RoadVitals

1994 Buick Roadmaster

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
85
Latest Jun 2, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jan 30, 1996
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 85 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Buick Roadmaster, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Jan 30, 1996
308 units potentially affected
The defect: DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
The risk: IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

Apr 24, 1995
87,039 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Oct 25, 1994
130,581 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL TANK LEAK AND FIRE IF THE LEAKING FUEL IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Jun 2, 2019

WENT AND FILLED THE FUEL TANK WITH FUEL , I WENT ABOUT 100 YARDS TO ANOTHER STORE , STAYED IN THE STORE ABOUT 30 MINUTES , WHEN I CAME OUT I NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND ON THE LEFT SIDE AROUND THE FUEL TANK

NHTSA ID
11217408
Incident
May 30, 2019
Mileage
43,800 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 24, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 BUICK ROADMASTER. HE NOTICED A SMALL AMOUNT OF GASOLINE NEAR THE FUEL TANK. HE IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND DIDN'T RECEIVE A RESPONSE. HE ALSO NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 94V210000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), AND WAS INFORMED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT HIS VIN NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10252710
Incident
Dec 22, 2008
Mileage
130,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 21, 2004

THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 7 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL DUE TO THE BALL JOINT DISLODGING. *AK THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED DUE TO THE NUT BACKING OFF. THE BALL JOINT FELL OUT OF THE KNUCKLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE AND DRAG ON THE GROUND. (RECALL ID NUMBER : 96V019000) *TC *JB

NHTSA ID
10088045
Incident
Aug 16, 2004
Mileage
133,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 29, 2004

UPON TURNING VEHICLE OFF KEY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, TECHNICIAN REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

NHTSA ID
10083827
Incident
Jul 29, 2004
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 7, 2004

I PURCHASED 4 NEW GOODYEAR TIRES APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AGO. WHILE DRIVING ON FLORIDA TPK ON 1/4/04 I COULD HEAR A THUMPING SOUND FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. I GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT TO LOOK AT TIRE AND I COULD SEE THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. WE STAYED AT A LOCAL HOTEL THAT NIGHT AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO A NEARBY GOODYEAR DEALER. HE CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A TREAD SEPARATION AND REPLACED THE TIRE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE. HE SAID THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING ON THIS BRAND, INTEGRITY P225/70R15. I DON'T HAVE THE DOT NUMBE, BUT THE DEALER DOES. GOODYEAR AUTO SERVICE CENTER 30100 S DIXIE HWY HOMESTEAD, FL 33030. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT POMPANO TIRE AND AUTO, POMPANO BEACH, FL. WHILE WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT GOODYEAR DID NOT REPLACE THE TIRE AT NO COST, WE JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY DENIED ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT IN THIS TIRE. IF I DID NOT PULL OFF THE ROAD WHEN I HEARD THE NOISE, THE TIRE WOULD HAVE BLOWN AT HIGH SPEED AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. WHEN I CHALLANGED GOODYEAR THEY RESPONDED WITH THEY DON'T FULLY REPLACE TIRES ACCORDING TO THEIR GUARENTEE. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BY GOODYEAR IN THE PAST BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER TIRE MODELS. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS TO MAKE SURE THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN OR THAT THEY RECALL THIS MODEL. I'VE INCLOSED PICTURES AND A COPY OF THE INVOICE FROM THE DEALER. I HAD TO REPLACE THE OTHER FRON TIRE ALSO TO HAVE THE SAME TREAD WEAR ON THE FRONT BUT ARE FEARFULL THAT ONE OF THE OTHER TIRE MIGHT DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEM. MY BEEF IS WITH GOODYEAR, NOT THE LOCAL DEALER. HE DID THE BEST HE COULD BASSED ON GOODYEARS POLICY.*AK

NHTSA ID
10052559
Incident
Jan 4, 2004
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 29, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10031388
Incident
Jul 29, 2003
Body & structure
Filed Jun 26, 2003

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE, AND FOUND OUT THAT FRAME RUSTED AND HAD A HOLE. WHICH WAS A SAFETY ISSUED. DEALER NOT NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10025016
Incident
Jun 26, 2003
Engine
Filed Nov 14, 2002

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STALL. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

NHTSA ID
8022740

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.

PIC4696C

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

876527

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE ENGINE MISS/ POOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *YC

9709016114B

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCING ENGINE NOISE. *YC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Roadmaster by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1999100
1997000
1996522150.3
1995505156.8
1994Viewing855054.9
1993461048.5
1992874263.2
1991931
1990001
1989100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.