The 1997 Buick Skylark has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: an ignition switch that can overheat and catch fire in the steering column, and an exposed fuse block terminal under the hood that can arc and ignite surrounding components.
On the ignition side, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for too long, excessive current heats the ignition switch until internal parts melt. The damage this causes can trigger a fire in the steering column even after the engine has been shut off and the key has been pulled out. Under the hood, some vehicles were built without the protective cover over the fuse center, leaving a positive terminal bolt exposed. If the insulation on the adjacent negative battery cable wears down enough, the two can contact each other and draw an extreme amount of current, producing arcing that can start an underhood fire.
There is also a structural concern tied to fuel system integrity. Some vehicles have missing welds in the left rear quarter panel, which means the body structure around the fuel tank may not absorb a rear-end collision as intended. In a rear crash, that weakened sheet metal can allow unexpected damage to the fuel tank or fuel lines, leading to fuel leakage.
At a glance
What can fail
If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and can melt internal parts.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a relay kit to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The protective cover over the underhood fuse center is missing. The exposed positive terminal bolt can contact the negative battery cable. If the cable's insulation wears through, an electrical short circuit can occur, causing extremely high current flow.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for the protective cover and install one if it is missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some welds were missed during assembly of the left rear quarter panel, which compromises fuel system integrity.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds and add three welds between the panels, then apply primer, sealer, and anti-corrosion coating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some welds in the left rear quarter panel may have been missed during assembly. In a crash, the sheet metal structure may not protect the fuel tank and lines as designed, potentially causing fuel leakage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds and add three welds between the panels if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
