1996 Buick Riviera
US · Midsize Cars
The 1996 Buick Riviera is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 3.8L 6-cylinder supercharged (FFS) (MPFI)
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI), 3.8L 6-cylinder supercharged (FFS) (MPFI) | |
| Displacement | 3.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 | |
| Aspiration | Supercharged | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 4 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.
96V116000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Reported July 1, 1996. View on NHTSA
95V204000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
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, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Reported October 23, 1995. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1995 Buick Riviera
Gasoline
3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)) · FWD
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) - 1997 Buick Riviera
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)), 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI) (S-CHARGE)) · FWD
20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1996 Buick Riviera have?
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)), 3.8L 6-cylinder supercharged ((FFS) (MPFI)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Buick Riviera?
Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1996 Buick Riviera front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1996 Buick Riviera?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.