1996 Buick Roadmaster: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (12% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Roadmaster. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was steering to the left while the vehicle was going to the right as well as while steering to the right the vehicle was going to the left. The dealer or independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,831. Invalid VIN provided.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2016
“Car all of a sudden darts left then has a large amount play in steering . Then it may not do it for four or five days then it may go the other way. This is a high mileage car but I see where there is another one listed as doing the same thing. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2007
“The lower control arm ball joint broke off when I started to drive the car in a parking lot on october 31, 2006. I had to have a new lower arm and ball joint installed on the car since a bolt had sheared holding the ball joint to the arm. Buick had a previous recall on this, but my car was supposedly built with a later serial number. I have the broken assembly stored in my garage. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving on san pablo dam rd just past appian way at about 30-35 mph the right ft tire folded up under the car the lower ball joint failed and snapped in half. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · May 2006
“Vehicle is experiencing problems with the auto door locks, and the courtesy lights. Owner has contacted the manufacturer who says there is nothing they can do. Provide further details. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2005
“I acquired a car with four new tires arizonian r/s,a/s. The tires say traction a temperature b wear 360. Utqg grading says traction b temperarure c wear 240. Why such a variance? I would never run a tire with your grading. I feel weary unsafe. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2004
“Fuel pump failed & vehicle would not start, vehicle towed to shop, mechanic found shorted fuel pump due to loose wiring that caused arcing in tank for some time. Mechanic stated that wiring may not have been hooked up properly at factory. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2003
“While traveling on the highway without prior warning. The steering wheel will wander off to the left and will pull to the right of the road. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem. Ts”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2003
“Horn fails to operate intermittently because the button to activate horn is difficult to press. Dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“Both front and rear passengers' side windows fail to operate within one to two weeks apart. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer warranty expired, and vehicle not covered under a recall. Vehicle taken to a independent repair shop for repairs. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH BOTH THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL AND A ROOF RACK CAUTION LABEL INSTALLED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE SUN VISOR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: A NEW ROOF RACK CAUTION LABEL, WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, WILL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO OWNERS. OWNERS WILL INSTALL THE LABEL OR HAVE THEIR DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL LUG NUTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Buick Roadmaster. The most complained-about area is steering (12% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Buick Roadmaster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. 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.