Summary
The Buick Skyhawk has 5 recalls spanning the 1975-1987 production run, with the most serious late-production issue being a 1987 recall where fuel hoses on 2.0L-equipped models can crack or separate at their fittings and leak fuel into the engine compartment, creating a fire risk under the hood.
The 1983 model year has a separate structural concern: on manually adjusted driver's seats, the metal floor pan anchor bar can fatigue and break, allowing the seat to tip rearward without warning while driving and causing loss of control. Going back to the middle of the production run, 1978 models with power steering have a steering shaft coupling that can slip when the wheel is turned, reducing or eliminating the driver's ability to steer. The 1976 model year shares a front disc brake caliper defect with several related GM vehicles of that era, where the brake pads can shift out of position and compromise braking. On 1975 models equipped with the V6 engine, the front wheel bearings may not retain adequate grease, leading to bearing failure, spindle damage, and potential loss of control.
