The 1996 Buick Skylark has 3 recalls, the most serious involving a steering column bolt that was not properly tightened, which can cause looseness and unpredictable steering behavior while driving.
The passenger-side airbag can snag on a reinforcement inside the dashboard during deployment, causing it to inflate downward beneath the instrument panel rather than through its intended opening. In a crash, this misdirection can reduce the airbag's effectiveness and expose the front passenger to broken interior components. There is also an interior lighting issue where the cabin lights can switch on unexpectedly while driving, potentially startling the driver and causing a momentary loss of control.
At a glance
What can fail
Interior lamps may turn on unexpectedly while driving, which can distract the driver.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the lamp control module and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt that secures the lower steering column may not have been tightened properly during manufacturing, which could cause the steering column to move or loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering column bolt's tightness and tighten it to the correct specification if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel during deployment, causing the airbag to push up the panel pad and inflate underneath the panel instead of through the proper opening.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pad and install a plastic edge protector on the reinforcement if needed. On some early vehicles, the panel pad will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
