1990 Buick Skylark: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Transmission makes a loud jolting bang when shifting into gear whether it is in drive,reverse or park. Driver almost lost control of car when in drive gear. Also has a defective fuel line hose, which during morning car warm-up, car started smoking, which came from under car from the vac. Line(fuel line). Had the line repaired but tranny is still a problem.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Feb 2003
“Steering rack and pinion as well as gear box. Severe grinding noise when turning the steering wheel,even at a slight turn. Been repaired but it is still doing it.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2003
“Consumer has replaced alternator four times. A mechanic was telling him "alternator was built too fragile for amount of ampage." please provide any additional information. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2000
Show 5 more owner reports
“While driving and making turns vehicle is hard to steer. Contacted dealer . Steering mechanism has rusted and loosened from the firewalls.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2000
“1990 buick skylark (quad 4 engine)-chronic stalling due to faulty lockup torque converter.coil housing was replaced 3x in six years .alldata lists tech. Service bulletins concerning these problems.letters to gm and buick field zone office seeking restitution received no response whatsoever.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2000
“Car ran off the road and the automatic seat belt did not lock which caused driver to hit head on the steering wheel. Please more information.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 1996
“Vehicle has been stalling intermittently, mostly at 50 mph. Also accelerates on its own intermittently. *ak. Dealer replaced crank senor assembly.*jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 1996
“Main rear bumper support has rusted away - it's gone. Gm claims because the warranty is expired, they are not responsible. The car only has approx 103,000 miles on it and the rest of the car is in great shape! All I want is a recall for them to replace this bumper so I can sell it with a clear concience!”Owner report · Structure
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES TO FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL COULD LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Skylark by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Buick Skylark reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Buick Skylark. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1990 Buick Skylark have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.