Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1996 Buick Roadmaster. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS/WHEEL LUG NUTS
- Summary
- THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence
- 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.
INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:AIR BAG
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (52)
52 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 52 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 8 | 15.4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 11.5% |
| Suspension | 6 | 11.5% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 9.6% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 9.6% |
| Fuel system | 4 | 7.7% |
| Tires | 4 | 7.7% |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 7.7% |
| Visibility | 4 | 7.7% |
| Seats | 3 | 5.8% |
How 1996 compares with other Roadmaster years
Best and worst Roadmaster years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 | 0 |
| 1991 | 9 | 2 |
| 1992 | 87 | 3 |
| 1993 | 46 | 0 |
| 1994 | 85 | 5 |
| 1995 | 50 | 5 |
| 1996 | 52 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 18 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,700
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 494 g/mi
- EPA class
- Large Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 18 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1996 Roadmaster for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1996 Buick Roadmaster FAQ
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 96V245000 (wheel), 95V215000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1996 Buick Roadmaster problems?
Owners filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (8), Engine and engine cooling (6), Suspension (6) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1996 Buick Roadmaster get?
EPA rates the 5.7 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 15 city, 24 highway and 18 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1996 Roadmaster compare with other years?
Among the 1989–1999 Buick Roadmaster model years at least five years old, the 1989 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 1992 the most (87). The 1996 drew 52. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.