1996 Buick Skylark: problems, recalls and reliability

“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt was defective. The contact stated that the seat belt was installed backwards and there were two right hand seat belts in the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 8/28/14*cn updated 8/29/14*cn”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2013

“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. All of the gauges on the instrument panel were fluctuating up and down. Neither the speedometer nor the fuel gauge displayed accurate readings. The dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the repair would be the contact's responsibility. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The current and failure mileages were 86,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008

“On july 30 2008 the drivers side airbag deployed in my 1996 buick skylark. I was sitting at a red light when this occurred. Minor injuries bruises and a small cut on my chest area. After reviewing the recalls on this car, I realize that I have other problems related to other recalls. Upon contacting the local buick dealer, I was told my car did not match any of the recall companies? Perhaps it should have made the campaign list. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2008

“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. On june 18, 2008, the contact received an owner's manual supplement pertaining to the air bag controller module on the front passenger side. He is outraged because gm is refusing to make any repairs to the air bag system. The letter mentioned that consumers have sustained minor injuries due to air bag deployment after the vehicle has been exposed to water. The conclusion was that this is a design flaw. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 124,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2008

“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. While driving approximately 25 to 35 mph, the radiator began leaking fluid. On june 22, 2006, a radiator was installed at 2,000 miles. The independent mechanic offered to re-diagnose the failure at the contact's expense. The dealer stated that they would have installed the same parts at the same rate. The vehicle can be driven; however, it continues to leak fluid. The failure mileage was 117,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2008

“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked antifreeze onto the motor, which then leaked onto the ground. The dealer stated that the failure resided in the lower intake manifold and they would repair it for a fee. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 72,992 and failure mileage was 62,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2007

“While on vacation we took a trip. On the way home at night all electricity devices started to die. I got off the highway the vehicle died and wouldn't start. I had it towed home and it hasn't started since. I turn the key and get nothing. When I turn the key on, the passlock system light is lit and never goes out. The battery is fully charged and I can start the car if I jump the starter but not from the key. All other electrical devices work fine. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2007