PUDDLING OF OIL. A SEALER/CONDITIONER DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. WHILE ONLINE, I NOTED THAT THE 3800CC 3.8L ENGINE SEEMS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND OTHER MODELS …
NHTSA ODI #10908561FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, WHEN FUELING MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN THE VICINITY OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL, INLINE WITH THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. I HAD NOTED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUBSEQUENTLY CAME ON AND CODE 0440 (OR A VARIANT OF THAT, I CANNOT RECALL WITH 100% CERTAINTY. WHEN I HAD SOME FREE TIME, I STARTED INVESTIGATING THE EMISSIONS CODE AND DE…
NHTSA ODI #10908573ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED ENGINE OIL ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGIN…
NHTSA ODI #10850080ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10824487ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL DRIPPING NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
NHTSA ODI #10786262SEATS
I STARTED MY CAR, 98 BUICK RIVIERA, AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. I CAME BACK 5 MINUTES LATER AND STARTED DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK. ABOUT 4 MINUTES AFTER I LEFT MY HOUSE I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING BUT I WAS VERY NEAR MY WORK SO I JUST KEPT GOING. AT WORK WHEN I STEPPED OUT OF MY CAR I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON MY SEAT AND…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10215716STEERING
STEERING WHEEL HAS DEVELOPED A VERY SIGNIFICANT "WOBBLE" WHICH EXISTS REGARDLESS OF WHAT TILT POSITION IT IS IN. THE WOBBLE IS DIAGONAL, FROM NORTHEAST TO SOUTHWEST IN DIRECTION, AND THE APPARENT PIVOT POINT OF THE WOBBLE IS JUST BEHIND INSTRUMENT PANEL LEVEL. HAD CAR AT DEALER FOR OTHER WORK, AND THEY COMMENTED ON IT TOO. DID NOT CALL IT A SAFETY ISSUE T…
NHTSA ODI #10205663VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BUICK RIVIERA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET. HE DROVE ON THE SHOULDER AND HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL FOR IT TO STOP. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC SHIELD SEPARATED THAT COVERS THE MOTOR. HE W…
NHTSA ODI #10203682+ 28 more complaints on record.
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