A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
Sell your 1996 Buick Riviera for cash
The 1996 Buick Riviera is a midsize car that came with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 Riviera in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
BuickRIVIERA1996
1996 Buick Riviera at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.8L 6-cyl (supercharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–17 city / 25–27 highway / 19–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 Riviera's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Riviera. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Buick Riviera recalls
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1996 Buick Riviera. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 114…
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
Common 1996 Riviera problems
Owners have filed 44 complaints about the 1996 Buick Riviera with NHTSA. 1 report involved a fire.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic64,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling135,000 mi
1996 Buick Riviera service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 44 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Buick Riviera. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1996 Buick Riviera.
Engine compartment fires
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 back
Rear seat belt retractor
Complaints generally stated that one or both outboard rear seat belts do not retract at all and are useless.it is evident that the seat belts do not provide any tension and have excess slack.the retractor assembly has a plastic cover next to the retractor return spring.according to general motors (gm), heat may soften,
Other Buick Riviera years
‹ Sell a 1995 Riviera · Sell a 1997 Riviera › · All Buick Riviera years
Other 1996 Buick models
Selling a 1996 Riviera: questions
How much is a 1996 Buick Riviera worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 Riviera that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 Rivieras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1996 Riviera with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Buick Riviera; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 Riviera?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 Riviera today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.