The 1997 Buick Skylark has 5 safety recalls and 79 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (19 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints79filed by owners
Crashes · fires8 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices
NHTSA recall 07E021000 · Mar 12, 2007 · 742 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 07E015000 · Feb 26, 2007 · 3,124 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
NHTSA recall 02V070000 · Mar 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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 SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Risk: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Problem: THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.
Risk: THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 96V212000 · Oct 30, 1996 · 245 vehicles
Problem: DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, SOME WELDS WERE MISSED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WILL NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED CAUSING UNEXPECTED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK OR FUEL LINES, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF THIS IS A FUEL LEAK AND AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE MISSING WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE THREE WHELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS APPLYING PRIMER, SEALER AND ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1997 Buick Skylark 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
1997 Buick Skylark 2-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Skylark
23mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Skylark
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
19
2
0
2
—
Electrical system Ignition › Switch; Alternator/generator/regulator
16
0
0
0
54,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Cooling system
14
0
0
0
—
Air bags Frontal; Side/window
12
4
0
4
56,166 mi
Vehicle speed control Linkages; Cables
6
1
0
1
—
Suspension Rear; Rear › Shock absorber
6
0
0
0
—
Power train Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
6
2
0
1
—
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Rearview mirrors/devices
5
0
0
0
—
Seat belts Front › Anchorage
5
0
0
0
—
Structure Body › Door; Frame and members
5
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting Headlights; Headlights › Switch
3
0
0
0
—
Steering Steering wheel/handle bar
3
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
May 1, 2015 · 60,000 milesService brakes THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE ABS - ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ROAD IS WET AND DRIVING DOWN HILL. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN THESE CONDITIONS, THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS STOP EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. YOU WILL HERE A CLICKING OR GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE. IT'S NOT THE PADS OR ROTORS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. IN THESE CONDITIONS, I HAVE TO MAKE SURE I HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM SO I WON'T HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND GONE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY IN ICY CONDITIONS EVEN WHEN DRIVING SUPER SLOW. FROM READING OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS,…
Jun 5, 2014 · 140,000 miles · 1 injuryAir bags TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Nov 1, 2013 · 54,000 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER OR CENTRAL COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR POSSIBLE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54000.
Nov 1, 2011Electrical system › Ignition › Switch 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM WHICH WAS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 02V070000.
Jul 4, 2009 · 155,000 milesElectrical system THE CAR HAD BEEN STALLING FOR MORE THAN A YEAR BUT NOT AS FREQUENT. THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME IT STALLED WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE 240N. MY WIFE AND CHILD WAS WITH ME. IT WAS RUSH HOUR AND THERE WERE LOTS OF TRAFFIC. WE WERE TERRIFIED! ONCE I MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WE HAD TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. MIND YOU, WE ARE ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY AND DANGEROUS INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AFTER IT HAD STALLED, THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAD NO IDEA WHY THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS FLASHING OR IF IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING. I CALLED A TECHNICIAN I KNOW AND EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT THE CAR…
Jan 1, 2004 · 100,000 milesStructure WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A FEW YEARS. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS IN A GARAGE, SO WE DON'T NO FOR SURE HOW LONG THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO A GARAGE TO BE FIXED, THEY WORKED ON THE AREA OF THE COWL SECTION. BUT COULDN'T FIX IT. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND HAD TO HAVE A CHARGE EVERY YEAR. FINALLY IT QUIT ALL TOGETHER. *TR
Mar 3, 2008 · 26,000 milesEngine and engine cooling TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE CHECKED THE WATER AND OIL LEVELS DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Sep 28, 2007 · 123,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryVehicle speed control TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. HE THEN APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, BUT DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF COMPLETELY IN ORDER TO STOP THE WHEELS FROM SPINNING AFTER THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE, WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. A MECHANIC FROM THE…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.