1996 Buick Roadmaster
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Roadmaster › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Buick Roadmaster. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Buick Roadmaster. Newest first.
The wheel lug nuts were not tightened to the proper specification during assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could result in a fracture of the wheel studs causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the vehicle's wheel lug nuts to the proper specification.
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 and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning labels.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
52 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
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…
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.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Wheels
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…
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
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
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
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
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
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Electrical system
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
- Tires
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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
- Steering › Column
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
96 buick roadmaster wagon driver's side door catches fire and destroys car! internal door fire.
- Suspension › Front
Due to misalignment tires are wearing.*ak
- Electrical system › Horn
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
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
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
- Tires › Tread/belt
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
- Vehicle speed control
When coming to a complete stop vehicle will surge forward, engine revs. *Ak *slc
- Seats
When making a turn, driver's seat will shift in direction of turn. *ak *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Only in wet weather conditions power steering locks up when belts get wet under hood. Buick has not been contacted.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
General tires experienced lumps on the tread and thumping. *slc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear wheel separation
Gm notified odi that they are conducting a recall to retorque the wheel lug nuts on vehicles built between august and september of 1995.it IS anticipated that most vehicles will require the wheel lug nuts to be retorqued to 135 n.m(100 lb. Ft.).customers who have had all four of their tires and wheels rotated should…
Gm notified odi that they are conducting a recall to retorque the wheel lug nuts on vehicles built between august and september of 1995.it IS anticipated that most vehicles will require the wheel lug nuts to be retorqued to 135 n.m(100 lb. Ft.).customers who have had all four of their tires and wheels rotated should have properly torqued lug nuts.however, gm IS offering customers who have had their tires and wheels rotated the option of returning to their dealer for this repair or completing and returning an owner reply card included with their recall notice.this engineering analysis IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This 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.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This 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.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10009370The engine does not stall when performing a p1870 diagnostic test with the tech 2 scan tool or when commanding the torque converter clutch enable solenoid on applications that do not have the p1870 diagnostic test listed. 4L60e or 4l65e transmissions.
- 634815Some customers may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated and diagnostic trouble code p1870 set.
- 627839Information regarding harsh 1-2 upshift, service engine soon, malfunction indicator lamp, or cel illuminated, diagnostic trouble code p1870 set. (1996-2000 chevrolet and GMC light duty truck models)
- 622930Some owners with vehicles built before january 15,1999 may comment on a harsh 1-2 upshift and may also have a check engine light.
- 622895Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, the engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 618141A no reverse, no second gear, or no fourth gear condition. Updated
- 618109Vehicles may experience exhaust gas recirculation valve failures.
- 618093Concerns w ith exhaust gas recirculation valve failures.
- 616774Some customers may experience a failure of the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve due to corrosion of the internal diaphragm plate, leading to driveability complaints of a check engine light for egr valve (dtc p0400); or engine stall at idle, runs rough or surges.
- 603086Some vehicles experience engine miss/ poor driveability symptoms.
- 54332Experiencing engine noise.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 52601Engine noise (install valve stem oil seal).
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52554Transmission fluid leak from pump body (replace bushing).
- 52106Water in air pump and/or dtc p0410, p0412, p1415, p1416, p0100, p0101, p0102 and dtc 48 (install air pump service kit).
- 52105Transmission fluid leak from pump body (replace bushing).
- 51502Transmission fluid leak from pump body/replace bushing.
- 51354Transmission fluid leak from pump body (replace bushing).
Every Buick Roadmaster model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.