1996 BUICK Roadmaster Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

STEERING

5 complaints

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 not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,831. Invalid VIN provided.

Aug 02, 2021

CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN DARTS LEFT THEN HAS A LARGE AMOUNT PLAY IN STEERING . THEN IT MAY NOT DO IT FOR FOUR OR FIVE DAYS THEN IT MAY GO THE OTHER WAY. THIS IS A HIGH MILEAGE CAR BUT I SEE WHERE THERE IS ANOTHER ONE LISTED AS DOING THE SAME THING. *TR

Dec 10, 2007

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. TS

Jan 24, 2003

ONLY IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS POWER STEERING LOCKS UP WHEN BELTS GET WET UNDER HOOD. BUICK HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

Feb 12, 2001

POWER STEERING HOSE COUPLING FAILED TWICE.

Feb 12, 1997

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

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 SUPPOSEDLY BUILT WITH A LATER SERIAL NUMBER. I HAVE THE BROKEN ASSEMBLY STORED IN MY GARAGE. *JB

Nov 29, 2006

DRIVING ON SAN PABLO DAM RD JUST PAST APPIAN WAY AT ABOUT 30-35 MPH THE RIGHT FT TIRE FOLDED UP UNDER THE CAR THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED AND SNAPPED IN HALF. *JB

May 02, 2006

DUE TO MISALIGNMENT TIRES ARE WEARING.*AK

Apr 30, 2002

FRONT END MISALIGNED.

Apr 10, 1997

AXLE BROKE, MAKING NOISE. *DSH

Feb 05, 1996

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTO DOOR LOCKS, AND THE COURTESY LIGHTS. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

Jan 13, 2005

WHILE BACKING IN VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED, WIRING HARNESS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK WIRES INSIDE THE GAS TANK BURNED AND MELTED PLASTIC AT THE FUEL TANK HOOK UP. THIS COULD'VE BLOWN UP AND KILLED SOMEONE. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A REFUND FOR THE WIRING HARNESS. *PH

Dec 10, 2003

96 BUICK ROADMASTER WAGON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CATCHES FIRE AND DESTROYS CAR! INTERNAL DOOR FIRE.

Dec 18, 2002

Crash: 1

HORN FAILS TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY BECAUSE THE BUTTON TO ACTIVATE HORN IS DIFFICULT TO PRESS. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

Jan 28, 2002

WHEN IGNITION KEY IS IN "RUN" POSITION, "ARCING" AS EVIDENCED BY INTENSE STATIC ON THE AM RADIO, IS TAKING PLACE. WHEN KEY IS IN "ACCESSORY" POSITION, NO STATIC IS PRESENT AND AM RADIO FUNCTIONS NORMALLY. MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO HAVE ORIGINAL DEALER DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. REFUSED TO EVEN INVESTIGATE. TOOK VEHICLE TO PRESENT OWNER, WHOSE SERVICE ADVISOR, WHEN PRESENTED WITH PROBLEM BY ACTUALLY LISTENING TO THE STATIC, ADMITTED THAT, "THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN." DEALER REPLACED RADIO. OBVIOUSLY, NO CHANGE. RADIO IS NOT THE PROBLEM, JUST THE "MESSENGER" AND IS PROVIDING THE EVIDENCE OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. CONTACTED BUICK (FILE 9901-07-953). THEY ALSO REFUSED TO INTERVENE. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ISOLATE PROBLEM BY DISCONNECTING INDIVIDUAL POWER TO BLOWER, FUEL PUMP, ETC., TO NO AVAIL. I AM CONCERNED THAT, EVENTUALLY, WHATEVER IS ARCING WILL CAUSE ENOUGH HEAT TO START A FIRE. CAN YOU HELP? *AK

Jan 15, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

TO START THE ENGINE , AND THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO ST STALL BY.THE SS TUBE UNDER THE CAR AND THE SS MANIFOLD ON THE MOTOR BLOCK ARE CONNECTED VIE A THIN-WALLED PLASRIC TUBE, WHICH IS HEAT-SHRINKE UNDER THE CAR AND CONNECTED TO THE MANIFOLD BY A FLIMSY PLASTIC CONNECTOR. BOTH CONNECTORS BROKE ( OF COURSE THEY MUST BRAKE EVENTUALLY THRU AGE ETC), AND THE GAS SPILLED ONTO THE HOT MOTOR BLOCK, FORMING A PUDDLE AND VAPORIZING , THUS FORMING AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE WAITING TO BE IGNITED FROM THE HOT EXHAUST MAMNIFOLD. *AK REFERENCED IN EA02-030

Jun 06, 2002

Injuries: 1

WHEN ENGINE IS SUBSTANTIALLY WET POWER STEERING IS LOST. THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE REMEDY, BUT HAS RECOGNIZED THE DEFECT.*AK

Aug 09, 2001

COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WATER PUMP ONTO VIBRATION DAMPER AND POWER STEERING BELT, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

May 12, 2000

WATER PUMP REPLACED. YH MJS

Jan 21, 2000

VEHICLE STALLS AFTER GOING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER. IT WOULD LOSE POWER. *AK

Oct 29, 1998

VISIBILITY

5 complaints

BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGERS' SIDE WINDOWS FAIL TO OPERATE WITHIN ONE TO TWO WEEKS APART. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND VEHICLE NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. VEHICLE TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER. *AK

Nov 20, 2001

ON AND WHILE DRIVING IN ADVERSE WEATHER IF DEFROST/DEFOGGER IS ENGAGED THEN ALL INSIDE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL DEFROST/DEFOGGER IS DISENGAGED, CAUSES BIG PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAYS/HIGHWAYS BECAUSE I CAN'T USE THE WINDOW CLEARING TOOLS AS I NEED TO. AND THE MANUAL STATES TO REPORT IF THE SECURITY LIGHT STAYS ON ANYWAY AS IT MAY BE CAUSE FOR SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN FUTURE. *AK

May 31, 2000

REAR QUARTER GLASS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, DUE TO LOOSENESS OR BLOWING OUT OF VEHICLE.

Jan 19, 1999

UNABLE TO SEE CLEARLY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO GLARE REFLECTION FROM THE SUN.

Mar 19, 1997

WINDSHIELD DOES NOT DEFROST PROPERLY, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *SD

Mar 06, 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 complaints

ROTORS TURNED DUE TO WEAR. YH

Jan 21, 2000

BRAKING ACTION OCCURRED, PEDAL DOWN SHIFTS (FEELS LIKE SECOND), EXTREME VARIATIONS IN STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Nov 06, 1997

BRAKES FAILED.

Mar 05, 1997

WHILE DRIVING 55MPH TO 70MPH THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Oct 15, 1996

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

Aug 07, 1996

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

UPON LEAVING FOR WORK IN THE MORNING, MY 1996 BUICK ROADMASTER WITH 56,600 MILES WOULD NOT START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR GARAGE. WENT TO PICK UP CAR A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY THERE HAD NOT BEEN A FIRE OR EXPLOSION DUE TO THE SMOLDERING FUEL PUMP AND MELTED WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. HE GAVE ME THE PART. I THOUGHT THAT GENERAL MOTORS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT THIS DEFECT AS I WAS SURE THAT MANY OTHER ROADMASTERS ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPT. ON 6/27 AND RELATED THIS SAFETY CONCERN AND ALSO SENT AN E-MAIL TO THEM ON THEIR WEBSITE OFFERING TO SEND PICTURES OF THIS PART. AS OF TODAY, 7/6/06, I HAD NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE SO I CALLED AGAIN. I EMPHASIZED MY CONCERNS AGAIN AND ALSO REQUESTED TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THIS REPAIR AS I FELT THIS WAS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR PROBLEM, BUT A DEFECT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD. I TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT REALIZE THERE WAS A TIME LIMIT ON PEOPLE'S SAFETY AND WELL BEING. I ALSO TOLD THEM THAT I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT NO ONE AT GM WAS INTERESTED IN SEEING THIS PART OR PICTURES. THEY COULD BE RELYING ON THE FACT THAT THE GAS TANK IS UNDER A VACUUM, BUT IN THIS CASE, THE PUMP WAS ACTUALLY SMOLDERING AND IF I HAD HAPPENED TO STOP AND GET GAS WHILE THIS WAS SMOLDERING AND REMOVED THE GAS CAP AND ADDED THE THIRD ELEMENT, OXYGEN, THERE VERY WELL COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. THIS IS AN ORIGINAL GM PART AND I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT GM HAS NO INTEREST IN THIS MATTER. THE ORIGINAL MILEAGE SHOULD BE A FACTOR, NOT JUST THE YEAR. CUSTOMER RELATIONS TOLD ME THEY WOULD SEND ME IN WRITING THEIR REFUSAL TO ASSIST ME WITH ANY COMPENSATION FOR THE REPAIR. WHAT BOTHERS ME THE MOST IS THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHER PEOPLE'S SAFETY. *JB

Jul 05, 2006

FUEL PUMP FAILED & VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE TOWED TO SHOP, MECHANIC FOUND SHORTED FUEL PUMP DUE TO LOOSE WIRING THAT CAUSED ARCING IN TANK FOR SOME TIME. MECHANIC STATED THAT WIRING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN HOOKED UP PROPERLY AT FACTORY. *JB

Jun 24, 2003

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Oct 06, 2000

FUEL PUMP FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE STALLING.

Jan 19, 1999

TIRES

4 complaints

I ACQUIRED A CAR WITH FOUR NEW TIRES ARIZONIAN R/S,A/S. THE TIRES SAY TRACTION A TEMPERATURE B WEAR 360. UTQG GRADING SAYS TRACTION B TEMPERARURE C WEAR 240. WHY SUCH A VARIANCE? I WOULD NEVER RUN A TIRE WITH YOUR GRADING. I FEEL WEARY UNSAFE. *JB

Feb 21, 2004

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. *JB

Apr 09, 2001

GENERAL TIRES EXPERIENCED LUMPS ON THE TREAD AND THUMPING. *SLC

Oct 18, 2000

SPARE TIRE SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE BECAUSE OF THE SMALL SIZE, UNSAFE TO TOW TRAILER EVEN THOUGH CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH TOWING PACKAGE.

Oct 27, 1997

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD, ENGINE REVS. *AK *SLC

Mar 13, 2001

THROTTLE CABLE FAILED, RESULTING IN UNWANTED ACCELERATION.

Oct 14, 1997

VEHICLE RACES AROUND 10MPH, LURCHES AND PULL FORWARD UPON COMPLETING A STOP. *AK

Mar 21, 1997

WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR CABLE RUBBED UP AGAINST THE WIRING HARNESS DUE TO CABLE BEING INCORRECTLY ROUTED BY BUICK, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK

Mar 10, 1997

Fire: 1

SEATS

3 complaints

WHEN MAKING A TURN, DRIVER'S SEAT WILL SHIFT IN DIRECTION OF TURN. *AK *SLC

Mar 13, 2001

BACKREST ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IS ANCHORED AND CAN BE RAISED AND LOWERED, THERE IS NOTHING TO HOLD THE BACKREST IN PLACE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY WHILE IN ACCIDENT IS GREAT.

Aug 08, 1997

DRIVER'S SIDE BACKREST IS NOT ANCHORED, FLOPS BACK AND FORTH DURING NORMAL DRIVING.

Aug 01, 1997

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

SINCE NEW THIS 1996 BUICK ROADMASTER STATION WAGON HAS HAD 4 TRANSMISSIONS INSTALLED IN IT. THIS PARTICULAR CAR HAS THE FACTORY INSTALLED 5000LB TOW PACKAGE. THIS CAR USES THE GM, 4L60E, 4 SPEED, ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER, THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHEN IT ONLY HAD ROUGHLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. HE TOLD ME THE 2ND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT 40,000MILES AFTER IT WAS INSTALLED. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOLD ME HE HAD THE 3RD TRANSMISSION INSTALLED WHEN THE CAR HAD 85,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 119,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, AND THE 3RD TRANSMISSION FAILED WHEN THE CAR HAD 142,000 MILES ON IT. THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION IS A VERY POOR TRANSMISSION FOR THE TASK ASSIGNED. THE CAR ALREADY WEIGHS 4500LBS AND IS RATED TO TOW 5000 MORE LBS. MAKING UP ROUGHLY A 10,000LB PLATFORM. THIS TRANSMISSION FAILS IN MANY, MANY VEHICLES IT WAS INSTALLED IN REGARDLESS OF PURPOSE, USE, OR CARE. *NM

Sep 08, 2005

VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN IDLE POSITION WITH ENGINE RUNNING, JUMPED OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION. *AK

Sep 27, 1996

Crash: 1

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

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

Feb 27, 2001

DUE TO DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP WHICH LEAKED AND SPRAYED UNTO THE POWER STEERING BELT, POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERATIVE AND ALMOST RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

Mar 24, 1999

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

EXHAUST SHIELD REPLACED DUE TO NOISE.

Jan 19, 1999

DOOR MISALIGNED, CAUSING AIR LEAK. *SD

May 06, 1996

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

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 TRIM I HAD TO PAY A TOW TRUCK $150 TO TAKE MY CAR TO MY HOUSE TO FIX ALL 5 WHEEL STUDS ALSO WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE SEAT BELT DOESN'T CLICK TO STAY IN POSITION THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DON'T TURN OFF I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO THE CAR WON'T DIE OVER NIGHT AND NOW THE ENGINE DOESN'T NOT WANT TO TURN OVER AS IT DID BEFORE I HAVE CHANGED THE DISTRIBUTIOR CAP SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES COMPLETE OIL CHANGE ENGINE TRANSACTION TRANSFER CASE OIL IN THE REAR AXEL AND OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE CAR IS STILL HAVEING TROUBLE TO TURN AND STAY ON JUST IN IDEL AND ON TOP OF THAT THE CLUSTER DOESN'T NOT MARK MY SPEED AND THE GAS METER IS MORE OR LESS A QUARTER OFF MARKING I HAVE MORE THEN WHAT I DO HAVE

Dec 08, 2018

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

STEERING AND FRONT END SUSPENSION EXPERIENCES CONTINUED PROBLEMS/FAILURES WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN REPAIRING/REPLACING MOST OF THE FRONT END PARTS. YH

Feb 07, 2000

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. YH

Jan 21, 2000

WHEELS

1 complaint

WHEEL STUDS BROKE OFF CAUSEING WHEEL TO FALL OFF FROM VEHICLE.

Dec 02, 1997

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 35 MPH, HEADING NORTH, MIDDLE LANE, ANOTHER DRIVER IN A TRUCK WAS IN RIGHT LANE MADE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT TRUCK ON LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD-ON, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSED A SERIES OF INJURIES. *AK

May 22, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

SEAT BELTS ARE TURNING IN LOCK POSITION.

Apr 17, 1997

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

FRONT BAR ON ROOF RACK CAME LOOSE.

Apr 10, 1997

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. *AK

Apr 09, 1997

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT FUSE BLEW. *SD

May 06, 1996

4.3/5.0

62 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 BUICK Roadmaster have?

The 1996 BUICK Roadmaster currently has 60 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 BUICK Roadmaster?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 BUICK Roadmaster are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 BUICK Roadmaster problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 BUICK Roadmaster comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.