1991 Buick Skylark: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle was in a left rear end collision. The driver side seat reclined backward upon impact. This vehicle is not equipped with reclining seats. This resulted in the driver having neck and eye injuries. This could of caused injuries to the passenger also, but the seat was occupied at the time of the accident. Please provide more details. Ph”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2002
“When turning vehicle on it will accelerate and move forward whether the brakes are applied or not.*ak consumer states the vehicle moves forward at a high rate of speed, dealer could not find anything wrong. *slc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2001
“While driving 55 mph passenger side tire tread came off and cracked the windshield. Consumer lossed control of vehicle. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving for an extend period of time and at highway speeds, vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. Occurred 5 times. Dealer cannot determine the cause. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000
“While pulling out of parking lot & shifting into drive, tapped on gas pedal, vehicle accelerated & hit another vehicle. Shifted into reverse & it accelerated backwards & hit another vehicle. Skylark was declared totaled. Possibly due to computer failure/defect. *ak *ml”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2000
“When putting down the drivers side automatic window, the window at times will not come back up. Took to mechanic and they put on a 4 way switch thats used to let down all 4 windows. That didn't solve the problem. Took back to dealer and they stated its the motor in the door. Please provide any further information. Ts”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 1999
“My wife and I were stopped at a red light when hit in the rear by a car going about 45 mph. We both had seat belts on. My "the drivers seat " broke slamming me down hard. I came to stairing up at the roof of the car, and was parilized for about 1/2 hour. I have heard that buick and two other car co. Expairmented with breakaway seats in 1991. If so I think they should all be recalled and the seats replaced, as I am sure my injuries were much worse than my wifes because of my seat slamming me down. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Feb 1999
“The consumer has been experiencing problems with electrical system. While driving, electrical system went out. The power outage was due to the computer chips in the engine. In addition, the engine was self destructed. The consumer was driving and heard a metal sound. Afterwards, the vehicle shut off.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 1998
“Vehicle went backwards while in park position and the vehicle was totaled. When the vehicle stopped ,the vehicle was still in the park position. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 1998
“Coming upon a stop sign/light, vehicle would start making clanking noise when brakes are applied. Vehicle stops suddenly. Happens at any speed. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic could not locate any problem with the brakes. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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).
MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CAUSES WINDOW OPERATION WITHOUT OPERATOR CONTROL, AND LEAVES THE WINDOW IN THE DOWN POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE WINDOW EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.
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 1991 Buick Skylark reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Buick Skylark. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Buick Skylark problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 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.