Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 132 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Roadmaster year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 9 Roadmaster years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (22), brakes (19), and engine (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
132
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 22 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 19 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 13 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 12 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 10 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Consequence
IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
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.
Defect
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE OF THE TROTTLE RETURN SPRING, IF THERE IS EXCESSIVE FRICTION IN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL TANK LEAK AND FIRE IF THE LEAKING FUEL IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS.
Defect
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.
Consequence
ONCE CLAMP LOAD IS LOST, ALL TIRE LOADS ARE TAKEN BY THE WHEEL STUDS RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLES CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, THE OIL LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE DOOR PANEL, CAUSING AN ELECTIRCAL MALFUNCTION IN THE VEHICLE.*AK DEALER FOUND 7 WIRES BURNT IN DOOR PANEL AND 20 WIRES BURNT UNDER SEAT, CAUSING SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. *SLC”
“ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE DOOR PANEL, CAUSING AN ELECTIRCAL MALFUNCTION IN THE VEHICLE.*AK DEALER FOUND 7 WIRES BURNT IN DOOR PANEL AND 20 WIRES BURNT UNDER SEAT, CAUSING SEVERAL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. *SLC”
“ENGINE BEGAN PUFFING AND THE SMELL OF EXHAUST WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE DEALER TWO BOLTS ON THE LEFT FRONT OF THE ENGINE THAT HOLD THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE WERE SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE EXHAUST LEAK. DEALER STATED THAT BOLTS WERE EITHER DEFECTIVE OR IMPROPERLY…”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. ALSO, THE COVER OVER THE DASHBOARD DETACHED FROM THE DASHBOARD, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO SUSTAIN CHEST INJURIES. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 40-45 MPH AT THE END OF A RAIN SHOWER, DRIVING STRAIGHT WAY WITH NO WARNING, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE WENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL, CROSSED THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AND COLLIDED WITH A VAN. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER NOT…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 132 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 9 Roadmaster years. It is one of the Roadmaster years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (22 complaints), brakes (19 complaints), engine (13 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Buick Roadmaster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Roadmaster years to avoid are 1994, 1992. The cleanest record among Roadmaster years belongs to 1990.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.