Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1995 Buick Roadmaster sits mid-pack among Roadmaster years: 76 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 62, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (10), electrical system (9), and speed control (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
76
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10 | 13% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 9 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 11% | — flat |
| Engine | 7 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL LUG NUTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
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 WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF A PARKED VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE SYSTEM.
Defect
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."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABELS.
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.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE IS DISPLAYING SYMPTOMS OF RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 96V019000 BUT IS NOT A COVERED VIN. I WOULD REQUEST THE NHTSA LOOK INTO THE EXTENSION OF THIS RECALL TO INCLUDE AT LEAST [XXX] AND POSSIBLY ALL 1995 MODEL YEAR B-BODY VEHICLES. ITEM HAD FAILED BEFORE THE INCIDENT DATE BUT WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED ON…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BUICK ROADMASTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD SOUND INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS SPORADIC BUT PROGRESSED INTO A CONTINUAL FAILURE. THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION OR STATIONARY THE FUSE FOR THE HORN WAS DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE…”
“I WAS BACKING MY 95 BUICK ROADMASTER STATION WAGON FROM A PARKING LOT AT A RETIREMENT CENTER WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO ALLOW ME TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHOT BACK ACROSS THE PARKING LOT, NEARLY A HUNDRED FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND VEER IT…”
“COOLANT LEAKS, WATER PUMP KEEPS GOING OUT WHICH RUINS THE DISTRIBUTOR. HAD WATER PUMP REPLACED 3 TIMES. DEALER CONTACTED. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE DRIFTS TO RIGHT, COOLANT LEAK NEAR THERMOSTAT AND REPLACED COOLANT PUMP REFILL, BRAKES SQUEAL WHEN TURNING, BOTH REAR WHEEL…”
“THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR END COLLISION AND THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED.*AK AFTER BACKING UP AT A SPEED OF 5-10 PMH CONSUMER'S REAR BUMPER HIT A TREE THE DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL, HOWEVER REAR WINDOW DID SHATTER. *JB ”
It is close to typical for the Roadmaster: 76 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (10 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), speed control (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Buick Roadmaster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.