1996 Buick Roadmaster
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
15% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 52 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 88 |
| 1993 | 50 |
| 1994 | 88 |
| 1995 | 50 |
| 1996 | 52 |
| 1999 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
15% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing pump and hose, piping, and connections.
Show complaint excerpts
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-24
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and gasoline.
Suspension
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing lower ball joint and front.
Show complaint excerpts
I was on the way home the car started to make a grinding type of noise as well as a bounce and came to a stop a a red light to turn left and as I was turning left my right front tire fell off bouncing away bent my front passenger fender as well as...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-08
Also filed under Structure and wheels
Service brakes
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
10% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
96 Buick Roadmaster wagon driver's side door catches fire and destroys car! Internal door fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-18
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1995-12-08Air bags95V215000 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…
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.
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I
1996-05-31Engineering analysisClosed 1996-12-24 Rear wheel separation
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1996-12-02Wheels96V245000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Buick Roadmaster — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V215000 · Air bags
- Recall 96V245000 · Wheels
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Buick Roadmaster reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Buick Roadmaster?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.