The Buick Roadmaster spans 1990–1996 with 20 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1994, 1992, 1995 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1990, 1991, 1993. It delivers up to 18 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Buick Roadmaster is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1990 to 1996 across multiple generations.
How to read a Buick Roadmaster VIN — every digit explained
Every Buick Roadmaster carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Buick and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Roadmaster.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Roadmaster, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Buick Roadmaster have?
The Buick Roadmaster has 20 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1990–1996. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1996 Buick Roadmaster recalls 2
Air Bags
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABELS.
Fix. 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.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
What's wrong. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL LUG NUTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
1995 Buick Roadmaster recalls 5
Vehicle Speed Control:springs
What's wrong. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Air Bags
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABELS.
Fix. 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.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
What's wrong. DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk. IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix. 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.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
What's wrong. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL LUG NUTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE SYSTEM.
1994 Buick Roadmaster recalls 5
Vehicle Speed Control:springs
What's wrong. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL TANK LEAK AND FIRE IF THE LEAKING FUEL IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix. DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS.
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE OIL LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
What's wrong. DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk. IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix. 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.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1993 Buick Roadmaster recalls 1
Equipment
What's wrong. CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix. HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
1992 Buick Roadmaster recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULATOR CAN CORRODE AND LEAK FLUID FROM THE FRONT BRAKE CIRCUIT.
Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE ABS MODULATOR.
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
Risk. IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED, ANDTHE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN AND CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OFTHE DRIVER AND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Seat Belts
What's wrong. THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE EXPOSED STEELSUB-PLATE CAN CUT THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING RESULTING IN INCREASED POSSIBILITYAND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THE AFFECTED SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix. INSTALL NEW SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Equipment
What's wrong. CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix. HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
1991 Buick Roadmaster recalls 3
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
Risk. IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED, ANDTHE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN AND CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OFTHE DRIVER AND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Seat Belts
What's wrong. THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE EXPOSED STEELSUB-PLATE CAN CUT THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING RESULTING IN INCREASED POSSIBILITYAND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THE AFFECTED SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix. INSTALL NEW SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Equipment
What's wrong. CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix. HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Best and worst years for the Buick Roadmaster
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 1994, 1992, 1995 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1990, 1991, 1993.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Roadmaster | — | Best | |
| 1991 Roadmaster | Fuel System | Best | |
| 1992 Roadmaster | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 1993 Roadmaster | Air Bags | Best | |
| 1994 Roadmaster | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1995 Roadmaster | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 1996 Roadmaster | Steering | Average |
What are the most common Buick Roadmaster problems?
The most-reported Buick Roadmaster problems are Air (1 reports), Seats (7 reports) and Tires (14 reports) — out of 421 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Buick Roadmaster specifications & dimensions
The 1996 Buick Roadmaster measures 216″ long on a 116″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,211 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Buick Roadmaster window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 116″ (295 cm) |
| Rear track | 61″ |
| Body / trim | Roadmaster 4dr Sedan Base/limited |
| Curb weight | 4,211 lb (1910 kg) |
| Front track | 62″ |
| Overall width | 78″ (198 cm) |
| Overall height | 56″ (142 cm) |
| Overall length | 216″ (548 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 55/45% |
How the Roadmaster's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 216″ | 78″ | 56″ | 116″ | 4,211 lb |
| 1993 | 216″ | 78″ | 54″ | 116″ | 4,061 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Buick Roadmaster cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Roadmaster holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 116 cu ft of passenger volume and 55 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Buick Roadmaster tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Buick Roadmaster get?
The Buick Roadmaster returns up to 18 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,450/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1996 Buick Roadmaster (5.7L 8-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $3,450/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Roadmaster | 15 | 24 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1995 Roadmaster | 15 | 23 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1994 Roadmaster | 15 | 23 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1993 Roadmaster | 15 | 23 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1992 Roadmaster | 15 | 23 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 5.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1991 Roadmaster | 15 | 23 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 5L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Roadmaster stacks up against the most fuel-efficient wagons, or calculate this Roadmaster's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Buick Roadmaster have? Power & range
The Buick Roadmaster is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.7L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.7L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Buick Roadmaster cost to own?
A used Buick Roadmaster sells for a median of about $9,997 for a 1995 — most listed between $2,500 and $13,994, from 18 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Roadmaster | $2,500–$13,994 | 4 | |
| 1994 Roadmaster | $5,495–$12,500 | 5 | |
| 1993 Roadmaster | $2,495–$2,500 | 3 | |
| 1992 Roadmaster | $3,000–$11,900 | 6 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Roadmaster is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Buick Roadmaster tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Roadmaster loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $17,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Roadmaster ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Buick Roadmaster safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Roadmaster yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Buick Roadmaster last?
A well-maintained Buick Roadmaster typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Buick Roadmaster’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Roadmaster’s VIN free →All Buick Roadmaster model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Buick Roadmaster — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Roadmaster | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1995 Roadmaster | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1994 Roadmaster | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1993 Roadmaster | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 Roadmaster | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1991 Roadmaster | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1990 Roadmaster | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Roadmaster?
By owner-complaint volume, 1994, 1992, 1995 drew the most reports. 1990, 1991, 1993 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Roadmaster have?
20 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1990–1996. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Roadmaster get?
Up to 18 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Roadmaster last?
A well-maintained Roadmaster typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Roadmaster reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Roadmaster is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Buick Roadmaster warranty?
New Buick models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Buick dealer.
Where is the Buick Roadmaster made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Roadmaster's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Buick may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Roadmaster weigh?
The Roadmaster's curb weight is around 4,211 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Roadmaster have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.