MotorDeets

Buick Skylark problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Skylark from 1990 to 2000: 477 owner complaints and 17 recalls across 10 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (85), 1996 (85), 1997 (79). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (1991).

Buick Skylark
Photo: Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical101
Engine & cooling81
Brakes (hydraulic)81
Airbags53
Speed control / throttle35
Transmission & drivetrain33
Steering32
Seat belts26

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199011923
199113824
199233223
199314623
199426823
199518522
199648523
199737923
199812423
200001–

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 Buick Skylark.

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OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Buick Skylark?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (85), 1996 (85), 1997 (79).

How many recalls has the Buick Skylark had?

Across 1990–2000, NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).