Summary
The Buick Skylark has 36 recalls spanning the 1966-1998 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a 1998 ignition switch that can overheat and start a fire in the steering column — even with the engine off and the key removed — if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position too long.
The 1997 and 1998 model years carry several other concerns. On 1997 vehicles, the same ignition switch overheating risk applies, and a missing fuse block cover can allow an electrical short that starts an underhood fire. The 1997 body structure also has missed rear quarter panel welds that can allow the fuel tank or fuel lines to rupture and leak in a rear collision. A separate aftermarket parts recall affects 1998 models: certain replacement fuel pressure regulators were built without an O-ring and can leak fuel, and some replacement fuel pump modules had their vent and return tubes reversed, which can cause rough running, stalling, or fuel leakage.
On 1996 models, the passenger airbag can snag on an instrument panel reinforcement during deployment and push out through the wrong opening, increasing injury risk. The 1996 steering column lower pinch bolt may also be undertorqued, creating looseness in the steering. An interior lamp compliance issue on the same year can cause cabin lights to activate unexpectedly while driving.
The 1995 model year has the same ignition switch overheating and fire risk described above for 1997-1998. On 1994 models, the rear compartment pan welds may not hold in a rear collision, raising the risk of fuel leakage and fire, and the ignition switch can carry excessive current over time, eventually causing a fire near the steering column. The 1993 model year has a fractured neutral safety switch that can allow the engine to start while the vehicle is in gear, causing unexpected movement.
For 1992 models with a column shift, a park lock cable misadjustment can cause the steering column to lock while the vehicle is moving and in gear. The 1992 fuel system also has a rear suspension spring seat issue where the wheel house flange can sever the fuel filler pipe in a rear collision. A 1992 passenger seat adjuster can fail to re-latch after being folded, allowing the seat to slide forward in a hard stop. On 1991 models with power windows, moisture entering the express-down module can cause the window to operate on its own and the module to overheat and start a fire inside the door panel. The 1990 model year has two fire risks: a daytime running light module near the battery that can overheat, and loose fuel hose connections at the body rail that can leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Going further back, 1988 models with an electronic digital instrument cluster can lose tail lamp and side marker lamp function without warning, making the vehicle harder for others to see at night. The 1984 model has rear control arm bracket bolts that can fracture, allowing the arm to drop far enough to cut through the rear brake hose and cause partial brake loss. On 1982 models with a four-speed manual transmission, the clutch cable can wear through the brake pipe and cause partial brake fluid loss. The 1981 model with a V6 and power steering has hoses that can contact the exhaust manifold, leak fluid, and start an underhood fire. The 1980 model has two separate issues: a steering gear mounting plate that can crack and create excessive play before the wheels respond, and automatic transmission
