The 1997 Buick Skylark has 4 recalls, with fire risk appearing as the central concern across multiple systems, including the fuel system, underhood wiring, and the ignition switch in the steering column.
In a rear collision, welds missing from the left rear quarter panel can allow the sheet metal structure to deform in ways that damage the fuel tank or fuel lines, causing fuel to leak. On the electrical side, a missing cover on the underhood fuse box leaves a positive terminal exposed, where contact with a worn negative battery cable can cause an electrical short and an underhood fire. A separate ignition switch concern affects certain vehicles where holding the key in the start position for too long sends high current through the switch, which can melt internal components and cause a fire in the steering column, even after the engine is off and the key is out.
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.
