1994 Buick Skylark: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tilt steering wheel assembly failed and steering wheel became detached from the steering column. Upon further inspection the pins came out of the assembly and the assembly shows extreme wear where the pins should insert. Pins cannot be reinstalled. Requires replacement of steering column. There are many reports of steering column defects online including highway speed loss of control crashes. Why has a recall not been issued. *kb”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2011
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph, the vehicle engine hesitated, then stalled completely. The vehicle lost power assist steering, and power assist braking. After being restarted, the vehicle stalled several more times. The vehicle was taken in for ervice. Previously, the on-board computer was replaced by a service dealer in an attempt to correct the same problem.*ak updated 12/01/06. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2006
“While driving 30 mph, the consumer would hear a clunking noise. The dealership repaired the front driver side axle. Please provide more information. *jb.....passenger's axle broke six months ago, and currently the driver's side axle broke. It seemed impossible that both axles would be defective and needed replacement. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving steering wheel loosened. Dealership informed the consumer that three steering bolts failed on the steering column. The problem was not resolved. *ak”Owner report · Steering · May 2004
“Consumer states that while driving at any speed and without warning vehicle will shut off, causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
“The pins that holds and allows the steering wheel to tilt have come out of their holes on two occasions making the vehicle difficult to steer”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2003
“The seat belt on my 1994 buick skylark does not seem to operate properly. There is no evidence of lock-up. I am concerned as to the operation of the sensing device on this system. Can I have it checked for operation before I have an accident? *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2003
“At 70,514 miles the tilt wheel pivot pins on the steering wheel were loose and repaired by the dealer. Now at 75,000 miles the same thing happened again. *ak *scc *jb”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2002
“While sitting in car with engine running passenger noticed smoke coming from passenger's side door lock switch, yellowish in color. Consumer exited vehicle, fire department was called, flames were coming out of door. They stated it was an electrical fire, vehicle was towed to a mechanic. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2002
“While driving 65 mph hood flew open and struck windshield, manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.
THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.
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 1994 Buick Skylark reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Buick Skylark. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Buick Skylark problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 119,500 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Buick Skylark have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:starter assembly. 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.