Owners have filed 132 complaints
about the 1994 Buick Roadmaster with NHTSA between 1995 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 79
Against the median year of the Buick Roadmaster. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1994 compares with every other Buick Roadmaster
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 17Jun 2019
Recalls on the 1994 Buick Roadmaster
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V019000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk: IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
95V082000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
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 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.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL TANK LEAK AND FIRE IF THE LEAKING FUEL IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
94V076000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
PAINT ON THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES CAN ACT AS A SHIM BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR/DRUM. AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE WHEEL IMBEDS INTO THE PAINT, LOOSENING THE LUG NUT AND CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD.
Risk: ONCE CLAMP LOAD IS LOST, ALL TIRE LOADS ARE TAKEN BY THE WHEEL STUDS RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLES CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
94V049000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
THE ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING GEAR CAUSING CHAFING. THE CHAFING CAN EVENTUALLY WEAR THROUGH THE HOSE'S PROTECTIVE SLEEVE RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE OIL LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19950742,978 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. At low temperatures there may be excessive movement friction in the accelerator pedal assembly. In the event of a failure of a throttle return spring the engine speed may not decrease to the level anticipated by the driver when the foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal. Loss of accelerator control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Accelerator pedal assembly will be replaced.
Recall 19941703,971 units in Canada
Fuel System
THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. THESE LOOSE FASTENERS COULD, IN TIME, BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SAG DOWN TO THE POINT OF STRIKING SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OR THE ROAD SURFACE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK AND AN UNDER-VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
Recall 1994064204 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine oil cooler inlet hose may contact the steering gear and wear through. This could allow engine oil to leak onto hot engine components and cause an engine compartment fire. Correction: Oil cooler hose will be repositioned and inspected. If wear is evident, the hose will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Landover Hills, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSED NO BRAKING CAPABILITIES, WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #843600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Simons Island, GAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES IN NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP. BRAKE PROBLEM REPAIRED BY DEALER. ALSO, THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #836764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Simons Island, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES IN NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP. BRAKE PROBLEM REPAIRED BY DEALER. ALSO, THE FUSE BOX UNDER THE HOOD SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #836764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #703747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocean City, MDCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING OVER A PUDDLE, AND DUE TO THE LOCATION OF DISTRIBUTOR CAP WHICH IS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, IT CRACKED AND VEHICLE STOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY, RESULTING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #831497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, NCCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 40-45 MPH AT THE END OF A RAIN SHOWER, DRIVING STRAIGHT WAY WITH NO WARNING, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE WENT COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL, CROSSED THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AND COLLIDED WITH A VAN. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NO INJURIES
NHTSA complaint #828913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 43,800 milesAugusta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 complaint #11217408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCartersville, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 complaint #10252710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesRussellville, KY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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
NHTSA complaint #10088045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
UPON TURNING VEHICLE OFF KEY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, TECHNICIAN REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10083827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tavernier, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10052559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10031388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10025016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESN'T STAY CLIPPED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #568052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stradford, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 complaint #8022740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus, TX
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE JERKS WHEN PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING 60MPH VEHICLE SHAKES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #899872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Haven, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
CONSUMER STATES UNDERSIZED CONNECTOR STUD FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING, DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND STUD WAS MELTED, DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTOR ON THE UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX AND CLEANED THE CABLES AND CONNECTORS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #562036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hampton, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
COMPUTER MODULE FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY, LEAVING CONSUMER STRANDED. DEALER HAS REPLACED MODULE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #881520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midland, TX
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE SPRING IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE SEATBELT TO STAY FASTENED, CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE PASSENGER SIDE BUCKLE EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T NEEDED AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE BELT KIT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #559091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH OUT ANY PATTERN... HOT, COLD FAST,SLOW.
NHTSA complaint #737578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
HORN WON'T HONK UNLESS STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT AHEAD-ALWAYS-REPLACED BY DEALER ONCE, WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. GM PAID FOR THE PART: $600!!! DANGEROUS! CAPRICE AND FLEETWOOD ARE THE SAME B BODY SERIES OF GM FULL-SIZE, REAR DRIVE, V-8 VEHICLES (THEIR LAST OF THESE)!
NHTSA complaint #735369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nixa, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE IS DEAD WHEN THE BATTERY TERMINAL GETS HOT. YH
NHTSA complaint #553336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A MELTED CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO A COMPUTER THAT CONTROLED THE ENGINE. YH
NHTSA complaint #552756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A MELTED CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO A COMPUTER THAT CONTROLED THE ENGINE. YH
NHTSA complaint #552756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coudersport, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
OUR CAR HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED SINCE ITS PURCHASE. THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE AS WE WERE SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN, THEREBY ESCAPING PERSONAL INJURY. THE DEALER WHICH MAINTAINS THE CAR STATED THEY HAVE GREASED THE JOINT WITH EACH OIL CHANGE AND THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO PREVIOUS TRAUMA. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO DAMAGE TO ANY OF THE WHEELS (E.G. HITTING A POTHOLE, ACCIDENT, ETC.) NOR HAS A TIRE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE. THEREFORE, WE FEEL THE CAR WAS BUILT WITH AN INHERENT SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #724303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenbay, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
SMELLED GASOLINE. NOTICED LEAKAGE WITHIN INCHES OF THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE. ENTIRE CROSSFRAME WAS WET. CONTACTED DEALER . DEALER DISCOVERED THAT FUEL LEAKAGE WAS CAUSED BY CHAFING OF FUEL LINES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEL MAR, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
FACTORY INSTALLED WATER PUMP WITHOUT THE BEARING SEAL. THIS CAUSED COOLANT LEAKAGES AND OVERHEATING. ENGINEER INSPECTED ORIGINAL WATER PUMP AND STATED THAT THE BEARINGS WERE NOT SEALED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT 45000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA complaint #862334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingbridge, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER TRIED TO USE ABS BRAKES, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING AT ABOUT 1MPH ,FOR A MILE BEFORE ACTUALLY STOPPING.
NHTSA complaint #859553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SUSPENSION
FRONT CAM OIL LEAK REPAIR 2 TIMES BAD FRONT SPRING REPLACE OVERHEATING, REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP, TO NO AVAIL, COOLANT SENSOR INSTALLED PROBLEM SOLVED. MODEL ROADMASTER
NHTSA complaint #9000122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FRONT CAM OIL LEAK REPAIR 2 TIMES BAD FRONT SPRING REPLACE OVERHEATING, REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND WATER PUMP, TO NO AVAIL, COOLANT SENSOR INSTALLED PROBLEM SOLVED. MODEL ROADMASTER
NHTSA complaint #9000122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
HORN WORKS PART-TIME. DEALER SAYS "LINKED TO AIR BAG-$603 TO FIX."AK
NHTSA complaint #716640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.