Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1996 Buick Roadmaster sits mid-pack among Roadmaster years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 62, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (8), engine (6), and tires & wheels (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
62
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 8 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 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
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“LEFT REAR TIRE LOST A LARGE SECTION OF THE TREAD LAYER CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, AS TIRE WAS BEING REPLACED CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT ANOTHER TIRE WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF TREAD SEPARATION AS WELL, CONSUMER HAD ALL 5 CONTINENTAL GENERAL SEAL TIRES (225/75/15) BE REPLACED INCLUDING SPARE TIRE.…”
“WHILE DRIVING STEERING CONTROLS OF THE VEHICLE WILL LOCK UP. WATER PUMP LEAKS ON TO THE BELT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AND WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN . BELT SLIPS, AND LOCKS UP POWER STEERING. *AK”
“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…”
“WHILE DRIVING THE ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE MR. COOK'S FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR ,THE BRAKES CAME ON WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE MORE INFORMATION.*AK”
It is close to typical for the Roadmaster: 62 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 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.