1994 Buick Roadmaster: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 85 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (21% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Went and filled the fuel tank with fuel , I went about 100 yards to another store , stayed in the store about 30 minutes , when I came out I noticed fuel on the ground on the left side around the fuel tank”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 buick roadmaster. He noticed a small amount of gasoline near the fuel tank. He immediately notified the dealer to have the vehicle inspected and didn't receive a response. He also notified the manufacturer in reference to recall# 94v210000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting), and was informed by a representative that his VIN number was excluded. The manufacturer also stated that they would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2008
“The consumer was driving 7 mph when the vehicle lost control due to the ball joint dislodging. *ak the lower ball joint failed due to the nut backing off. The ball joint fell out of the knuckle causing the vehicle to collapse and drag on the ground. (recall id number : 96v019000) *tc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Upon turning vehicle off key become stuck in the ignition switch. Vehicle was towed to dealership, technician replaced ignition switch. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“Consumer took vehicle to the mechanic for regular oil change, and found out that frame rusted and had a hole. Which was a safety issued. Dealer not notified. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2003
“Consumer states undersized connector stud failed causing vehicle to lose all power while driving, dealer inspected vehicle and found stud was melted, dealer replaced the battery positive connector on the under hood fuse box and cleaned the cables and connectors. *slc”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2001
“Computer module failed to operate properly, leaving consumer stranded. Dealer has replaced module. Please provide any additional information.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2001
“The spring in the seat belt buckle would not allow the seatbelt to stay fastened, consumer had to purchase the passenger side buckle even though it wasn't needed and is requesting reimbursement for the belt kit. *slc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2000
“Our car has been dealer maintained since its purchase. The passenger side ball joint broke as we were slowing to make a turn, thereby escaping personal injury. The dealer which maintains the car stated they have greased the joint with each oil change and the failure was due to previous trauma. However, there has been no damage to any of the wheels (e.g. Hitting a pothole, accident, etc.) nor has a tire been replaced due to this type of damage. Therefore, we feel the car was built with an inherent safety defect. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2000
“Smelled gasoline. Noticed leakage within inches of the left exhaust pipe. Entire crossframe was wet. Contacted dealer . Dealer discovered that fuel leakage was caused by chafing of fuel lines. *ak *ml”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS WERE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE FASTENERS CAN COMPLETELY DETACH, EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO SAG AND THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK TO STRIKE THE ROADWAY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS.
THE ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING GEAR CAUSING CHAFING. THE CHAFING CAN EVENTUALLY WEAR THROUGH THE HOSE'S PROTECTIVE SLEEVE RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE.
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE. IF THE BALL JOINT HAS LOOSENED FROM THE KNUCKLE, BOTH THE BALL JOINT AND THE KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED.
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
PAINT ON THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES CAN ACT AS A SHIM BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR/DRUM. AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE WHEEL IMBEDS INTO THE PAINT, LOOSENING THE LUG NUT AND CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES FOR ALL FOUR WHEELS. ALSO, THE WHEEL STUDS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND WILL BE REPLACED AS NECESSARY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Roadmaster by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 Buick Roadmaster reliable?
NHTSA has 85 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Buick Roadmaster. The most complained-about area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Buick Roadmaster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 130,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Buick Roadmaster have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.