TroubleAtlas Score
BUICK ROADMASTER (1955–1996) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 1955–1996 · all production years covered on this single page
5.7L V8 • Gasoline
1996
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (20)
NHTSA 96V019000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Date: 30/01/1996
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
NHTSA 96V019000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Date: 30/01/1996
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
NHTSA 91V186000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 29/10/1991
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
NHTSA 91V186000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 29/10/1991
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
NHTSA 94V210000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Date: 25/10/1994
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.
NHTSA 97V217000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Date: 24/11/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULATOR CAN CORRODE AND LEAK FLUID FROM THE FRONT BRAKE CIRCUIT.
NHTSA 07E088000
Equipment
Date: 24/10/2007
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALL…
NHTSA 07E088000
Equipment
Date: 24/10/2007
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALL…
NHTSA 07E088000
Equipment
Date: 24/10/2007
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALL…
NHTSA 95V082000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 24/04/1995
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 95V082000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 24/04/1995
THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 94V049000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings
Date: 21/03/1994
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.
NHTSA 95V221000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 16/11/1995
THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
NHTSA 94V076000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Date: 16/04/1994
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.
NHTSA 96V245000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Date: 10/12/1996
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 96V245000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Date: 10/12/1996
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 95V215000
Air Bags
Date: 03/11/1995
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."
NHTSA 95V215000
Air Bags
Date: 03/11/1995
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."
NHTSA 92V094000
Seat Belts
Date: 01/07/1992
THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
NHTSA 92V094000
Seat Belts
Date: 01/07/1992
THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
271 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Buick Roadmaster across model years 1955–1996. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
32 crash reports 6 fires 25 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199259
Model year 199454
Model year 199653
Model year 199350
Model year 199546
Model year 19919
Most reported components (all years)
Service Brakes41
Hydraulic40
Electrical System34
Suspension30
Engine And Engine Cooling29
Vehicle Speed Control20
Sample reports
HORN WORKS PART-TIME. DEALER SAYS "LINKED TO AIR BAG-$603 TO FIX."AK (MY 1994)
WINDSHIELDS WORKING AWAY FROM EDGE OF FRAME, DUE TO FILM DEVELOPING IN LAMINATING MATERIALS, DLR INDICATES IT WILL EVENTUALLY STOP THE PROGRESSION, DOT 18M418, LAMINATION #4, AS1 28 3, PPG SUNGATE SHADED SLOW LIGHT PROGRESSED OVER 2 YRS.… (MY 1993)
HORN WORKS PART-TIME. DEALER SAYS "LINKED TO AIRBAG-$603 TO FIX." (MY 1994)
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 R… (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1955–1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Buick Roadmaster have any safety recalls?
Yes — 20 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS, AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Buick Roadmaster?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Buick Roadmaster?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Buick Roadmaster?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are steering problems common on the Buick Roadmaster?
Yes — 32 of 223 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “EXCESSIVE RUST THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE. RECENTLY HAD A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND THE RUST ON THE STRAPS THAT HOLD THE GAS TANK IN PLACE WAS SO BAD ONE OF THEM FELL OFF SEVERAL DAYS LATE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Buick Roadmaster?
Yes — 38 of 223 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE OWNS A 1992 BUICK ROADMASTER, AND THAT ON JANUARY 7 2007 SHE HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE SERVICE LIGHT ON CA…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are brakes problems common on the Buick Roadmaster?
Yes — 45 of 223 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND PRESSING ON BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK THE CONSUMER CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN INJURED WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19", "225/70R15", "225/75R15", "235/70R15"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Buick Roadmaster (1955–1996).