The most-reported Roadmaster run is 1G4BT5379NR (1992 builds) with 7 complaints, 4.1× the typical run. Service brakes problems make up 19% of reports; 1992 is the worst model year at 2.2 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for Roadmaster model years 1991–1996.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Buick Roadmaster has 157 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 12% of every Roadmaster complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G4BT5379NR•••••• | 1992 | 1 | — | |
| 1G4BN52PXRR•••••• | 1994 | — | — | |
| 1G4BN5373NR•••••• | 1992 | 1 | — | |
| 1G4BR8379NW•••••• | 1992 | 1 | — | |
| 1G4BN52P3RR•••••• | 1994 | — | — | |
| 1G4BN52P0SR•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 1G4BT5375PR•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| 1G4BR8377NW•••••• | 1992 | 4 | — | |
| 1G4BT5375NR•••••• | 1992 | 1 | — | |
| 1G4BN5374NR•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| 1G4BN5377NR•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| 1G4BN5371NR•••••• | 1992 | — | — |
Each of the other 145 Roadmaster runs has 3 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Buick Roadmaster the gap between build years is 1.6×: a 1992 car draws 2.2 complaints per run, a 1991 one 1.4.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 39 | 28 | 3 | |
| 1995 | 39 | 25 | 3 | |
| 1994 | 66 | 37 | 10 | |
| 1993 | 42 | 29 | 9 | |
| 1992 | 72 | 33 | 14 | |
| 1991 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
Heaviest year here is 1992 at 2.2 complaints per run; lightest is 1991 at 1.4.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 19% of everything Buick Roadmaster owners report: Service Brakes, 43 of 265 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 6 | 2 | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4 | |
| Suspension | 2 | 1 | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 20 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 12 recall campaigns on the Buick Roadmaster; the 6 below cover build years 1991 to 1996. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 07E088000 | Equipment | 1991–1993 |
| 96V245000 | Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs | 1995–1996 |
| 95V215000 | Air Bags | 1995–1996 |
| 96V019000 | Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint | 1994–1995 |
| 95V082000 | Vehicle Speed Control:springs | 1994–1995 |
| 92V094000 | Seat Belts | 1991–1992 |
How serious were they
Of the 265 reports on the Buick Roadmaster, 15.5% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Buick Roadmaster | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 265 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 41 (15.5%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 7 (2.6%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 33 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 167% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Buick Roadmaster share of that is 265 complaints over 157 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Buick Roadmaster VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 265 NHTSA complaints from 157 Roadmaster runs and 12 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Roadmaster production run has the most complaints?
1G4BT5379NR, a 1992 build, with 7 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical Roadmaster run has 1.7.
Which Roadmaster years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1992 is heaviest at 2.2 complaints per run and 1991 lightest at 1.4.
How many Roadmaster complaints involve a crash?
15.5% of 265 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 7 involved a fire.
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