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Buick Skylark Problems

The Buick Skylark was a compact car that went through multiple generations from 1961 to 1998. With 1,506 complaints and 4 deaths on record, the Skylark evolved from a sporty personal car to an economy-focused compact. The final generation (1992-1998) shared its N-body platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Achieva, representing GM's attempt at building competitive compact cars. These late models struggled with quality issues that hurt Buick's reputation.

1,506
Total Complaints
0
Total Recalls
18
Model Years
4
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1997 1996 1995
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1981 1982 1983

Common Problem Categories

Electrical System 242
Engine And Engine Cooling 228
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 224
Air Bags 106
Steering 86

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2000 2 0 0 0 Good
1998 68 0 4 0 Average
1997 222 0 18 0 Avoid
1996 232 0 24 2 Avoid
1995 238 0 18 8 Avoid
1994 190 0 20 8 Below Average
1993 108 0 10 0 Average
1992 96 0 8 12 Average
1991 92 0 14 2 Average
1990 74 0 2 2 Average
1989 36 0 0 4 Good
1988 34 0 6 4 Good
1986 20 0 0 0 Good
1985 22 0 0 6 Good
1984 54 0 0 2 Average
1983 2 0 0 0 Good
1982 6 0 0 0 Good
1981 10 0 0 0 Good

Buick Skylark Years to Avoid

The 1995 Skylark accumulated the most complaints with issues including intake manifold gasket failures on the 3.1L V6, transmission problems, and electrical system failures. The 1994 and 1996 models had similar issues. The Quad 4 engine, when equipped, suffered from head gasket failures and excessive noise.

Best Buick Skylark Years

The 1983-1985 X-body Skylarks, while not trouble-free, offered the reliable Iron Duke four-cylinder and simple construction. The 1968-1972 A-body Skylarks are collectible, especially the Gran Sport versions with V8 power. Avoid the final N-body generation entirely if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the intake manifold gasket problem?

GM's 3.1L and 3.4L V6 engines used plastic intake manifold gaskets that degraded and leaked coolant internally and externally. Repair costs $400-800. Many engines were destroyed when owners continued driving with low coolant.

Is the Skylark reliable?

Reliability varies dramatically by generation. Classic 1960s-1970s Skylarks are straightforward to maintain. The 1992-1998 N-body generation had numerous quality problems and should be avoided for reliable transportation.

What engine should I choose?

The 2.5L Iron Duke four-cylinder (1980s) is slow but reliable. The 3.1L V6 offers decent power but requires intake gasket replacement. Avoid the Quad 4 engine due to head gasket and noise issues.

Are old Skylarks collectible?

The 1961-1963 Skylark convertibles, 1965-1972 Gran Sport models, and 1970-1972 GSX models are collectible. Values have appreciated steadily for clean examples. The later compact Skylarks have no collector value.

Why did Buick discontinue the Skylark?

The Skylark was dropped after 1998 due to poor sales and overlap with other GM compacts. Buick shifted focus to larger, more profitable vehicles. The Century effectively replaced the Skylark in the lineup.