1996 Buick Roadmaster: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Buick Roadmaster: 2 recalls, 52 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #95V215000 · 1995 · 8,946 vehicles
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."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning labels.
The 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 Vehicle recall #96V245000 · 1996 · 21,582 vehicles
What's wrong: The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly.
Why it matters: This condition could result in a fracture of the wheel studs causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the vehicle's wheel lug nuts to the proper specification.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (8): the most common themes are steering problems (8), leaks (2).
- Suspension (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Buick Roadmaster has 52 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 7 Roadmaster model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 47). Complaints peaked in 1997 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 81,562 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (50 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Buick Roadmaster.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Buick Roadmaster. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Roadmaster problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (8), suspension (6), engine & cooling (6).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (5.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Buick Roadmaster repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.